When Oni Press announced their revival of the iconic EC Line of Horror titles, talented writer Corinna Bechko was one of the first who signed on. In fact, we last spoke to her about her story in EC’s Epitaphs from the Abyss, Blood Oath. Fast forward to now and Corinna is once again bringing her talents to EC with the follow-up to Blood Oath, entitled Blood Type along with artist Andrea Sorrentino. Just in time for Free comic day and a scheduled book signing on May 3rd. So, let’s welcome back writer Corinna Bechko to GVN Talking Comics.
Recent Projects
GVN: Thank you so much for giving us a little bit of your time, once again Corinna. Before we get into your NEXT exciting project for EC, Blood Type, let’s talk a bit about what you’ve been up to since we last spoke about your contribution to EC’s Epitaphs from the Abyss – Blood Oath.
The first book you mentioned at the end of that interview was Boom’s “The Space Between,” a four-issue series illustrated by Danny Luckert. I really enjoyed the series. Do you have any plans to continue it in the future? As a hopeless romantic with a love for sci-fi, I certainly hope so!
CORINNA: Thank you so much for saying so! That project is so special to me. I really gave it my entire heart, so you know I’d love to continue the story if I get the chance. There’s a whole plotline worked out around what happens to everyone in their new home and how that society progresses. I hope someday that can come to fruition!
GVN: You also contributed work for Dark Horse, Sister Imperator#1 in collaboration with the Metal Band Ghost’s Tobias Forge. How did that project come about?
CORINNA: I did! That miniseries just dropped its second issue, with two more to come. It sold out its first printing, but more are on their way. It’s incredibly gratifying to see how folks have responded to Sister’s story, and I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to craft her journey with Tobias. Ghost has built a lot of mystery and mythology around their characters so, as a fan, I couldn’t resist the chance to dive into that. It came together when Dark Horse approached me with the project, but it couldn’t go forward until I had met with and been okayed by Tobias. Fortunately, I watch a lot of horror movies, so I got his references. His plan for the miniseries was both detailed and epic, so I had a lot to work with. Then, when Puste came on board to handle the art things really started to cook. Add in Thiago Rocha on colors I knew we had a winner. I’m very proud of how it all turned out.
EC Comics ‘Blood Type’
GVN: Your next book for Oni Press for the EC line is a follow-up to your previously mentioned Blood Oath, entitled Blood Type. Was Blood Type conceived around the same time as Blood Oath, or did it come to fruition after the initial story was so well received?
CORINNA: It came together after, but I will say that as soon as I finished the short story, I already knew that Ada had more to say and do. She is a restless revenant and refuses to sleep quietly.
Working with Eisner Award-winning artist Andrea Sorrentino
GVN: You are collaborating with Eisner Award-winning artist Andrea Sorrentino on your book, Blood Type. How did this partnership come to be, and what was your workflow like? Did you provide full scripts, or did you both discuss your visions for the series?
CORINNA: I am, and it’s thrilling to see his take on Ada! Oni put us together, and I’m lucky they did. His storytelling instincts are superb and make everything I’m trying to do with the script one hundred times better. I write full scripts since the folks at EC Comics need to sign off on them before any art can be done. They make certain that everything feels like an EC Comic, even though this tale is the first being told in a longer format. But now that things are rolling, I’m able to refer back to what Andrea is creating and use that to propel my ideas forward. So, we do have a dialogue through the art and words on the page. I think people are going to be blown away by how this book looks. It’s like nothing else out there right now.
Free Comic Book Day and Signing
GVN: Thank you once again for your time and attention, Corinna. Before we wrap up, could you please remind our readers about this fantastic project? Additionally, please let them know about any upcoming projects, Free Comic Book Day, and your signing event at Collector’s Paradise on May 3, where you will be alongside the talented Rodney Barnes (Killadelphia) and Patrick Horvath (Free for All).
CORINNA: The pleasure is mine! I hope your readers will consider picking up Blood Type #1 when it drops in June, after giving the Free Comic Book Day offering of #0 from Oni a try, of course! I’ll be signing at Collector’s Paradise Winnetka on May 3 from 11 to 2 with Rodney Barnes and Patrick Horvath, so if you live in LA, are a horror fan, and love free stuff, be sure to drop by for that. I also have Sister Imperator coming out right now from Dark Horse, another horror-tinged story about a woman who often chooses violence. And, of course, The Space Between has now been collected as a trade, in case you prefer stories with less bloodshed but more romance and revolution.
Thanks again for speaking with me. May all your summer vacations be awash in sunshine instead of bloodshed.
Senior Writer at GeekVibesNation – I am a 60 something child of the 70’s who admits to being a Star Trek/Star Wars/Comic Book junkie who once dove headfirst over a cliff (Ok, it was a small hill) to try to rescue his Fantastic Four comic from a watery grave. I am married to a lovely woman who is as crazy as I am and the proud parent of a 21-year-old young man with autism. My wife and son are my real heroes.
