Legendary comic book writer Steve Niles catches up with SHOCK.
When it comes to the culture surrounding the contemporary horror-centric comic, the inimitable Steve Niles is royalty. In honor of the legendary writer and novelist’s appearance at Toronto horror film convention HORROR-RAMA this weekend, SHOCK locked down the multi-hyphenate for a stack of questions, the likes of which yielded a slew of answers…
SHOCK: Was horror was an early love of yours as a child and if so, what did you’re parents think of this horror stuff ?
NILES: As a kid I was actually pretty scared of horror movies. I used to watch them and then be up all night terrified. It got to the point where my parents forbid me to watch. Then one day everything that scared me as a kid became a love of mine. I’ve never understood the change but I’m glad it happened.
SHOCK: Was there a first scary film or comic book that really affected you in such a profound way that you can vividly recall the experience?
NILES: Probably catching NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD on Creature Feature in Washington DC when I was pretty young. I didn’t know what it was but it terrified and fascinated me. That film, for a variety of reasons became a real launching point for me as a horror kid.
SHOCK: You’ve tackled many of the classic tropes of monsters are there any left?
NILES: I’d say werewolves are the one creature I haven’t been able to crack. I know there’s a great werewolf story out there but I haven’t been able to crack it yet.
SHOCK: Out of all the horror legends youve worked with, who is still on your bucket list?
NILES: I’ve been very lucky to have worked with so many great people, some that I grew up admiring. I can’t think of anyone new that I’d like to work with but I’d like to continue working with people like Bernie Wrightson and John Carpenter. I find it so inspiring to work with people I admire so much.
SHOCK: You and Wes Craven were working on a TV adaptation of your comic THE DISCIPLES before he passed
NILES: We were in the early stages of planning. Right now I’m waiting to hear what’s next.
SHOCK: What does the rest of 2015 and 2016 hold for Steve Niles ?
NILES: I’m working on several entertainment projects in various stages of development, none that I can be very specific about. I also have a full slate of comics coming out including a new 30 DAYS OF NIGHT series with IDW as well as a couple series I’m doing with Famous Monsters. All good things!
For more on the man, visit his official site.
