Genres and Comics

I do not consider myself a genre writer. Or reader. Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Mystery, Horror--I never return their calls.

There are few exceptions, of course, such as the Harry Potter series, the Lord of the Rings, some superheros and graphic novels, and bad horror movies always make me smile. But, I've only gone out on a few dates with them because of quality of character and stories, not because because they superficially fall into a genre.

It's just that when it comes to really going the distance, I like a story that is realistic and down to earth. Sure, my mind imagines all sorts of bizarro-world and outlandish things. Hell, I even made a website for that part of me (NinjaPancakes.com!). And while I might be thoroughly researching and adapting Norse mythology, the resulting novel is so very grounded in a sweaty, gritty reality.

Nothing personal. It's just my preference. I like good stories, stories that speak to me about what this world truly is. And sometimes all that genre stuff can just fog up the picture.

That being said, I decided to write a short graphic novel that explores the horror genre, and I'm doing it the only way I know how: by making fun of it.

Yep, that's right. The man who finds most genres to be snoozers and parodies to be wrought with hypocrisy is doing both. At the same time. In a comic book (have I mentioned I've never done one of those before?). I feel like I'm going to bed with someone I hate, find unattractive, and has genitalia in all the wrong places for no reason other than to do it for no reason.

Should be fun.