Next month sees the release of a new Vault series, “Hollow Heart,” written by Paul Allor and illustrated by Paul Tucker. The series, as we noted in our initial coverage, is part of Vault’s ‘Nightfall’ imprint, which focuses on horror stories. Here is how each of the creators described the project:
Paul Allor: “Empathy is a tool and a burden and a gift. When we see someone in a state of joy, we feel our own spirits lifted; and when we see someone in pain, we realize their pain is hurting us, as well.
There are countless stories about people with a pathological lacking in empathy, distorting their view of the people around them. But ‘Hollow Heart’ is about what happens when a largesse of empathy does the same thing. It’s about the overwhelming desire to relieve someone’s burden, and how that desire can warp our view of someone, transforming them from a complex being with conflicting wants and desires, into something more abstract: a person defined only be their pain, and by the need to remove it.
Beyond this central narrative, artist and co-creator Paul Tucker and I are crafting a story that uses the comics format to explore empathy in all its forms, using intertwined tales to create a slow-burn story that’s both broad-ranging and emotionally claustrophobic, hopeful and horrifying, tender and ultimately brutal. In other words, you’re gonna love it.”
Paul Tucker: “One of my favourite experiences watching a film is when a character arrives on screen and without saying a word, I am already in their corner. I’m rooting for them and feeling what they feel. I find this all the more effective when the actor is someone I’m not familiar with – no baggage attached.
Creating comics gives me a chance to ‘cast an unknown’ for every new project. I can put down lines on paper and find that connection, regardless of the characters background or behaviour. The creation is an empathetic act.
With ‘Hollow Heart’ this process becomes meta, as it reflects the book’s main theme. Hollow Heart is indeed about empathy, and more crucially it explores the dangers of empathy.”
We are thrilled to share an exclusive preview of the book, courtesy of Vault.
Written and lettered by Paul AllorCover by Paul Tucker
Illustrated and colored by Paul Tucker
Designed by Tim DanielEL used to be human. Now he’s a jumble of organs in a bio-suit. EL is also in tremendous pain and has been for a very long time. Hope arrives in the form of Mateo, a mechanice brought in to work on EL’s suit. Mateo sees LK in a way no one ever has. And what’s more: Mateo offers EL an escape.
Hollow Heart reunites “Tet” creators Paul Allor and Paul Tucker for a queer monster love story about the choices we make between giving our loved one what they want and what we think they need.
Thanks to everyone at Vault for the preview, and make sure to pick up the issue on Wednesday, February 17!
