INTERVIEW: Leonide the Vampyr is back
Image courtesy of Dark Horse / Provided by Superfan Promotions with permission.
The character of Leonide the Vampyr is back, thanks to Mike Mignola and Rachele Aragno. The comic book duo first created the character for Leonide the Vampyr: Miracle at the Crow’s Head, followed by more adventures in Leonide the Vampyr: A Christmas for Crows. Now she has returned in Leonide the Vampyr: The House of Yonda, with the two-parter now available from Dark Horse.
For the unbeknownst, Leonide is a vampire who is bloodthirsty for unsuspecting villagers, according to press notes. In the first two installments, she is pursued by an undead priest, while this time, she is hurt, unresponsive and in need of a doctor. But still, people go missing when she’s around.
Mignola is the writer on the new book, while Aragno is the artist, including the two covers. Mignola offers a variant on issue #1, with Márk Lászlo supplies a variant on issue #2.
Recently Hollywood Soapbox exchanged emails with Aragno to learn more about the project. She is known for Mel The Chosen, I Hate Fairyland and Star Wars: The High Republic. Questions and answers have been slightly edited for style.
You’ve been quoted as being madly in love with Leonide. What do you love about her?
It’s true! I love the fact that behind her defenseless little girl appearance lies a centuries-old vampire. Her strong, unscrupulous personality and her ability to always find a way to survive are fascinating. She’s a kind of Wednesday Addams, but even more terrifying and ruthless. The duality between her appearance and her nature makes her special.
How is this vampire tale different from others?
It’s a story that nods to folklore and seems to spring from the pages of a dusty old book found in a Gothic library. It offers no concessions, revealing a thorny and powerful character, despite her appearance. There are no moments of redemption or moments of fear for her, no saccharine situations that block the flow of events. It’s a tale that reeks of old crypts and damp cemeteries.
How did the decision come about to bring back the character for a two-issue arc?
Leonide has a truly extensive lore, and trying to fit it all into two issues seemed truly reductive. This way, Mike was able to introduce the audience to something more about her as a character, helping us to give her greater dimension and understanding. I think it was important to show who this vampire is, who brings death wherever she goes.
Do you feel there are many more stories in this universe to tell?
Who knows! I think Leonide still has a lot to tell and reveal about herself and the creatures that live around her. It would be fantastic to talk about it more!
What’s it like working with Mike Mignola?
Mike was my great mentor, the first comic book artist who made me love this world, and he helped develop my style and my storytelling ability. Working with him was a dream; he’s a true professional, capable of letting you express yourself and crafting the page as you see fit. It’s not easy to find such great artists who make you feel as great as they do. I truly thank him from the bottom of my heart.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
Leonide the Vampyr: The House of Yonda is now available from Dark Horse. Click here for more information.
