Posted in: Comics | Tagged: Comics, david walker, dynamite, entertainment, Nancy Collins, vampirella

"My Take On Vampirism Tends More Towards The Hardboiled / Noir" – Nancy Collins On Vampirella

Published Wed, 03 Dec 2014 22:00:00 -0600

On Monday we ran a piece with Nancy A. Collins talking to writer David F. Walker about taking on Shaft #1. Now we get the flip of that interview as Walker talks to Collins about Vampirella with the latest issue hitting comic shops today from Dynamite.

DAVID F. WALKER: When did you first discover Vampirella? What was your reaction to the character?

NANCY A. COLLINS: I first discovered Vampirella not long after her creation, probably around 1970-1971. I was around 11-12. I was interested in the character largely because she was a woman and the lead character of her own action/adventure title—something that was unheard of outside of comics like "Millie the Model" and "Little Lulu".

DFW: For a long time, Vampirella has been a very sexualized character, best known for her skimpy outfit. What are your plans to develop her beyond the most common perception?

NAC: The most important change I've made is that Vampirella only strips down to her costume when in the heat of battle, instead of wearing it 24/7. But, basically, my job is to write stories with plots and character development that make her costume a non-issue.

DFW: What's up with Vampirella and Caillet? Is he going to try and get some play?

NAC: Tristan Caillet –as well as Madame Evily–is actually a reworking of a continuing character from the late 1970s Warren run of Vampirella. The original Tristan was her first lover from the planet Drakulon, who showed up in flashbacks and was often portrayed as being more of a true love than Adam Van Helsing. Since I never liked Adam Van Helsing that much, and preferred Tristan, I figured it was time Vampi had a romantic partner who not only appreciates her abundant charms, but can also relate to her on a level no human suitor ever could.

DFW: Beyond your work in comics, you're best known for your Sonja Blue vampire novels. What is it about vampires that sparks your imagination and inspires you?

NAC: Vampires are a handy metaphor. They are the monsters that look like us. Hell, they used to be us. They can be villains or heroes, lovers or fiends, depending on the situation. They're extremely flexible, and make for a wonderful dark mirror in which to reflect the cruel/predatory aspect of human nature. My take on vampirism tends more towards the hardboiled/noir, as opposed to the romantic/gothic versions, but that just goes to illustrate their versatility.

DFW: Who would win in a fight, Vampirella or Sonja Blue?

NAC: That's a hard one to call. Ideally, they would team-up, but I know that's not how it works in comics. Vampirella has certain powers Sonja Blue doesn't—such as flight—but when it comes right down to it, Sonja is far more hardcore than Vampirella has ever thought of being. It's the difference between being born a vampire and being made one against your will.

For more on Vampirella #7, click here.

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