Exclusive: Discussing ‘Dark Spaces: Dungeon’ With Artist Hayden Sherman

IDW’s Dark Spaces anthology series continues to branch out under the watchful eye of writer Scott Snyder. The franchise began with the Wildfire series and has branched out to Hollywood Special and Good Deeds. Now, Snyder reunited with Wildfire artist Hayden Sherman for Dark Spaces: Dungeon, the first issue of which is now in comic book shops.

Comicon.com caught up with Sherman to discuss the artistic style they bring to the book as well as their reaction to the menacing “Tell no one” sign that is a terrifying high point of the book. And as a special bonus, IDW has shared some exclusive images from issue #2, which is due out December 13, 2023.

Tom Smithyman: I guess this is one way to become a dungeon master, huh? Have you ever played Dungeons &Dragons or any other role-playing games?

Hayden Sherman: I’ve only played a little D&D. I’ve had more chances to play a one-page RPG called Honey Heist, which is a total blast.

Smithyman: You’ve received lots of well-deserved praise for your work on the Dark Spaces: Wildfire series. Will you vary your artistic style for Dungeon?

Sherman: My approach to Dungeon is definitely different in some key ways. Mostly in that I’m ink-washing the pages now, so I can fully light each scene. On top of that, Patricio Delpeche is bringing a whole new voice to the color in this book that feels appropriately grim for the sort of dark thriller we’re telling.

Smithyman: How do you describe your style? What are your biggest influences in general and for these series in particular?

Sherman: I have no clue how I’d describe my style. I try to adapt my way of drawing and making to serve whatever story I’m setting out to tell. Drawing one way becomes pretty boring for me. It’s always more fun to stay loose and reactive, trying to match the energy that the story asks for.

Overall some of my biggest influences right now are artists like Phillipe Druillet, Sergio Toppi, Cam Kennedy, and Al Williamson.

For Dungeon (off the top of my head) I’d say a lot of inspiration is coming from people like David Fincher, Ridley Scott, and Alfred Hitchcock. Those influences show up pretty prominently in the lighting cues and the more straightforward paneling choices. That no-fluff cinematic quality is something I hope to impart to this book.

Smithyman: What is it like working with Scott Snyder? Is there a lot of back-and-forth collaboration between the two of you or do you get a script and execute against it?

Sherman: Scott’s the best. It’s back and forth from start to finish for the two of us. At this point we tend to refine each issue all along the process of making it. From his draft, to my layouts, to conversations about plot points, to scripts, to art, and then back to him for a final dialogue pass. It’s a very lively process.

Smithyman: There’s a threatening “Tell no one” sign on the dungeon wall, which seems like the ultimate dare – almost like telling someone not to think about pink elephants. What your reaction be to seeing a sign like that?

Sherman: I honestly don’t know! Fingers crossed I never have to figure out what my reaction would be.

Smithyman: Do you have any news on the television adaptation of Wildfire? How exciting would it be to see your illustrations brought to life on the screen?

Sherman: No news to share just yet! But it’s such a thrill to know people have taken an interest in adapting it. It’s a book I’m incredibly fond of.

Smithyman: The dungeon in question is filled with torture devices. Let’s say that a review pans the series. What device – real or imagined – would you put him in to inflict the maximum pain possible?

Sherman: Oh. That’d be a wild thing to do. To each their own. No interest in putting people in dungeons here.

Smithyman: Well you’re a nicer guy than I am! Best of luck with the new series – and hopefully the TV adaptation.