We are delighted to be joined by Mark London. Mark is the CEO/CCO of Mad Cave Studios, Maverick, Papercutz, and Nakama Press, he is also a creator and writer. He is the writer of Battlecats, Hunt. Kill. Repeat., Revolution 9, Hour of the Wolf and Exit City. With the release of Endless Night next month from Mad Cave Studios, we got to chat with Mark all about the series.
Hi Mark, it’s so great to have you here with us.
Can you tell us about the Underworld universe?
Mark London: As Endless Night is a crossover event set in the Underworld universe, does that mean that Endless Night is a significant event in the Underworld universe?
This crossover is just the beginning of exploring the potential of the Underworld universe and the interconnected stories within it. Endless Night is the cornerstone that opens up exciting possibilities for further crossovers and collaborations among our characters. This world begs to continue expanding on these storylines. So we owe it to ourselves to create a universe where fans can look forward to seeing their favorite characters come together in new and unexpected ways, facing challenges that test their limits and deepen their arcs. While I can’t reveal too much right now, you can bet money that we have more thrilling events and crossovers in the works that will continue to explore and expand the Underverse in ways that will surprise and delight our readers. Oh, and did I mention that Endless Night concludes phase one, but we are already hard at work on phase two with additional series that will introduce new characters, bring some familiar faces from the past, and that they will eventually cross over?
When you were creating Revolution 9, Hour of the Wolf, and Exit City, did you always have Endless Night in mind?
ML: Endless Night has always been on the table since we started Mad Cave almost eleven years ago. I grew up on Marvel and DC’s biggest crossovers, so it was a pipe dream to do something on a smaller scale eventually, and it evolved organically over time. While the idea was always there, bringing these very different characters together in a crossover event like this crystallized as we saw how their individual stories could interconnect. The concept of having Velveteen, McCormick & Miller, and Owen Blackwood join forces against a common threat was too good to pass up, as it allowed us to explore new dynamics and push the boundaries of their narratives. Once we realized the potential for a genre-smashing collision, it became clear that Endless Night would be a thrilling way to bring these characters together and offer something truly special for our readers.
Who are the Order of Nine?
ML: The Order of the Nine is a secret society dating back to pre-Republic Rome. The intent, as far as its members understand it, is to exert boundaries on the great powers of the world: a slow, quiet revolution in how life on Earth is managed. Every new generation of its members believe theirs will be the time in which the revolution is finally achieved, and the planet will enter an era of peace under the guidance of the Order.
This is, of course, a lie.
THE ORDER OF NINE is a secret society devoted to returning the world to a pre-modern global monarchy with itself as its king.
What can you tell us about Velveteen, Owen Blackwood, and McMormick & Miller?
ML: With Velveteen, the rogue assassin on a path of revenge; McCormick & Miller, detectives striving to maintain order; and Owen Blackwood, a dedicated monster hunter, the series promises a high-stakes adventure filled with tension and unexpected alliances. Whether you’re a fan of mystery, action, or supernatural thrills, Endless Night offers something for everyone in the richly layered world of the Underworld.
The concept of having Velveteen, McCormick & Miller, and Owen Blackwood join forces against a common threat was too good to pass up, as it allowed us to explore new dynamics and push the boundaries of their narratives. Once we realized the potential for a genre-smashing collision, it became clear that Endless Night would be a thrilling way to bring these characters together and offer something truly special for our readers.
What made Tom Derenick and Juancho Velez the right artists for Endless Night?
ML: Since Mad Cave has the best editor in comics, Mr. Mike Marts, who is at the heart of the project, paired us together, and I couldn’t be happier with the collaboration. Tom Derenick is indeed a force to be reckoned with in comics. He is an incredibly talented artist, and I agree that he’s vastly underutilized by the greater comics community. His ability to bring an explosive, widescreen, bombastic feel to the story, combined with the tension he creates, is exactly what I was looking for in Endless Night. Working with Tom has been a fantastic experience, a highlight in my journey as a comics writer. His artistic style perfectly complements the dynamic and intense nature of the narrative we wanted to convey. From the very first sketches, Tom understood the vision and was able to translate it onto the page with remarkable skill and creativity. I’m thrilled to have him on board, and I believe readers will be blown away by the visual impact he brings to the series.
What can you tell us about Axel Black?
ML: Volta is dead. The Order of Nine needs a suitable replacement. Axel Black, a tech billionaire, is the most likely candidate.
Chris Weston is creating the covers for Endless Night. How did Chris Weston join the team?
ML: Working with Tom has been an incredible experience, largely because he’s such a pro. When Mike showed me what Tom wanted to do, I trusted him completely with the artistic direction of Endless Night, so our interaction was minimal. Our middleman was Mike Marts, who did a fantastic job keeping everything flowing and having Tom focus on what he does best, and me trying to deliver the best possible script. I jokingly say that Mike had it easy on this one—well, sort of!
Tom’s ability to capture the explosive and intense feel of the story made it easy to give him the creative freedom he needed. This seamless collaboration extended to our colorist and letterer as well. Juancho Velez, the colorist, brought an atmospheric depth that perfectly complements Tom’s artwork, enhancing the mood and tone of the series. Meanwhile, Simon Bowland’s letterer’s skillful placement and style ensured the dialogue and narrative flowed naturally, adding another layer of immersion for the readers. The result just blows me away. It was a team effort in which each person’s expertise shone through, creating a cohesive and dynamic final product. I’m incredibly grateful for the talented team Mike assembled for Endless Night. I think readers will appreciate what ended up in the pages of Mad Cave’s first crossover.
Is Endless Night new and reader-friendly?
ML: Yes. Perfect jump on point.
Has writing Endless Night been a challenge?
ML: I’m not going to lie, it can be quite the challenge to pull characters from different series and give them meaningful roles in a crossover story like Endless Night. Each character comes with their own established background, personality, and narrative arc, so it’s important to stay true to what makes them unique while also ensuring they fit naturally into the new storyline. I try very hard to always find the right balance between honoring their journeys and contributing to the larger narrative. It’s about creating new dynamics and interactions that feel organic and important. It’s key to ensure that each character has a distinct voice and purpose within the plot, so their contributions are essential to the unfolding events. Although the process can be challenging, it’s also incredibly rewarding. It allows us to explore new aspects of the characters and see them interact in ways that wouldn’t be possible within their series. All that is to say that it’s all about weaving together a cohesive story where every character plays a piece of the puzzle in preventing the apocalyptic threat at the heart of Endless Night.
How would you describe Endless Night?
ML: Endless Night blends the gritty mystery of noir, the razor’s edge tension of action-packed crime thrillers, and supernatural horror. As uneasy alliances form and hidden agendas surface, one thing becomes clear: the deeper our unlikely heroes dig, the darker the night becomes—and there may be no dawn in sight.
Any hints about what the future holds for the Underworld universe?
ML: Oh, and did I mention that Endless Night concludes phase one, but we are already hard at work on phase two with additional series that will introduce new characters, bring some familiar faces from the past, and that they will eventually cross over?
Any message for the ComicBuzz readers?
ML: Keep reading! Thank you, Shabbir!
We would like to say a big thank you to Mark for chatting with us, and wish him the best of luck with Endless Night.
