The last time we caught up with talented writer Cullen Bunn, he was promoting his “Sixth Gun Omnibus” along with artist Brian Hurtt. Well, never let it be set that Bunn EVER rests on his laurels as he constantly is working on new projects. When he’s not doing that, he’s sharing what’s going on with his fans in his newsletter “Nightmare Fuel.”
Recently, Cullen collaborated with skilled artist Christopher Mitten on a new series for Oni Press called “The Autumn Kingdom.” Described as a “horror-fantasy spectacle,” this four-issue series follows two sisters who venture into a dark, enchanted forest, on a quest to save their parents. Along the way they will also begin a quest for a magical sword to assist in their rescue. Its fantasy mixed with horror as only Cullen Bunn can create. As release day approached, we sat down again with the talented writer to discuss what he’s been up to, his unique résumé, and The Autumn Kingdom. So, let’s welcome back Cullen Bunn to GVN Talking Comics.
Finding Writing Time
GVN: Thank you, Cullen, for sparing a bit of your time again. The last time we spoke was along with Brian Hurtt for the “Sixth Gun Omnibus.” Needless to say, you have continued to be very busy since then. Makes one wonder how you find time to write new stories…but you do. How do you organize your time between collection projects and writing new material?
CB – Thanks for speaking with me again! Yeah, I’ve been crazy busy of late, but I’ve been having a good time! But, as I always say, all I can do is write one page at a time. As for dividing time between new material and collected work, it’s not too terribly difficult. Many times with the collected work, the publisher is really doing the heavy lifting. I might have a few tasks along the way, writing additional content, doing interviews, marketing efforts, but they’re pretty easy to manage. Creating new material still takes up most of my time and effort.
A Unique Résumé
GVN: Before we get into your new series for Oni Press, “The Autumn Kingdom,” I just have to ask about the descriptive blurb for you. “Cullen claims to have worked as an alien autopsy specialist, rodeo clown, pro wrestling manager, and sasquatch wrangler.” That’s quite the resume. It kind of looks like a sign I would see when I lived in Arkansas. “Blade Sharpening, lawn mower repair and tax preparation.” That’s not a description you see about a comic creator every day. Where did THAT come from… besides being extremely funny.
CB – Ha! I’ve been using that description for a long, long time. One of my jobs before I started writing full-time was that of a career counselor. A big part of that job, along with teaching people how to network and interview and negotiate salaries, was reading and writing resumes. I was frequently amused by the job titles some job seekers wanted to use.
So.
I made it up.
Every word, just something I thought would be funny on a resume.
When I moved into writing as a career, I just brought the weird job titles with me.
The Autumn Kingdom
GVN: So, as I mentioned, you are starting a new series at Oni Press with talented artist Christopher Mitten called “The Autumn Kingdom.” How did this story come about and what is the premise?
CB – The setup for THE AUTUMN KINGDOM is pretty simple. When their parents are kidnapped by the dark forces of the fae kingdom, sisters Sommer and Winter find themselves lost and afraid and alone… and pursued by a host of goblins, trolls, and redcaps. Luckily, the sisters have found a huge magical sword in the forest, and they put the weapon to good use against their otherworldly enemies. The girls go on a bloody, violent, frightening adventure to both escape the fae and rescue their parents.
The story, in one form or another, has been floating around for a while now. I have had the title in mind for as long as I’ve been working in comics, and I’ve always liked stories of dark fae beings. At some point, while talking to the editorial powers at Oni, I stumbled onto this version of the story, and I got really, really excited about it. I think readers are really gonna dig this.
Christopher Mitten
GVN: As I previously mentioned, you are collaborating with Christopher Mitten on this book. I have had the opportunity to speak with Christopher about some of his prior projects, and I am curious to know how this collaboration came about. Have you had the chance to work with him before this?
CB – I’ve known Chris for a long, long time. For as long as I’ve known him, I’ve been a fan of his work, and I wanted to work with him on something. That opportunity has just never presented itself. Until now. I couldn’t be happier. I can’t think of a more perfect artist for this story. Interestingly enough, THE AUTUMN KINGDOM is the first project I’m working on with Chris, but we’re also working on another book that hasn’t been announced yet. Stay tuned for that one.
Isolation and Writing
GVN: The idea of a writer (in this case Andrew Kier) isolating himself to finish a manuscript made me initially think of Steven King’s Misery when Paul Sheldon isolated himself to write his non-Misery book. It was the return trip that caused HIS problems. As an author, does isolation sometimes help with creativity or does it depend on the writer?
CB – I think it depends on the writer. For me, isolation can definitely help. I tend to work best in complete silence or, occasionally, with “white noise” surrounding me in a coffee shop or bar or the like. I’ve been working on some big projects the last few months and I’m nearing a stage where I’ll likely need some extreme isolation. I’ve got a very secluded cabin in mind. Hopefully, there will be no trolls in the vicinity.
Variant Cover Artists
GVN: As is the case with most books, you have a talented and diverse collection of artists doing variant covers for The Autumn Kingdom. At what point along the creative arc is it decided who will do the covers and how much say do you have in the process?
CB – That depends on the project and the publisher. For this book, we started talking about variant covers not long after the initial proposal and outline were approved. The list of artists we want to work with is always massive. We just have to narrow it down based on who has availability and who we have (or have not) worked with recently.
Avoiding Writer’s Block
GVN: Thanks again Cullen for these few moments. One last question for you. Just because you are so prolific in your writing, have you ever had a dry spell where you struggled to finish a story, or have you somehow avoided that situation? If that HAS happened to you, what seems to work to get past it?
CB – Oh, yeah. Plenty. I have loads of stories that just died on the vine. I keep folders and folders of them. You never know when one of those failed scraps might take on a new life. And there are many days when even writing a few words seems like a torturous chore. Usually, I can break out of that by changing scenery—going somewhere else to write or going on a walk or whatever. If that doesn’t help, reading or re-reading some of my favorite comics, short stories, and novels can get the wheels turning. If nothing seems to help with the dry spell, well, I just force myself to sit at the computer and write anyhow. For me, I don’t really have a choice. I can’t afford to indulge writer’s block for long.
Oni Press “The Autumn Kingdom, Issue 1,” by Cullen Bunn, and Christopher Mitten hits stands September 4th where all great comics are sold.
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.
