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    MotU Creator Spotlight: The Vial of Egeria

    Posted on Posted in News

    Welcome to another creator spotlight for the Museum of the Uncanny anthology, which is currently on Kickstarter. Today, we’re sharing our interviews with Simon Birch (writer), Felipe Sobreira (artist) and Dan Carvalho (colorist) from the team behind “The Vial of Egeria”. The letterer for this comic, Marin, who also worked on some other comics in this anthology, is featured in the special letterers edition of this series.

    How long have you been creating comics or working in your role?

    Simon Birch: A year and a half.

    Felipe Sobreira: About 3 years.

    Dan Carvalho: I started working with comics in 2020, shortly after the pandemic began. I was unemployed and stuck at home, so a colorist friend (Arthur Hesli) taught me how to do flat pages. Since then, I’ve evolved a lot doing flat pages and I also wanted to try my hand at colorizing. It’s a challenging journey but one that has introduced me to incredible people!

    Who or what are some of your creative influences?

    SB: Alan Moore, Kieron Gillen, Phillip Glass, J Dilla, Brian Eno.

    FS: I am inspired and influenced by artists such as Greg Capullo, Ivan Reis, Mike Deodato, Jorge Jimenez, Pepe Larraz, Netho Diaz and many others.

    DC: Arthur Hesli, JP Jordan, Fabi Marques, Marcio Menyz and Alex Guimarães.

    What drew you to working on indie comics in particular?

    SB: I always want to be involved directly in whatever art I love.

    FS: I am pursuing a full time career in comics as an artist. The indie industry is certainly more exciting due to its diversity of genres (superheroes, horror, comedy, etc). However, my goal is to try and bring stories to life in the best way I can. If that happens in the indie market or any other comics market that accepts me, I will be happy!

    DC: I think independent comics allow for more opportunities to be creative and try new things, maybe even breaking the rules a bit to explore different ways of telling stories.

    What inspired you to write this particular story?

    SB: The history of any place is always so rich. I often find the smallest fact about somewhere or something and that’s usually enough spark for me to expand out from there. Once I have that I start to be able to say something I want to say about the world or life today.

    What did you enjoy most about making this story?

    FS: The story is very interesting since Simon obviously did a lot of research and know a lot about London and its history. I specifically found it very challenging to try to depict some places from London accurately. Not only that, the story features a lot of dialogue and facial reactions from the characters. Having to do that in a convincing way is always a challenge.

    DC: I enjoyed working with a character made of water and the way her body reacts to the environment.

    If the object in your story were real, would you want to see it in the museum—or avoid it at all costs?

    SB: I’d want to see it as long as it’s in a hidden back room and I have to put on those white gloves!

    FS: If I did grasp the object correctly, I do believe it is a dangerous one. However, showcasing it in the Museum would certainly serve as a warning for the ones that don’t appreciate and respect nature.

    DC: I should want to stay away, but I know curiosity would draw me to it.

    What are some other comics or projects you’ve worked on (past or current)?

    SB: I have a sci-fi story in the forthcoming Edges of Oblivion by Studio INTI and another in Untold Gods 2 by Paganini Stories.

    FS: I’ve just finished the second issue of Kill Stan. It is a story featuring a common man that wants to end his life by becoming a vigilante. Instead, he ends up becoming a hero for saving people in his city. I am now working on the third issue. I’ve also worked on some stories for Advent Comics that haven’t been published yet.

    DC: Gamer Girl and Vixen Vol 2.

    Which project are you proudest of, and why?

    SB: This one! I’ve wanted to tell a story about the forgotten rivers of London for so long and I’m happy I get to do it.

    FS: I will have to quote the great Bryan Hitch on this one: “The next one”.

    DC: Both projects make me proud, each on their own merits. Gamer Girl and Vixen for being a team’s take on those characters; “The Vial of Egeria” for being part of a project that brings together several artists in a collaborative work.

    Are you working on anything exciting right now that you’d like to share?

    SB: I’m working on pitches to publishers, comics for other anthologies and my own self-published stuff.

    FS: Besides “The Vial of Egeria”, I would mention Kill Stan.

    DC: Currently, I’m doing flat pages for other colorists, but I’m also applying for colorist positions for other comics.

    How can we find you online and learn more about your work?

    SB:

    FS:

    DC:

    Make sure you check out Museum of the Uncanny on Kickstarter to support the talented creators of “The Vial of Egeria” and the other spooky comics.

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