Interview: Michael Moreci Gets Downright 'Barbaric!'
Jan 18, 2022
Interview by Troy-Jeffrey Allen
"Owen" may sound like a funny name for a barbarian, but I dare you to say that to his face! And I double dare you to say it to his face when he's brandishing Axe, his blood-guzzling weapon, of (somewhat) choice.
While you build up the courage to accept my challenge, you might as well know what it is you're getting yourself into. All can be explained in the pages of Barbaric (AUG212157), Vault Comics' insane sword-and-sorcery epic. One that promises tons of twisted humor and even more twisted, bloodied corpses.
In the following interview writer Michael Moreci explains exactly why Owen and "Axe" (first and last name) are not be trifled with. Keep scrolling...
Troy-Jeffrey Allen: Catch us up to speed. What is so barbaric about Barbaric?
Michael Moreci: Barbaric is the sweet, tender story of a barbarian named Owen, cursed to do the right thing, and his trusty companion Axe, a bloodthirsty, gets-drunk-on-blood sentient axe. Now swap out the words “tender” and “sweet” for “violent” and “irreverent” and you’re there.
TJA: Tell us about Axe and Owen. What makes these two such a delightful couple?
MM: They’re the perfect odd couple. Owen’s a barbarian—he does not want to be good or have any moral good. Axe is a living moral compass, forcing Owen into these situations that are always against the grain of his being. And the deeper they get into these situations, the more angry and grumpy Owen becomes while Axe, getting increasingly drunk on blood, constantly ups this ridiculous ante.
TJA: This must have some inspiration from other sword and sorcery stories, right? Any in particular?
MM: Weirdly, not really? You can of course point to Conan, but it’s not like I’m some Howard scholar. I’m reminded of how the Coen brothers talked about how O Brother Where Art Thou? is an adaptation of The Odyssey, yet they’d never read the book in their lives. I feel similar about Barbaric and sword and sorcery. I know the stories and genre enough, and that was my springboard for doing my own thing.
TJA: What made artist Nathan Gooden the right barbarian for this job?
MM: I’d argue Nate’s the right artist for any job! He’s one of the best in the game. But, for this—you know, I think Barbaric needs someone who has the same kind of twisted sense of humor as I do, which Nate has. Not only that, but Nate’s always upping what I do; he’s remarkably imaginative, and he brings so much to the book. He’s not just drawing what I write; he’s making it his own, too, and Barbaric wouldn’t be the same without him.
TJA: Looking forward, what can readers expect from Barbaric?
MM: We’re going to keep doing what we do. The engine of this book is to be a bloody and wild, and funny, fantasy romp, and we’re going to keep revving that engine. Sure, we have a ton of plans for the mythos and deepening the world, but we know what we are: We’re Barbaric!
TJA: In terms of audience, who is this book for?
MM: I think almost anyone. Barbaric is kind of the balm for all the serious-minded narratives out there, of which there are plenty. This book is fun. It’s big, it’s bold, it’s wild—it’s everything comics should be. And it has a talking Axe who gets drunk on blood. I don’t know who that’s not for.
Barbaric (AUG212157) is available now at comic shops. Reserve your copy today using PREVIEWSworld Pullbox!
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Welcome to the skull-cracking, blood-splattering, mayhem-loving comic brave enough to ask: How can a man sworn to do good do so much violence? Hah! F***ing with you. It's just BARBARIC.
Owen the Barbarian has been cursed to do good with what remains of his life. His bloodthirsty weapon, Axe, has become his moral compass with a drinking problem. Together they wander the realm, foredoomed to help any who seek assistance. But there is one thing Owen hates more than a life with rules: Witches.
Welcome to the skull-cracking, blood-splattering, mayhem-loving comic brave enough to ask: How can a man sworn to do good do so much violence? Hah! F***ing with you. It's just...BARBARIC."
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Troy-Jeffrey Allen is the producer and co-host of PREVIEWSworld Weekly. His comics work includes MF DOOM: All Caps, Public Enemy's Apocalpyse '91, Fight of the Century, the Harvey Award-nominated District Comics, and the Ringo Awards-nominated Magic Bullet.
