Life From Death Is The Lady’s Anniversary
Dec 20, 2018
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by Vince Brusio
Brian Pulido has been in the game since 1998, and that is a track record to be admired…and feared. Brian learned the art of not compromising, and now he is a steamroller over at Coffin Comics, showing the little leaguers how to do things the right way, how to get it done, and how the Lady Death: The Reckoning #1 25th Anniversary Edition (DEC181781) is testament to the legacy of his imagination. In this PREVIEWSworld exclusive interview, Brian Pulido reminds us all to give the Lady her due. Or else.
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Vince Brusio: How will this book endear itself to new readers who may need an introduction to the legacy of Lady Death?
Brian Pulido: This story, “Twilight of Innocence” is the perfect introduction to Lady Death. By the end of this issue, you will know if this story is for you or not. It sets up her entire mythology.
Lady Death is a tale of innocence betrayed and then reborn as a powerful force capable of challenging the very roots of evil itself. Once, she was a beautiful, young woman named Hope, but tricked by demons, she renounced her humanity to save her mother’s soul and was condemned to Hell. To know her is to know a woman cursed, but to oppose her is to know eternal agony.
Vince Brusio: As this book returns to the days when pioneering artist Steven Hughes first brought Lady Death to life, how does that bring things full circle for you, given that you and Steven started the journey together?
Brian Pulido: I created Lady Death in 1998 and developed her look and costume as I originally wrote the Evil Ernie screenplay, and then the Evil Ernie comic scripts. I provided that work along with layouts I did of each page to Steven, and he breathed life into this world I created.
My creative collaboration with Steven Hughes and the time he and I spent together, particular our early years, was magical. It wasn’t always easy, but we knew our collaboration was unique and special.
The passage of time… it doesn’t feel like twenty-five years have passed at all!
Vince Brusio: Tell us what’s so special about this 25th Anniversary Edition? How is it a fitting self-contained tribute to the long history of Lady Death adventures?
Brian Pulido: This book is Lady Death’s Testament. Beyond re-mastering the color pages and lettering, we also provide a section in the back of the book that gives an intimate insight into the early creative process of bringing Lady Death to life. We celebrate her creation, and present it in a state-of-the-art manner.
Vince Brusio: How has the character changed over the years? How is Lady Death different today from when you first put her on paper back in the 90s?
Brian Pulido: When Lady Death began, she was a villain. She wanted the death of all life on earth to lift a curse Lucifer had put on her. It was a wonderfully ambitious, nihilistic goal. Since then, she’s evolved into a cold-hearted anti-hero, particularly since I’ve published her at Coffin Comics these last four years.
I’d like to think that the heart of the character is exactly the same as it was twenty-five years ago.
Vince Brusio: Do you think “timeless” would be a good descriptive adjective to describe the white-skinned diva of death? What might be a better descriptor? How would you characterize the Lady today, and what her standing is in the world of independent comics?
Brian Pulido: Yes, timeless is apt. There is something timeless about the character.
I’d describe Lady Death as a fiercely independent woman who takes no sh*t from anyone. She is beholden to no one. She is in command of her destiny. She blazes her own trails.
I’d characterize Lady Death as one of the most dominant, iconic, enthralling characters in independent comics history. She stands among the greats!
And you know what? Her story has just begun!
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Vince Brusio writes about comics, and writes comics. He is the long-serving Editor of PREVIEWSworld.com, the creator of PUSSYCATS, and encourages everyone to keep the faith...and keep reading comics.
Check out this other Lady Death title that's in stock and ready to order from your local comic shop!
