We here at comical opinions have a soft spot for vampire comics, so we were thrilled to find out about THE BITE OF BRENNA BARLOW from writer/creator Rob Stanley.
In this inaugural issue, available now on IndyPlanet, Stanley takes on the story of a vampire trying to get by in modern times with a twist — she’s blind.
We caught up with Rob Stanley to talk about his creation and give us the scoop on what makes Brenna Barlow tick.
Please give a warm welcome to Rob Stanley and his comic, THE BITE OF BRENNA BARLOW.
1. For anyone who’s not familiar with you, what are the works you most want to be known for?
Before creating The Bite of Brenna Barlow, I wrote stories for Mobys Media comics Lazurus’s Eye and Dr. Fizz. I’ve also written stories for the Cthulhu Is Hard To Spell and Hallowscream anthologies, the latter being where I first developed the Brenna Barlow character before deciding to write a full-fledged comic series.
2. What’s was your original elevator pitch behind the concept of The Bite of Brenna Barlow?
Possessing a sixth sense that penetrates unwitting minds, blind vampire Brenna Barlow uses her intuitive faculty for the greater good, feasting on those who use and abuse the weak and defenseless. Joining her in her adventures is Gary, a sarcastic longhaired dachshund who speaks to her telepathically.
3. Vampires are not a new subject but this story adds the twist of a vampire who’s blind. When you were working with J.C. Grande, were there any special considerations needed to make Brenna’s movements and daily life authentic to somebody who is blind?
She has a guide cane and there are modifications seen in her apartment. Other than that, I tried not to draw too much attention to her blindness. There are so many other qualities about Brenna for the reader to delve into. She’s feisty, caring and a bit of a tortured soul. I didn’t want her to be seen as a blind character, I want her to be seen as a character who just happens to be blind. Her telepathic abilities often pick up some of the slack when it comes to reading people and situations.
4. What was the inspiration behind the Brenna Barlow character?
I wanted to present a female vampire character who wasn’t the stereotypical villain or outcast. I wanted Brenna to be strong, determined and self-reliant. Fortunately, I grew up in a family of women with those traits, so drawing upon their personalities is definitely something I did when developing Brenna. Physically, I took a bit of inspiration from Jorgie Porter, who plays Theresa McQueen in the British soap Hollyoaks. Blonde, spunky, and physically fit.
5. Do you have plans to continue Brenna’s story into future issues/chapters?
The strong reader response I received for the first issue inspired me to write more. London Calling, the second issue of the book and the first part of a three-issue story arc, is currently on Kickstarter, where it was funded within 24 hours of its launch.
6. What are you most excited for readers to know about The Bite of Brenna Barlow?
Gary the dachshund, Brenna’s canine sidekick, is actually based on a real dog of the same name. Gary was the sweetest, smartest and funniest dog and I am pleased to see him live on in this book.
7. What’s next for Rob Stanley?
The three-issue story arc for The Bite of Brenna Barlow, which I hope readers enjoy as much as they did their first taste of the book.
We’d like to thank Rob Stanley for taking our 7 Questions challenge.
Stay tuned for our full review of THE BITE OF BRENNA BARLOW later this week.
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