The following is an interview with comic book writer/artist Christie Shinn regarding the recent release of the graphic novel, Demon Bitch: Hellfire and Damnation. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Shinn about the inspiration behind the story, her creative process, what she hopes that readers will take away from her work, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: Congratulations on the release of your graphic novel, Demon Bitch: Hellfire and Damnation! For those who may be unfamiliar, how would you describe the book’s premise, and what inspired you to tell this story?
Christie Shinn: Thank you! Demon Bitch started as a webcomic on Tapas. The character, Demon Bitch, is a low-level demon from the 13th pit of Hell where the denizens throw their dog s–t and gum wrappers. She goes upon the surface to create a Hell’s Army for the second Coming of Armageddon, but she’s too stupid to know/realize/care that the first one never happened. Since she’s a wastrel anyway, she gets distracted by things like hard drugs and overly promiscuous sex to living in hovels. She does everything badly.
BD: What can you share with us about your creative process, and what have been some of your creative influences?
CS: I generally look at a blank piece of paper with a thought to draw her, or an idea pops in my head. I’ll sketch it out and think to myself, “That’s so f–ked up.” If it makes me giggle insanely while I draw it, it’s a go. When my friends read it and go, “Holy s–t.” I know that I have a winner.
BD: What do you hope that readers will take away from your work?
CS: They can hate someone utterly detestable and not feel ashamed about it. Plus, it’s something to laugh at, as we’ve all been there. We’ve all thought those disgusting things about people we can’t stand.
BD: If given the opportunity to expand your series into other entertainment mediums, in what format do you hope to see it adapted?
CS: I want to do animation. I live to see Demon Bitch animated (badly) on some big screen with all those t-shirts and stupid cthochkes. I also want to hear her entitled voice on some big, dumb, yellow novelty keychain saying key phrases that make no sense. I would also love this as a video game where she’s running around and doing stupid things and falling and writhing around in filth. I want to stand up there and thank God for the Oscar/Emmy I won for the best-ever animated feature film or something like that. Maybe have a live-action TV show adapted from the comics like Constantine or Preacher. I know I’m terrible.
BD: Are there any upcoming projects on which you are currently working that you would like to share with our readers?
CS: Currently, I am working on the second coming of Demon Bitch. I also have another series that happens every Thursday on Tapas called, “Martyr: Snapshots of a Hero” – an Instagram account of an immortal demon hunter that may/may not be hallucinating or insane. I also have a new Master and Monster coming out, where my friend and his dog go camping.
BD: Lastly, what is the best way for our readers to find more information about Hellfire and Damnation?
CS: My website is the central hub: www.HoraToraStudios.com
Twitter and Instagram: @HoraToraStudios
Demon Bitch is found on Comixology now and is also available on Amazon.
Please support me on my Patreon, because I want to do this all day and every day.
