This interview contains spoilers for Image Comics' Vanish #1
Image Comics' Vanish #1 -- by writer Donny Cates, artist Ryan Stegman, inker J.P. Mayer, colorist Sonia Oback, and letterer John J. Hill -- explodes out of the blocks with magic, mayhem, and a whole lot of chains. The violent dark fantasy tale's first installment introduces the reader to the protagonist of the story, Oliver Harrison: a hero who peaked in childhood but gets drawn back into the fray later in life.
CBR caught up with Stegman after the release of Vanish #1. The artist opened up about some of the more controversial and eye-opening moments in the issue. He also explained more about how magic works in this world while teasing some of the mysteries that remain to be revealed as the series continues.
CBR: Battle Rocket definitely has a Damian Wayne-type of vibe. Obviously, it's revealed much later that he's older than expected, but was there any apprehension of having Oliver beat the snot out of this presumed kid when the issue was being put together?
Ryan Stegman: No, there wasn't any apprehension! We wanted to come out of the gate swinging and show people what this book is all about. We figured a kid getting mercilessly beaten might turn some heads. [laughs] And I guess it did!
Everkeep is certainly no Hogwarts, looking far more menacing and military-inspired than a school. What type of references did you and Donny utilize to design this place?
I went through my usual process of creating an inspiration board on Pinterest and creating an amalgamation of many ideas in one. As I worked on it, I found myself immersed in that world and had more and more ideas and those ideas led us to the final version. I knew that was an important spread because we really needed to see something that we've never seen before. I hope I nailed it!
Why were the secrets of the Dark Arcana hidden behind a door with chains? Was it more like an honor-based system where they just trust the kids to not push the red button?
Well, we obviously love chains. But, Oliver, at this point in the story, is just at an "I don't give an eff" place. If he gets caught doing what he does the consequences would be dire. So in a way, it's an honor system, but if you break that honor system, you could lose your life.
Baron Vanish has spider-like arms. What was the inspiration for this character, and why does he have arachnid-like features?
Now, this is a spoiler-iffic question. I can't get into this too much because this will be a revelation later. But let's say Baron Vanish is a bit extra compared to everyone else.
Why wasn't Baron Vanish able to stop a bullet with his magic?
If you notice, when Baron Vanish first appears, he is attacked with magic, and he has defenses set up that block magic. But he is unequipped for human weapons, as he is in the magic world and weapons are banned.
Nobody expected Oliver to bring a gun in there -- it's another of the "I don't give an eff" moments. Bringing weapons in from the non-magic world is one of the most unforgivable offenses one can commit. If it didn't work, Oliver would definitely have been severely punished -- probably even put to death.
When the characters use magic, their eyes glow with different colors. What's the symbolism behind this?
The magic in this book is all unique to the individual. Each "magician" has their own abilities and strengths. So the different colors just give us a hint of that.
Oliver seems able to forge weapons from his magic, like the mace he uses against Battle Rocket. Does this follow a similar premise as the Green Lantern, where he can fashion his own weapons?
Yeah, I would say so. But Oliver has many other abilities as well. We've just scratched the surface in the first issue.
Based on this first issue, what are the basic principles of magic for Vanish? What are the limits of these characters' powers?
Too much spoiler! I can't answer this one yet.
Vanish #1 is out now from Image Comics.