Interview With Blackhart Manor writer Gilbert Deltrez

I.C.U. spoke with Gilbert Deltrez about his newest project Blackhart Manor, now funding on IndieGogo

For people who are unfamiliar with your work, can you fill our readers in on your history of writing and  crowdfunding comics?
   I've been crowdfunding my comics since 2014, with over 10 successful crowdfunding  campaigns. My works include UNDER THE FLESH, LAIR, PISTOLERA, GALACTIC RODENTS OF MAYHEM, THE DEEP DARK, and BLACKHART MANOR. 

Your new project - Blackhart Manor is the second book in your Call of The Void series of horror series. What is the story of Blackhart Manor?
    BLACKHART MANOR is a very special book, because it's a story I had no intention of writing.
   I was approached by Marinus Reininga, a fan, who wanted help in telling their own Lovecraftian story because they loved the work JL and I did together on THE DEEP DARK. After hearing their overall pitch, I was convinced. I knew I could adapt it to fit within our CALL OF THE VOID universe.

   The end result of BLACKHART MANOR, culminated into something truly unique from the overall pitch. Something that evolved way beyond what any of us thought possible, leading to my darkest work. Something truly Lovecraftian, that follows a trio of tight-knit firefighters into an antiquated house filled with horror. What starts off as a training exercise spirals into world of terror that rips into the mind, body and soul. 

​The Call of the Void comics are offered at an oversized 8.5 x 12. What is the reasoning behind the big size?
   CALL OF THE VOID is a throwback love letter to Tales from the Crypt, and Warren Publishing's Eerie and Creepy magazines, when the larger magazine format was created to bypass the Comics Code of Authority ratings put on comic books.
​   JL and I are also a fan of the larger format because it provides a more cinematic experience with the larger panels, and a more classic look with the Black and White colors. 

Once again you are teaming with J.L. Giles to handle the art duties, but you are also teaming with Marinus Reininga on the story. How did this collaboration come together?
   As a fan who backed my other past works, like LAIR, GROM, and THE DEEP DARK, Marinus approached me to help create a Lovecraftian story. A story which was not titled BLACKHART MANOR. I liked his pitch a lot. The fact that we followed a team of fire fighters into a Lovecraftian mansion. An ominous cult looming. They were great story pieces, but the challenge of putting these puzzle pieces together into a true Lovecraftian experience, with a gripping story featuring characters you'd care about, was something that excited JL and I, because they were ripe for our CALL OF THE VOID universe. I took the challenge of shaping and shifting Marinus' base idea into a memorable narrative that would be now forever known as BLACKHART MANOR. 

​You have said that the Call of the Void stories are all in the same universe. Without any spoilers, how will the stories all tie together?
    The stories by COV are all one-shot stories that are all happening in the same interconnected universe. Although each story is different from the next, there will be Easter eggs, references etc., linking past COV stories to another once we start putting out more books. 

​What do you see for the future of the Call of the Void series?
   I would love to see the COV franchise evolve into something truly unique. An anthology type series in which each separate volume subtly builds upon its overlapping lore, while ultimately piecing together a larger, overall story. 
   Thank you again for taking the time out to talk to us and allow us the opportunity to share our awesome work! 

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Related: Video Review for The Deep Dark From Call of The Void