Also known as 'F*ck This Place,' Starks foray into horror with artists Topilin and Lee Loughridge is an engaging new thriller where anything can happen
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Kyle Starks has been known for his Eisner-nominated work on Sex Castle, Rock Candy Mountain, Old Head, Assassin Nation as well as Rick and Morty and Invader Zim. His irreverence and penchant for action have established him with a sort of branding reserved for talented and idiosyncratic creators like Edgar Wright in film or Elmore Leonard in literature. Veering from his comfort zone, Starks has enlisted the talents of artist Artyom Topilin to venture into the horror genre for the first time. 'I Hate This Place' is a solid addition to the genre and worth picking up.
They were kind enough to answer some questions via email about the project which will be released on May 17, 2022.
Q&A with Kyle Starks and Artyom Topilin, creators of
‘I Hate This Place’
1. The comic is off to a great start where anything can happen and kind of does in the first issue. Admittedly, I’m a fan of its original title, ‘Fuck This Place’ because, in this horror story as in many stories of haunted locations, that’s the right response to horrifying supernatural shenanigans. Did you offer the title knowing it would get some pushback from the publisher and would have to offer an alternative?
Kyle Starks: You know, I wish I could say that I suggested the title because I thought it was provocative or would draw a lot of attention to the book, but honestly, I thought it was the best title for setting the tone. It’s how I would feel if I were Gabby and Trudy on that awful ranch they inherited. My editor Jon Moisan and I really fought for that title, so it shows really a naïveté on our part, honestly. For what it’s worth, I prefer that title too.
Artyom Topilin: I thought we would be fine, we had the * in the word, right? To me, it's still the canonical title of our book.
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2. You’ve created a blank canvas in Rutherford Ranch where you’re not bound by real-world logistics or geography. What were some of your horror influences that inspired its location and premise? Both in the story and art.
Kyle: The biggest influence to start was, for sure, Skinwalker Ranch in Utah. I had never heard of a place that had EVERYTHING paranormal: ghosts, monsters, UFOs. First, I thought that was a great setting for a story and secondly, I couldn’t believe there weren’t other stories in a similar setting. Also, it allows that blank canvas just like you said - I love horror. I’m a huge fan of the many genres within it and thought this setting, this locale, would give me the opportunity to dip my fingers into a myriad of horror genres.
Artyom: I think my biggest influences on this series are Guy Davis and James Harrens' work on BPRD comics, they’re some of my favorite horror comics. I'm also inspired by the old-school aesthetic of EC Comics, Junji Ito, and 70s, 80s, and 90s horror movies. I also look at a lot of ranch photos, American nature, and rural areas. Alan Wake, one of my favorite videogames set in a rural American town, was also a great help in that.
3. Trudy and Gabby make a great couple and their personalities complement one another. Representation is vitally important in all things, especially comics, so what went into making them the protagonists of this story?
Kyle: I mean, you nailed it in one. I think representation is wildly important. I think everyone should have the opportunity to see themselves in pop culture.
Artyom: I always keep it in mind to make my characters diverse. I would be bored to tears any other way. So, it was exciting to design two cool girls with distinct visual quirks.
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4. From a design standpoint, ‘I Hate This Place’ has a great aesthetic. Artyom’s gritty line work and attention to detail really bring it to life. Trudy’s muscular frame is well-defined and nice to see that body type. Lee Loughridge’s colors add a lot of warmth and set the tone of a scene. However, I imagine forests, bushes, foliage, and grass are some of the most tedious things for an artist to do. How do you manage to depict those scenes so effectively with seeming ease? (Also, without going mad or choking Kyle)
Artyom: I wish it was easy! Woods and rural areas are actually some of my favorite aesthetics to draw. Drawing a book set in New York would be a nightmare for me. Though the more I draw, the more I understand how much I need to learn about the woods. I want to draw some sick and scary-looking woods.
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5. In the notes, Kyle describes the reasons for writing such an eclectic horror story that mixes in not just monsters but aliens. It’s about being helpless against a certain fear that has no known remedy. Does that mean readers can expect to see some surprising antagonists in the future for Trudy and Gabby?
Kyle: I mean, I, for sure, have big plans for Gabby, Trudy, and not just the threats on Rutherford Ranch - which are substantial - but those who are outside it, too.
6. ‘I Hate This Place’ feels like it has the potential to become the next great horror comic series. It feels wide open in storytelling and ready to subvert readers’ expectations. What do you hope readers take away from the series as the release approaches?
Kyle: Aw, geez, what kind words. No pressure, right? I want more than anything for people to be taken on a wild ride. I want people to have a good time with it.
Artyom: I'm with Kyle on this one. Just hoping you'll enjoy our book. To me, this is a learning experience and hopefully an open door to continue working on different stories. I'm not craving awards or Netflix deals right at the start of my career.
(End of Interview)
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