A new comic from the creative team of Matt Kindt and Tyler Jenkins is always news. The first real horror comic from Kindt and Jenkins is news on scale we have not be able to chart as a human species. Following their successes on “Black Badge” and “Grass Kings,” Kindt, Jenkins, and colorist Hilary Jenkins are re-teaming for a four-issue horror series, “Fear Case,” at Dark Horse Comics.
Described as “True Detective meets The Ring,” the story centers around “the titular briefcase, which has repeatedly appeared wherever tragedy strikes: it must be passed on within three days of someone taking possession of it, or else disaster will strike. Two secret agents trying to track down the case soon find themselves contending with a cult dedicated to the omen’s existence.”
We were able to talk to Kindt and Jenkins to find out more about their new series and maybe what is in that case. A huge thanks to the guys for answering our questions. You can check out our interview with the team below and if you want to find out what is in the fear case you can pick up the first issue of on February 3rd.
This is really both of your really in depth foray into the horror genre. It’s a genre that I think can be difficult to achieve in comics because of how much control the reader has with comics. What has been both of your approaches to the horror elements of the series? Has it been challenging or required you to challenge your own styles at all?
Matt Kindt: The notorious difficulty of pulling off true horror in the comic book format is something that attracted me to the idea. As a rule, I’m not a huge fan of the horror genre. I don’t like jump scares and I don’t like gross-out gore. My favorite films are the exception to the rule really – The Shining and Alien are amazing horror films but not in the way that most people think when they consider the genre. That’s what I wanted to do – something that doesn’t rely on horrific imagery or anything traditionally “scary.” It comics it’s especially hard to pull that off. And I honestly don’t think it’s been done. To me – true horror comes from an idea – or a concept – a situation that a character is put in. An idea you can’t get out of your head…something you can’t stop thinking about. Ideas can haunt you. And that’s what we’re going for with this book. The idea that you won’t be able to get out of your head.
Tyler Jenkins: I did not really approach this in any special way just because its horror. I am not a fan of horror at all. I don’t watch horror movies, I don’t like them. I don’t find catharsis in being scared or horrified. That being said, one of my all-time favourite books is Salem’s Lot, and I am big fan of Rob Zombie’s horror films, particularly Devil’s Rejects. Make sense? Nor to me either. So approaching this book…I simply told the story the way I always do, in that my style and process, as always, are a reaction to the script and concepts but not specifically because it is horror (turns out drawing gore is really fun). I think I looked at this book as a noir crime book, and when the wild, supernatural, or gory elements happen, they are in contrast to the sombre noir expectations.
You are teaming up again following the wonderful series “Grass Kings” and “Black Badge.” What have you taken away from those prior partnerships that you have brought into “Fear Case?”
MK: We just work well together – we get each other. I know what Tyler likes/hates – and it makes it easier to write to his strengths. But that said, we both want challenges – so with this one – I’m tackling a genre that I haven’t done before and Tyler and Hilary are pushing themselves with new media – charcoal mixed with paint – and urban environments. They really give a great organic feel to the city and the charcoal is perfect for this story.
Continued belowTJ: Working with Matt is really just easy. Not easy as in there is no push or struggle to bring a story to life, but we know how to tell a story together, we know what the other is thinking about and it just shows up on the page as we intended. I am never confused about his intentions, and more importantly, I trust him to deliver something good in the script and I know he trusts me to bring it to the page. Trust is very important…and it is often as simple as getting the hell out of each other’s way.
I know the comparison of True Detective was used in the announcement of the series which brings to mind many things when thinking about that show and what works most about it. For me the best elements are the characters and relationship between the two lead detectives. That seems to be a driving force in “Fear Case.” What can you tell readers about the detectives in this series?
MK: Yeah – the detectives are really the heart of this story – I wanted to write something that wasn’t a traditional buddy cop kind of mystery. I wanted to make these guys truly unique – real people. I wanted to show genuine friendship as well. The conflict isn’t between our two detectives – it’s between them and this…unknown. It’s them versus the Fear Case and everything it represents.
TJ: First of all, I’d like to address the fact that almost every series, book, movies, tv show, etc. etc. etc. that is beloved and amazing and great often is because the relationship between the characters is not taken for granted. Lethal Weapon (not that godawful tv series, the movies), what is great about that movie? The crimes being solved are actually completely immaterial, the relationship between Rigs an Murtagh is why people watch the movies over and over. Showing the relationship, affection, friendship and genuine care the detectives have for each other…that’s what gives the series legs. And it’s what makes the horror horrifying, because it’s happening to people who seem real.
Matt, you have an extensive resume when it comes to building unique mysteries into your work. Is this series one that readers will be able to play along with as they read and as a writer what have you learned when it comes to crafting a proper mystery?
MK: For sure. There are “rules” involved with the “Fear Case” – similar to a VERY bad chain letter. Those rules…end up having a whiplash effect…I won’t spoil it. Mystery for sure. Double meanings in the title? Yes. A super sad ending? Most assuredly.
Tyler’s work is something that never disappoints and is better every new series. “Fear Case” continues that trend with just amazing art. Was there anything new you tried going into this series or reference for a look and tone you wanted to achieve. For readers not familiar, what is Hilary’s role and what does she bring to the series that only she can?
TJ: Well thank you for that! I genuinely set out with each series to create something I have never done before and maybe hasn’t been seen before like this. I choose a different medium, or process or “style” deliberately for every book. I wanted a style that felt noir, pulpy, grainy and out of focus at times. It is also insanely expressive, and the littlest marks can be very suggestive of things like texture and form. Hilary’s colouring, like in every series we have done together, is integral to the feel, mood and most importantly the believability. Her colouring makes you feel what the characters are feeling. You feel the sunshine, you feel the rain, you feel the wind…and it’s all her.
As comic creators, is there a real life equivalent in your work, process, career to a fear case, something that “has to be passed on within three days of someone taking possession of it, or else disaster will strike.”
MK: I can’t really answer this one without spoiling the surprise of the series. What I will say is that we all kind of have a fear case…we put things in it. We don’t give it away. We just keep stuffing it with more things…and that case – if you’re not careful – can influence your actions – it changes your world view – and can effect how you treat others.
Continued belowTJ: I like Matt’s answer on this one. I could elaborate on this personally, but I wont. As he said…we don’t give away our fears, but sometimes we have someone in our life, or multiple someone’s, that help carry those fears. Provide us with perspective on them; take away their power to control us.
What do you hope readers take away from the first issue of “Fear Case?”
MK: Support the book! There is a LOT more story – and this one is designed to be read in installments. Single issues is the way to go!
