“I May Be The First Writer To Invent A Demon-Possessed Fake [Redacted]” — Interviewing ‘Devlin Waugh’ Writer Aleš Kot About His Return

It’s been a while since 2000 AD‘s favorite and only(?) vampire exorcist made an appearance in Judge Dredd Megazine, but this month returning writer Aleš Kot will be joined by artist Steven Austin, colorist Matt Soffe, and letterer Simon Bowland for a whole new round of demon-fighting antics courtesy of Devlin Waugh. For more on what to expect, check out this interview with Kot below:

Bellwoar: Devlin returning to the Meg may be good news for readers but it’s probably bad news for someone else. Is there any tea you can spill about the occult threat Devlin will be facing this time?

Aleš Kot: Americans.

Bellwoar: For us it’s been over two years since we last saw Devlin — but how much time has passed for him?

Kot: God, I have no idea. Time is an illusion so it’s really hard to determine what the right answer even would be, as it’s not something that really crossed my mind, but thankfully we’re in the arts, so I can simply say, God, I really have no idea, but that’s the artistic intent, you know– I am leaving that space open so the reader can bring their own imagination into the mix, look at how wise and artistic I am. But realistically, it just never crossed my mind, and I’m content with that. It’s been a while for Devlin and the company, but not too long. Maybe.

Bellwoar: Devlin Waugh not only provides space for filth. The series demands it. Have you experienced any firsts while writing this strip, in terms of things you never thought you’d get to do in a comic strip panel?

Kot: I mean, I do suspect I may be the first writer to invent a demon-possessed fake cock and make him one of the core characters of an ongoing narrative of any kind, yes. There’s some orgies in the next few, but those are fairly mundane, at least up to the part where something goes horribly wrong after one of them. But I’d be getting ahead of myself there.

Bellwoar: When you can’t go out in daylight or have hang-ups about drinking blood then being a vampire matters, but with Devlin it’s easy to forget he’s undead sometimes. What’s it like to write for a vampire who doesn’t suffer from constant angst?

Kot: It’s a relief, because as a vampire who suffers from near-constant angst I naturally sway towards that extreme, and Devlin helps me remember the different, more easy-going parts of myself. The writing part is great. He’s a charming asshole with a complex inner life and a heart of, well, some of it may be gold. He likes steroids and arts. He hangs with demons. He appreciates the finer things in life. He gets into all kinds of very exciting trouble. He can also be vain and small-minded and manipulative. And he’s so into flower arranging. Makings of an exciting character, if you ask me.

Bellwoar: Not to call Devlin old, but his debonair style does give him the air of a vampire from another time, and not the future. Do you think they’ll come a day when Devlin will consider parting ways with his moustache?

Kot: That’s an odd question. Has having style suddenly gone out of style?

Bellwoar: It was easy to be wary of Titivillus when he was in demon form, but a talking dildo can be so disarming. Do you think other demons should take note and start possessing inanimate objects more often? Can you tell us more about Titivillus in this story?

Kot: I think there’s enough demons as is– I mean, look at the world we live in. So less demons, more getting in touch with one’s inner daemon, if you ask me. As to this story… Titivillus is taking a bit of a break here, he’s being the concerned friend after all Devlin’s gone through – but hey, they do go clubbing, which means they both put on some leather and something very strange happens with their bottle of Poppers. And that’s before the chainsaw man and the dancefloor thing…

Bellwoar: Thanks for agreeing to this interview, Aleš (and sorry for the dig at Devlin’s moustache — that was uncalled for)!

Devlin Waugh returns in Judge Dredd Megazine #465, out February 21st from 2000 AD.