GVN Talking Comics Interview: Artist Rachele Aragno For Dark Horse Comics ‘Leonide: A Christmas For Crows’

If there’s one thing true for iconic comic creator Mike Mignola, it is he is always creating. Sharing his talents with a select group of likeminded collaborators who understand and appreciate the visions that he gravitates towards. In the last year, I have been fortunate enough to talk to some of those who have worked with Mike (in one form or fashion) on various projects. Whether it be artist Warwick Johnson-Cadwell, writer Christopher Golden, Artist Ben Stenbeck or most recently, talented artist Rachele Aragno.

Back in October, Rachele and Mike had combined for an original character and story in their Dark Horse book, Leonide the Vampyr: Miracle at the Crow’s Head. Fast forward a few months and they have revisited the character with their new holiday themed book, Leonide the Vampyr: A Christmas for Crows, along with colorist extraordinaire Dave Stewart. Reuniting fans to the character and exploring more of her story.

Recently, we sat down with Rachele to discuss her artistic journey, her collaboration with Mike and how that came about and her new book, which of course releases just in time for Christmas on December 14th. So, let’s welcome Rachele Aragano to GVN’s Talking Comics.

Pursuing Her Passion

GVN: Thank you so much for sharing some of your time Rachele. Since we have not had the pleasure of talking to you previously, we will start with a bit of your background. When did you take an interest in comic art and whose work did you enjoy and inspired you to pursue the comic field?

RA: 1. I’ve loved comics since I was a little girl. I drew and copied anything from the great masters of the past to newsstand comics: the important thing for me was to learn something, to understand how those perfect hands worked for me. Three artists have changed my life and inspired me to the point of deciding to do it as a profession: Alberto Breccia (a comic by him in my grandfather’s library), Mike Mignola and Will Eisner. I was making some black and white sketches and posting them on Facebook.

Connecting with Mike

GVN: I love the story of how you and Mike first decided to collaborate on a story that eventually became Leonide. If you don’t mind, could you share that story with our readers? I believe it started with Mike noticing a drawing you posted on Instagram.

RA: One day Mike saw one: a little vampire with a sharp gaze. Mike fell in love with it and we started talking about how it would be nice to turn it into a story. And so it was, within a few days he wrote the two stories. I couldn’t have been more enthusiastic, I absolutely loved them!

Positive Tension

GVN: In working with Mike for the first time, did you have any apprehension? Many artists have expressed some trepidation in collaborating with Mike for the first time. However, that was usually working on one of Mike’s established characters. In this case, unlike Hellboy or the Outerverse, Leonide was an original character you and he created together. Did that make the partnership easier as you first developed LEONIDE THE VAMPYR: MIRACLE AT THE CROW’S HEAD?

RA: Mike has created a wonderful universe and has always been a teacher for me so working with him had a very strong emotional impact. I was really excited at the thought of having to translate his words into drawings and I didn’t want to disappoint him (like I didn’t want to disappoint the whole team that followed us), I definitely felt some positive tension. The fact that it was a partnership helped a lot, it was our creature, and we could manage it as best we wanted.

Dave Stewart

GVN: When you work with Mike, it usually is a package deal with longtime Mignola colorist Dave Stewart. I recently talked to talented artist Ben Stenbeck about working with Dave and he explained how he and Dave created a cohesive working relationship over time (after he tried to micro-manage Dave on their first book, he sheepishly admitted). What was your first experience like working with Mr. Stewart?

RA: Fantastic! Dave managed to respect my drawings and make them better. He’s a great artist who works beautifully with every stroke the drawing has, while remaining himself. I loved the colors from him!

A Christmas for Crows

GVN: Your new book with Mike continues from your work on Leonide the Vampyr: Miracle at the Crow’s Head with a Christmas theme in Leonide the Vampyr: A Christmas for Crows. How did this story come about, and was a Christmas Carol like homage always on the table after your first book?

RA: It came very naturally after our Halloween work. I read the script and was very impressed: I love classic Christmas stories but if they have a darker twist, they immediately grab my attention. The coolest thing was that we could make our vampire live again and I could draw her again.

Exploring More of Leonide

GVN: After two different Leonide books, do you and Mike have any other ideas for the character for future books? Judging from the response from the first book and no doubt from this one, I would imagine fans would be clamoring for more.

RA: Obviously, Leonide has a very complex and particular world around her, we would certainly like to explore it further and be able to explain some things. Among other things, the characters have a lot to tell about themselves and it would be wonderful to be able to do so. If the readers want more, we are here!

Future Projects

GVN: Thank you so much for your time, Rachele. Before I let you go, I want to give you an opportunity to promote any other projects you might have coming up (if you can discuss them) and where can fans follow you on social media and the web?

RA: At the moment I’m working on Melvina’s third book for Bao Publishing (in America it’s Mel the Chosen, Penguin Random House), a new project with screenwriter Matteo Casali and some secret things worth crossing your fingers for!

Dark Horse Comics Leonide the Vampyr: A Christmas for Crows by Mike Mignola, Rachele Aragno and Dave Stewart hits stands on December 14th.