From Killadelphia to Blacula: Return of the King, Rodney Barnes is one of the most exciting writers working in comics today, and he's certainly no stranger to vampires, so it was especially thrilling to hear the news that Rodney would be teaming up with artist Chris Shehan to bring bloodsuckers back to the Alaskan town of Barrow for the new IDW miniseries 30 Days of Night: Falling Sun.
With the first issue of 30 Days of Night: Falling Sun being released on October 25th (if you're looking to pre-order a copy, be sure to do so by the final cutoff date of September 8th) through the IDW Dark horror imprint, Daily Dead caught up with Rodney in a new Q&A feature to discuss collaborating with Chris, writing a central character with a relatable journey, and working with 30 Days of Night co-creator Steve Niles, who is a story consultant on this new miniseries. As an added treat, Rodney also shares his top five horror films and top five vampire films, just in time to add them to your Halloween season movie marathons!
Below, you can read our full Q&A with Rodney Barnes and check out the chilling cover art and unlettered interior artwork from the first issue of 30 Days of Night: Falling Sun. To learn more about IDW and their other exciting releases, be sure to visit:
It's hard to believe that the original 30 Days of Night was released back in 2002. I still have vivid memories of reading it for the first time. What were your first impressions of reading the original 30 Days of Night and/or seeing the film?
Rodney Barnes: I thought it stood out from a lot of the other vampire-themed stuff I considered prior to. The vampires are terrifying. The long teeth. The red eyes. The stuff of nightmares. Then there's the concept. Thirty days of night! No rest for the prey. They’ve got to dodge these things for 30 days and nights! Brilliant stuff.
How did you come to be involved with the mini-series from IDW? I understand that Steve Niles has been consulting on the story as well. What's it been like to work with him on this?
Rodney Barnes: I love Steve. We’d been in contact for years discussing the possibility of me writing a 30 Days mini-series. Steve is brilliant. He and IDW have been the perfect partners in the journey. Looking forward to doing more with them.
I absolutely loved Chris Shehan's work on The Autumnal. Can you talk about your experience collaborating with Chris on this series?
Rodney Barnes: Again, a match made in heaven. Chris’ work has been spectacular. He brings a sense of scope both to Alaska, as well as to the tone I’m shooting for. It’s an honor to work with him.
The story centers around Jalen James, who is looking for a fresh start. Can you talk about why Jalen is important to you as the center of this story, and can you tease some of the terrors that await him over the course of the series?
Rodney Barnes: Jalen’s journey is a very relatable one. He’s made some mistakes. He’s hoping to move to Alaska and put those mistakes behind him. He’s an outsider. From Southern California. A place far different than Barrow. Finding a hero within himself amidst a guilt and shame-filled past is his cross to carry. Never in his wildest thoughts did he see himself battling vampires. But battling them he will!
The first issue comes out on October 25th, just in time for Halloween. As our readers are looking for horror movies to watch this Halloween season, what are some of your all-time favorite vampire movies?
Rodney Barnes: We could be here for years! LOL. I’ll give you my top five horror films: The Exorcist. The Changeling. Nightmare on Elm Street. The Serpent and the Rainbow. Silence of the Lambs. Top five vampire films: Bram Stoker's Dracula. The Lost Boys. Near Dark. Blacula. And last, but certainly not least… 30 Days of Night!
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IDW’s hit horror franchise returns with a terrifying new tale! The town of Barrow has moved on. Those who remember the vampiric terror of two decades past would rather not talk about it. Those who don’t remember don’t believe the stories. Ignorance will be their downfall, because a dark memory is stirring in the heart of Romania and it has set its sights on Barrow, the death place of Vicente. While vampires seek revenge for their fallen leader in Alaska, troubled teen Jalen James seeks sanctuary. After fleeing gang violence in Los Angeles, Jalen needs a fresh start. But he’s unlikely to find it as the sun falls…
Writer Rodney Barnes (Killadelphia, Batman: Full Moon) and artist Chris Shehan (House of Slaughter, The Autumnal) welcome you back to Barrow in the oversize first issue of this revival.
30 DAYS OF NIGHT: FALLING SUN #1 CREDITS
- Story consulting by co-creator Steve Niles
- Writer Rodney Barnes
- Artist Chris Shehan
- Colorist Xenon Honchar
- Letterer Alex Ray
COVER CREDITS
- Cover A by Chris Shehan
- Cover B by Damien Worm
- Cover RI 1:25 by Chris Shehan (full art)
- Cover RI 1:50 by Malachi Ward
After more than a decade as a consultant in the tech and entertainment industries, Jonathan James launched Daily Dead in 2010 to share his passion for horror entertainment. He takes immense pride in Daily Dead's talented team of writers, who work tirelessly to explore and celebrate horror as a respected art form capable of telling complex, character-driven stories with deep emotional and cultural impact.
Over the course of his career, Jonathan has written more than 10,000 articles and hosted panels at major conventions, including New York Comic Con and San Diego Comic-Con. He has also been consulted as an expert on horror and pop culture, offering his insights on horror history and the latest trends through media outlets, radio stations, film festivals, and fan conventions.
After more than a decade as a consultant in the tech and entertainment industries, Jonathan James launched Daily Dead in 2010 to share his passion for horror entertainment. He takes immense pride in Daily Dead's talented team of writers, who work tirelessly to explore and celebrate horror as a respected art form capable of telling complex, character-driven stories with deep emotional and cultural impact.
Over the course of his career, Jonathan has written more than 10,000 articles and hosted panels at major conventions, including New York Comic Con and San Diego Comic-Con. He has also been consulted as an expert on horror and pop culture, offering his insights on horror history and the latest trends through media outlets, radio stations, film festivals, and fan conventions.
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