We are delighted to be joined by Cullen Bunn. Cullen is a writer who has written many comics: including The Sixth Gun, Shadow Roads, The Damned, Helheim, The Tooth, Harrow County, Uncanny X-Men, and Deadpool Kills the Marvel Universe. We got to chat with Cullen about his new comic, The Autumn Kingdom #1, with Christopher Mitten, released today from Oni Press.
Hi Cullen, it’s so wonderful to have you here with us again.
Thank you! Happy to be here!
How would you describe The Autumn Kingdom?
THE AUTUMN KINGDOM is a horror/adventure/fairy tale about a pair of adolescent sisters who find themselves beset by horrifying fae creatures who wish them harm. The sisters, Sommer and Winter, are lost and alone. Their parents have been abducted. Luckily, though, the girls have found an ancient magical sword they can use to defend themselves and carve a bloody path back to their mom and dad.
Can you tell us about the origins of The Autumn Kingdom?
I’ve always loved stories of the fairy realm. Especially dark stories. Fairies have played a role in several of my books. SHADOW ROADS featured the fae folk. HARROW COUNTY. My upcoming novella series GOBLINVILLE. The idea of the fae kingdom is something I return to again and again. The title THE AUTUMN KINGDOM is something I’ve had written in my notebook for years, but I never did anything with it. I mean, until now.
Who is Andrew Kier?
Andrew is the father of Sommer and Winter. He’s a successful fantasy novelist, the author of a series of dark fantasy books featuring the Wraith-bound Queen, Elsethriel.
What can you tell us about Sommer and Winter?
Sommer and Winter are average girls, at least when the series starts. Sommer is a fan of her father’s Elsethriel novels. Winter is a fan of legend and folklore. Like all siblings, they have their ups and downs. When their world is turned upside down, though, they’ve got each other’s backs.
What has it been like working with Christopher Mitten, Francesco Segala, Taylor Esposito and Oni Press?
The art team on this book is simply fantastic. I’m so blown away with every page, every panel that I see for this book.
What made Christopher Mitten the right artist for The Autumn Kingdom?
I’ve been a fan of Chris’s for as long as I’ve worked in comics. I’ve wanted to work with him for a long, long time. I was starting to wonder if it would ever happen, to be honest. His style, though, is simply perfect for this book. He brings the mundane world to life with every page. He makes the world seem believable. Then, he explodes with these strange, horrible images, these otherworldly monsters and horrors which are both surreal and realistic at the same time.
How did Oni Press get involved with The Autumn Kingdom?
I’ve been developing several series for Oni Press over the last couple of years. As I was putting ideas together for them, I stumbled onto a concept I liked for THE AUTUMN KINGDOM. They liked the idea, too, and the rest is history!
How long have you been working on The Autumn Kingdom?
Well, as I mentioned, the title has been kicking around in my head for a long, long time. Decades. To some degree, I’ve been messing around with the concept that entire time. When it comes to this particular series, though, this specific story, it’s been a little under a year.
How did you select the variant cover artists for the series?
The Oni Press team has pulled most of the variant cover artists together for the book. They’ve picked a great group who really understands the genre and does a great job evoking the feel of the world.
If any of our readers want to get their hands on The Autumn Kingdom #1, how can they get the comic?
The book will be available wherever comics are sold. Of course, the absolute best way to ensure that you get the book is to pre-order it. Tell your favorite retailer to make sure you get it. That way, you will not run the risk of missing out.
Can you tell us about any upcoming projects?
I’ve got several new creator-owned and licensed series in the works. BEYOND MORTAL, a cosmic horror superhero story, just came out from Dark Horse. THE HEXILES, a dark horror series, is coming from Mad Cave. I’ve got a new DEADPOOL series coming from Marvel, and I’m also writing GATCHAMAN for Mad Cave.
Any message for the ComicBuzz readers?
Thanks for all the support. It means the world. If you want to make sure to keep up with my work, you can sign up for my weekly newsletter. You can sign up at my website—www.cullenbunn.com. I’m also currently running a giveaway for a bunch of my comics. You can join in the fun at https://gleam.io/5xppT/cullens-comic-extravaganza
We would like to say thank you to Cullen for chatting with us. We wish him and everyone involved with The Autumn Kingdom the best of luck with the series.
