USTownhall RealStories presents comic book writer STEVE NILES
Written by Scott Katz
Tuesday, 08 February 2011 16:17
On Monday, February 7, we spoke to acclaimed comic book writer, Steve Niles, who is known to fans as the preeminent writer of horror-oriented comics working today. Niles' love of the horror genre began when he was young and was heavily influenced by the classic horror novel, I Am Legend by Richard Matheson. This seminal 1954 novel popularized the zombie apocalypse genre of horror fiction. Niles was able to secure the rights from Matheson himself to adapt the story into comic book form, and it was published by Eclipse Comics in 1991. Following this early career highlight, Niles came to greater fan attention with his cult classic series, 30 Days of Night and the Cal MacDonald / Criminal Macabre series of horror mysteries.
For his latest project, Niles goes in somewhat of a different direction as he spearheads the revival of the Bronze Age comics character, Wulf the Barbarian, which is being published by the revived Atlas Comics in partnership with comics company Ardden Entertainment. In the new Wulf series, the titular character is a barbarian out of time – somehow having been transported from his own era into ours.
We spoke to Niles about his involvement with Wulf and Atlas and also got some details about his early career and what the latest scoop is on future projects from the 30 Days of Night and Cal MacDonald franchises in both print and film. Niles also teases an upcoming Cal MacDonald / Goon crossover comic and weighs in on Goon creator Eric Powell's recent YouTube video imploring fans to seek out and support more diverse material in the comics market.
Wulf #1, written by Niles and illustrated by Nat Jones, arrives in comics stores in March, and to whet your appetitie, Atlas Comics has provided us with some sample art. Click on each image to enlarge, and enjoy the interview, which can be played by clicking on the triangular "play" button in the widget just below.