Rodney Barnes has built an award-winning career in television, excelling as both a writer and producer. If that wasn’t enough, he also writes comics for some of the most influential publishers in the comic world, including the award-winning series “Killadelphia” for Image Comics. But as they say on TV, that’s not all. In 2022. Rodney established his own publishing house, Zombie Love Studios. Through ZLOS, he worked with artist Jason Shawn Alexander on their Eisner-nominated book, “Blacula: Return of the King,” as well as his graphic novel “Florence and Normandie”, a project in collaboration with entertainer Xzibit and artist Jonathan Wayshack. Not to mention his Podcast “Run, Fool!,” a project in conjunction with MrBallen, At Will Media, and Campside Media.
Needless to say, with all that, Mr. Barnes is a constant ball of motion and creativity. His most recent project, in collaboration with Oni Press, is his five-issue mini-series “Crownsville,” with artist Elia Bonetti (Death of Wolverine: The Logan Legacy).
Founded at the turn of the 20th century outside of Annapolis, Maryland, the Crownsville Hospital was a notoriously segregated, all-Black psychiatric institute. After decades of overcrowding and neglect— alongside darker, more-persistent rumors of patient abuse and illegal medical experiments—it was finally closed. Today, it stands condemned—a crumbling testament to a legacy of all-too-real terror inflicted on a marginalized and vulnerable community. But even as a ruin of its former self, Crownsville still casts a long shadow. . . . When an unexplained death inside the abandoned hospital is ruled a suicide, Annapolis police detective Mike Simms and journalist Paul Blairare are compelled to dig deeper, only to discover the reality of the horrors that once took place there . . . and the powerful connection they share to the anguished spirits of the dead that are still locked within its walls.
As issue #1 hits stands on November 12th, we had the chance to chat with the ever-busy Mr. Barnes about his journey into writing, his publishing house Zombie Love Studios, and, of course, “Crownsville.” Join us in welcoming the talented writer, producer, and podcast host Rodney Barnes to GVN Talking Comics.
Rodney’s Creative Beginnings
GVN: Thank you, Rodney, for taking the time to join us again. Around this time last year, we discussed your work on “Kolchak Meets the Classic Monsters.” However, since we focused primarily on that project, I didn’t get the chance to dive into your background. Let’s do that now—when did you first become interested in writing, and which authors inspired your passion for the written word?
RODNEY: I think I was around 7 or 8 years old when the idea of writing popped into my head. An English teacher, Jay Silbenber, said if I worked as hard at being a writer as I did at being the class clown, I could one day be a good writer. Stephen King. Rod Sterling. Richard Matheson… so many writers inspired me. And still do.
Deciding on a Path
GVN: You have an impressive resume of television work along with your comic book efforts. When you first started, did you have writing for television or film as your main goal, or did you always believe you would apply your talents to comics in time?
RODNEY: For years I tried to break into comic writing. With zero success. Once things opened up in television the weight became a little lighter. The door opened. In truth I wanted to do it all; television, film, comics, etc.
“Getting the Best Out of Myself”
GVN: Speaking of your comic work, you have done work for the major players in comics, from Marvel to DC to Image Comics. Does your writing process change at all between publisher or genre and artist, or is it always centered on writing the best story you can?
RODNEY: Always about getting the best out of myself. That’s the struggle. To not allow the muddiness of life to cloud my focus. It’s not easy.
Founding “Zombie Love Studios”
GVN: In 2020, you founded your publishing house Zombie Love Studios (ZLOS). What was your main goal in taking on that challenge, and has it met your expectations until now? (I imagine starting a new venture during the start of the pandemic was challenging on its own).
RODNEY: I wanted an outlet for certain stories that didn’t require approval. At virtually every publisher there’s a process from story development to store shelf. Sometimes it’s been very helpful. Sometimes it’s been a nightmare. To say I’ve learned a lot would be an understatement. That said, it’s met my expectations.
Crownsville
GVN: You have collaborated with Oni Press for your chilling five-part series Crownsville with artist Elia Bonetti (Death of Wolverine: The Logan Legacy). How did this partnership come about, and what was the premise behind this story?
RODNEY: My Killadelphia partner, Jason Shawn Alexander, introduced us. I needed a partner that got the story and had the right art style. Elia had both. I wanted to tell a ghost story that played out over time. We’ve accomplished that goal.
Working with Various Artists
GVN: As I mentioned, you worked with artist Elia Bonetti. How much communication was shared between you both as you forged this series? (The art has a somber and almost cinematic feel to it that is perfect for this book.)
RODNEY: Just email. Which is how I communicate with ninety percent of my art partners. The exception being the aforementioned Jason Shawn Alexander. We virtually live together lol.
Finding Emotional Involvement
GVN: I’d be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge how talented you are at crafting stories that not only frighten but also provoke thought and emotion (like Crownsville and Killadelphia). What is it about these kinds of tales that seems to ignite your creativity?
RODNEY: They first have to move me personally. I have to identify with the characters and their worlds. Their wants. In both Crownsville and Killadelphia the characters spoke to me. When that happens the odds that good things will happen grow exponentially.
Final Words on “Crownsville”
GVN: Thank you for your time, Rodney. Before we wrap up, I’d like to give you a chance to share any final thoughts about Crownsville or mention any upcoming projects, whether in comics or television.
RODNEY: Crownsville has been a lifelong dream. Not only have I been dying (no pun intended) to tell a ghost story, but one that I’m personally connected to heightened the stakes. I’d be honored for folks to give it a read. And hopefully, when the night comes… they sleep with the light on.
The FOC for Issue One of Oni Press Crownsville, by Rodney Barnes and artist Elia Bonetti, closes today [10/6]. It hits stands everywhere on November 12th. If you want to hear more about Rodney’s appreciation of the work of iconic writer Stephen King, listen to the first episode of Superfan’s Podcast, which can be found here.
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.
