Stories that are anchored around haunted houses and ghostly apparitions are foundational bricks in the horror genre. So much so that finding new and unusual ways of narrating such stories without repeating the tried-and-true elements that permeate such tales can be challenging. That was the hurdle that talented writer Michael Conrad tried to jump in his newest series with Oni Press, Plague House.
Teaming with artist Dave Chisholm, Conrad’s Plague House tells a disturbing and gruesome tale
Thirteen years ago, Orin McCabe was a family man living a privileged life in the suburbs. Today, he’s condemned to death row for murdering his entire family in an unexpected fit of hammer wielding brutality. In the aftermath of his heinous crime, it’s fallen to a trio of eclectic, but dedicated, ghost hunters—Jacob, the holy man; Holland, the skeptic; and their leader, Del, a true believer in the occult and worlds beyond—to surveil the abandoned McCabe home in search of proof for the existence of the undead . . . and whatever supernatural source may have possibly fueled McCabe’s inhuman massacre. But this ill-matched and uneasy squad of investigators is about to discover something much more terrifying than any ordinary spirit. . . . Something much more pernicious, much more contagious, that if not contained, could take full advantage of America’s unquenchable appetite for violence and deliver a plague of blood unto us all . . .
In advance of its April 2nd release, we caught up to writer Michael to discuss his thoughts leading up to this book. Including how self-exploration opened doors in his writing and made it possible along with Dave’s visuals, to tackle this genre in a fresh and gripping way. So, let’s welcome writer Michael Conrad to GVN Talking Comics.
Collaborating with his Artists
GVN: Thank you once again for visiting with us, Michael. We last spoke in September 2024 about your ComiXology Original title: Neptune with artist Nathan Ooten. At that time, this was Nathan’s debut in the comic field. When working with a first-time artist, do you need to make any changes in your methods, or do you just let the artist take your narrative where his talents lead? (Nathan did a great job, on Neptune).
Michael – My scripts are generally structured the same regardless of who is doing the art, but some directive elements might change from person to person. I try to pay attention to the kind of personality I’m working with, and offer them the things that will best serve keeping them engaged. With an artist like Dave, who is typically left entirely to his own devices, I didn’t want to make him feel over directed. That said, I also have a responsibility to myself and the story to ensure that the ideas are presented in alignment with my vision. On Plague House the scripts are fairly full, but there are several reminders to Dave that I trust him to make big choices. This is generally true with all the folks I work with, but with Dave, his changes are particularly keen, and welcome.
The Inspiration for ‘Plague House’
GVN: You have an exciting new project with Oni Press called “Plague House,” with artist Dave Chisholm. What inspired the premise of this story and how long have you been contemplating this haunted exploration?
Michael – I think fatigue for the haunted house tropes is responsible for Plague House. I would find myself looking for a book or movie on the topic and all of the descriptions tended to lean into the same old thing. I wanted Plague House to masquerade as something it isn’t, we’ll see if it works. I remain interested in hauntings, but the nature of this story might be a bit of a surprise.
Dissecting Your Own Fears
GVN: In a previous Interview about “Plague House,” with First Comic News, you made a fascinating comment: “As I’ve worked on this “PLAGUE HOUSE,” I’ve discovered things about myself that I’m not entirely comfortable with, and perhaps that’s where true horror lives.” Could you expound on that and as you have written different stories, how important IS it to bring yourself into uncomfortable spaces as you write?
Michael – Writers can’t get away from themselves. I’ve read that every character in a given story is an element of the writer, which may be true. If this is to be believed, there are parts of me that I truly dislike, and that fills me with dread, and shame. Writing stories like this can be cathartic when I discover the limits of my own darkness through exploring it in the characters. I usually enter into relationships with characters hoping for the best, even when I know the story asks that they make choices I wouldn’t. Getting into the headspace to fairly explore horrific acts can be hard. At the end of the day I have to engage with how I would feel, and how I would qualify the actions of every character in the stories I write. Plague House is particularly daunting because no one is running around with a symbol of hope on their chest.
Working with Dave Chisholm
GVN: As I mentioned, you are working with the award-winning artist Dave Chisholm on Plague House. How did that collaboration come about and what does Dave bring to the table that enhances this tale?
Michael – Bess Pallares, our fantastic editor, asked if I was familiar with Dave’s work and I was delighted to report that I was familiar, and that I remain a huge fan. During Covid, when I was very green to comics, I was able to convince Dave to do a one-page thing with me for an anthology that I’m not sure ever happened. I lit a candle, faced the East, and requested of the great mystery to deliver a moment in the future where we might get to play together again… As it turns out Bess, and her great taste, was the mystery, and she delivered!
Choosing Variant Covers
GVN: As is typical with new comic series, Plague House has an impressive selection of variant covers for Issue 1, including one by Nathan Ooten, as previously mentioned. Regarding the content of these variant covers, do you have any input, or is that entirely managed by Oni Press?
Michael – Bess knows my tastes, and while I placed suggestions, the arrangements and such were her doing. I’m delighted to have these artists contribute their covers, including those I’ve never worked with prior. At the end of the day we just want to make cool, compelling things, often the best way to get that is to attract cool and compelling folks like the ones who have contributed variant covers.
Keeping Up with Michael
GVN: Thank you again for sharing just a bit of your time, Michael. Before I let you go, I want to allow you to promote any other projects you have that you want your fans to know about.
Michael – I have a number of projects underway, and announcements to make regarding those as we come to them. The best way to keep up is through social media, which I know is a drag lately, but I’m mostly around on there to appreciate artistry in all its forms. Since Neptune has come up a bit in this interview, I will mention it will see print through Dark Horse in April, so you can grab that along with the Nathan Ooten variant for Plague House #1 around the same time!
Oni Press ‘Plague House’ Issue 1 by Michael Conrad and Dave Chisholm, hits comic and bookstores on April 2nd.
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.
