Talking With Mark Russell About His Sweet And Nutritious Gothic Satire ‘Cereal’

This week sees the release of Cereal, the collected comic strips from writer Mark Russell and artist Peter Snejbjerg that recasts the fun, but freaky, cereal box mascots of our youth into a Hammer style horror satire. But, a satire with a lot of heart. I loved the series from the moment it dropped in AHPY Comics’ Edgar Allen Poe’s Snifter of Terror #1, and was quite giddy at the opportunity to see this one wrap up as a collection with three all-new additional chapters to round off this very satisfying series. Plus, it gave me a chance to catch up with Russell and chew the fat…

Olly MacNamee: Like a Kellogg’s Variety Pack, we’re getting every tasty instalment of your gothic collected. So, how does it feel to be able to draw this saga to a satisfying conclusion after so long?

Mark Russell: It’s very gratifying. If, for no other reason, than so that people can see that I actually had an ending in mind. 

MacNamee: Of course, the unique spin of this series is your fun takes on cereal mascots of our collective childhoods, gleefully playing up their supernatural side. Was the story that grew out of these morning cereal mascots something that came, or did it take some time to connect the dots in creating such an emotive story? Did anything change over the course of the series?

Russell: I wrote the first installment thinking that would be the only one. But when they (by which I mean Tom Peyer at AHOY) asked me if I’d be interested in doing one for each upcoming issue of their Edgar Allan Poe anthology, I began to think of them more as a saga. An ongoing narrative about their world and how they each came to be monsters. 

MacNamee: Speaking about change, as the plot progresses the dialogue seems to take on a more literary style akin to Poe and the other greats of Gothic Literature. These “monsters” become highly sympathetic, tragic characters the reader cannot help but take to heart. Less satire and more highly-emotive, tragic, lonely souls looking for redemption, revenge and peace. Was the change in language, in particular, and tone intentional or a byproduct of a series of stories that were written over several years?

Russell: These were written over such a long stretch of time that not only did the story evolve, but I was evolving as a writer as well. But I think that happens whenever you write anything for long enough. You begin to get deeper into it. You stop forcing the story to do what you want it to and start allowing yourself to go where the story takes you. 

MacNamee: You always seem to be blessed with artists most suited to each one of your series. And in Peter Snejbjerg we get the perfect fit once again. Described in a foreword by Shannon Wheeler as “Mike Mignola and Bernie Wrightson, with hints of Roger Corman.” I’d go further and throw Roger Corman into the mix too, given the world you and Snejbjerg create. How did this pairing come about?

Russell: For this stroke of genius, I have to credit Tom Peyer. He’s the one who thought of Peter and reached out to him about drawing this series. Peter, not being American, didn’t have the same connection to these breakfast cereal ads that I did. They were such a big part of my childhood. But he was an inspired choice to draw them. Maybe, in part, because he didn’t bring any baggage with him. 

MacNamee: And how much input did he have in creating this appropriately Roger Corman-esque world? What kind of notes did you give him and how much did he pour into this world of gothic grandeur and sugar-soaked sensibilities?

Russell: I sent him reference pics of the characters and general descriptions of their personalities and demeanor, but other than that, the look and texture of these characters is all Peter and what he brought to the page. 

MacNamee: One last question. Having enjoyed this series from start to finish, I must ask whether we expect any extra helpings any time soon? It does seem like a world rich in stories as well as fortified vitamins.

Russell: No, sadly. I’m afraid this is it. At least for now. Though I suppose Yummy Mummy and the Sugar Crisp Bear are still out there. 

MacNamee: As ever, Mark, it’s always a pleasure to catch up. And great to be able to quiz you on a particular favourite strip of mine too.

Russell: Hey, thanks, Olly! Great talking to you as always. 

Cereal is out Wednesday 11th October from AHOY Comics