Interview: Roman Dirge

Look at that: LENORE is 20 years old. That’s rather venerable for a little undead girl. I had a chance to chat with creator Roman Dirge about the latest collection of LENORE that’s got a lot of fun (and not just the piratey goodness). Her new adventures, SWIRLIES, will be out later this month.

Congratulations on 20 years of Lenore: did you ever imagine you would have such a success with the little undead girl?

Nope. I created her as a magazine filler. She had other plans though, apparently. Also, she has sharp objects.

I know Mike Mignola likes to watch films while he draws, while many other artists prefer to listen to music while working. Do you need silence or do you like some kind of music or film playing? Is it a distraction or inspiration?

I’m more of a film and TV guy. I constantly have something playing on my computer while I work. I do seem to pick the crappiest movies, so I have something going but I don’t have to pay too much attention. When I go the music route, it’s almost always movie soundtracks. Life is a movie if you pretend hard enough.

Do you have any idea where Lenore will go next? How much of a plan have you had all along — or have you just been winging it for two decades?

I have a plan. I’ve even known how Lenore will end when it’s time for years now. I’ve sketched out more issue idea then I will ever be able to draw in my lifetime.

After so much frustration, did you think Mr. Gosh deserved a little bit of hope?

I feel bad for Mr. Gosh. He deserves better. I have stories that involve him for later dates, but I don’t have it worked out how he’ll return after the last heartbreak he suffered under her. That poor, poor bastard.

Roman Dirge (via Wikipedia)

I would say the pirate Lenore was the best image in this collection if it weren’t for the single panel of Ragamuffin ‘riding a rodeo monkey competing in the lil’ Miss Texas Teapot Bowl.’ Do you take especial glee in finding humiliations for him?

I dooooo. I could have done a whole book of JUST Polaroids that Lenore and Pooty took of Ragamuffin while he slept. I’d still like to do it if it’s possible.

What is the best way to tempt a hair hobo to take up residence on your head?

Pee in your hair. It’s fun, mathematically difficult and surprisingly liberating.

LOL! Seeing your German beer adventure I have to ask, have you not tried Belgian beers? Even better than German!

I was in Germany, so it was appropriate. Plus, I’m German ancestry, so I’ll never admit Belgium beer is better. I’ll NEVER EVER talk about how amazingly good Belgium beer is. Nope. I certainly won’t talk about the way Belgium beers have such a perfect aroma and utilize complex flavors to compliment each other. Just not gonna do it. Back off.

Hee! Thanks for the interview.

Reserve your copy of LENORE: SWIRLIES by clicking this picture. We’ll have a review up on the release date, August 21st.

~ K. A. Laity

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