Ha, Ha. Witchblade again. I wonder if Top Cow is hearing Darkchylde as much. Ultimately, it's a compliment. Witchblade is a great looking book, make no bones about it. But the subject matter is worlds apart. I think, eventually, as more product becomes available, these differences will become more apparent. But if it helps people move books, I wouldn't mind if it was called "the next Anny Fanny."

Darkchylde will invariably be placed in the "Bad Girls" genre. How do you feel about being included in this group. And do you feel that it is justified?

Any book that shows a little skin, or has some sex appeal will be lumped into this group. The one that are well executed will survive, and the rest will disappear. I think some publishers, God bless them, take things a little too far. I'm going for sex appeal, sure, but with some class, hopefully. You won't be seeing any Darkchylde "buttshots" in my lifetime.

The sudden rise in the popularity among strong women characters over the last couple of years has been surprising, considering how long characters like Catwoman, Wonder Woman, and Vampirella have been around. Why do you think "Bad Girls" and central women characters have become so popular?

Two reasons, actually. One is that these books are, for the most part, drawn sexier than before. The colors are worlds apart. The comics are predominately male, and people get tired of guys running around in skin tight suits looking constipated and beating each other up all the time. I personally think that well drawn women look much better in those suits.

Why do you think your character -- Ariel Chylde -- would be popular?

Well, I can only speak for myself here, and what her appeal is to me personally. There are a lot of things that fascinate me about Ariel. Our society as a whole seems to have a fixation with beauty, and trying to attain it in some form. We see it in every media, every magazine, we're bombarded by it everyday. So, here's a girls who's gorgeous, right? She's got the supermodel legs, the hair, the lips... she should be queen of her universe. I mean, some people would kill to look like her, but she has a miserable life. We sometimes place so much emphasis on outward appearances that we forget that even if we had those things, maybe not much would really change. I also like the fact that Ariel is this shy, kind of introverted young girl, who isn't at all really in tune with herself, but ultimately has a heart of gold and only wants the best out of this life like the rest of us; but, y'know, incidentally she has this power to summon some of the most evil and vile creatures anyone could ever imagine. So there's definitely an internal conflict there. A nice dichotomy.

Sexuality and violence have become a key to the success of many titles over the last few years. What do you attribute this to? Are writer/artists creating it with their work -- pushing that borderline -- or are they just reacting to what the fans want?

Tough one. I think it's really just the world we live in. Do I think that some people cross the line? Sure. And I don't necessarily have a problem with crossing the line, as long as there is a point. The repercussions of people's actions should be played out. And I would like to hope that there is an underlying morality there, somewhere. Unfortunately, that is seldom the case.

How did you come up with the character?

Darkchylde is a melting pot of everything I would want to see in a comic, basically. You've got your teenage elements (i.e., Gen13), you've got your supernatural elements (Hellboy, Spawn), and you've got big monsters (a la Pitt -- which we don't see enough of) and to top it all off, you've got this sexy, but shy young lady, Ariel, who just happens to look like she stepped off the cover of Vogue. Film is also a big influence, primarily Nightmare On Elm Street (the first one, before it became silly) and the movie Angel Heart. Two really creepy films.

Plans are already in place for team-ups with other Maximum characters -- Avengelyne and Glory -- will she be appearing in any non-Maximum titles?

We'll see. There are certainly interesting combinations that I'd love to see happen. Spawn is one, Gen13 would be a real treat, I think, and the hands down most requested pairing would be with Witchblade. Whether any or all will ever see the light of day is anyone's guess. Some are certainly more possible than others.

What does the future hold for the character and the book? After speaking with Rob Liefeld recently, he seemed very excited about the book. Does this mean Maximum will extend Darkchylde into a regular series?

I would love to see a well done horror film, [with] either Niki Taylor or Jennifer Love Hewitt (Party Of Five) channeling all of these huge computer generated monsters from out of her nightmares that would put the dinosaurs in Jurassic Park to shame! I'd love to see an Ariel toy line, with all the different creatures, and an Ariel with snap on demon arms, flapping wings, and light-up eyes. I think that there certainly could be a future for the character, and hope that there will be. Ultimately, though, it's up to the people buying the book.

Will you be doing any other titles?

I'd like to stay with Darkchylde for awhile, and unfortunately, I'm just not fast enough to do more than one book at a time. If I killed myself, I could probably do it, but I wouldn't be proud of the quality of the product.

How did you get started in the business and what suggestions would you give someone trying to get into the field?

I got in by banging my head against the proverbial "brick wall" for many years until it finally crumpled in. The industry needs really talented new blood, so if you think you're the one, then do it. Make it happen, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Sure it's tough work, and disheartening at times, but how many people really get to do what they love? You gotta fight for it though, it's not gonna just fall in your lap.

Anything else?

I'd like to thank American Entertainment [and Mania Magazine] for their support of the title and for the opportunity for this forum. And oh yeah... Pick Up Darkchylde! Now Appearing At A Comic Book Store Near You!!!!!