Exploring the Fever Dream of Wretched: An Interview with Henrik Rehr and Jan Solheim
Dec 16, 2024
Step into the unsettling world of Wretched, a graphic novel that blurs the lines between nightmare and reality. Written by Danish creator Henrik Rehr and illustrated by Jan Solheim, Wretched follows a woman lost in a feverish, distorted world where language, trust, and reality fracture.
In this interview, Rehr and Solheim share the inspirations and challenges behind their collaboration, from navigating cultural dissonance to visually portraying vice and violence. With a narrative that plunges into psychological depths and haunting, meticulous art, Wretched invites readers to interpret its surreal chaos in their own way.
Check out the full interview below and discover how this unique and compelling graphic novel came to life. Arrives at your local comic shop this week on Wednesday, December 18!
Henrik Rehr (Author):
What inspired the surreal and crime-driven narrative of Wretched?
I emigrated from Denmark to the U.S. in 1992 and the experience of suddenly being in a different and somewhat unfamiliar culture, sparked the idea for the mood of the story.
How did your experience in Danish comics influence the story's structure and themes?
It didn’t. The structure and themes had nothing specific to do with Denmark. I grew up reading books and comics and watching movies and TV-shows from all over the world. Any ideas I get are born out of that mix.
Wretched seems to delve into psychological and moral complexities—what message do you hope readers take away?
I never hope that my readers take any particular message away from my work. I am most happy when readers find their own way to interpret a story.
How did you balance the surreal elements with the gritty crime aspects in the storytelling?
I am not sure I did. I tried.
Was there any particular event or real-life influence that shaped the plot or characters?
Please see the answer to question 1.
How was the collaboration process with Jan Solheim, especially in aligning the narrative with the visual style?
I wrote the script and Jan drew it. I have worked in different capacities in comics, both as a writer for other artists, and as an artist drawing scripts written by others. I think it is important in any collaboration to give room for the other participants to make decisions and interpret a story in their own way. I don’t like to interfere. Trust the artist and get out of their way.
What are some of the challenges you faced while writing this story, considering its surreal elements?
The same challenges as with writing any story, I guess. Trying to convey something that does not appear incomprehensible without being overly obvious. It really is a balancing act.
Do you see Wretched as a standalone work, or could there be future stories set in the same universe?
I would love to do another book in the same universe, if I get the right idea.
Jan Solheim (Illustrator):
What was your approach to illustrating the surreal yet crime-filled world of Wretched?
My focus was to find an intimate and unnerving visual tone. I experimented with the panel structure and finally decided on the current one.
How did you visually interpret the psychological depth and vice-driven aspects of the story?
I wanted to convey the story´s nightmarishly feeling/tone, and I concentrated on not being too “cute” in my visualization of the characters.
Your line work has been described as meticulous—how did you adapt your style to fit the mood of this particular tale?
I suppose that is true. It came quite intuitively though, when I read Henriks script.
Were there any specific influences (artistic or otherwise) that guided your illustrations for Wretched?
In this particular case I recall being inspired by early and mid-20th century printing.
How did you collaborate with Henrik to ensure that the illustrations matched the tone and themes of the narrative?
Henrik did insure me that I could interpret the story as I saw fit, which was liberating.
Did you face any unique challenges when visually conveying the surreal aspects of the story?
That would probably be the violence. I’m not used to portraying hardcore violence.
Are there any particular panels or sequences in Wretched that you’re especially proud of, and why?
I really like the sequence at the Gallery. I like the interaction between the characters.
How do you see your illustration style evolving in future collaborations with Henrik or other projects?
I certainly would love to both work in this style again, as well as with Henrik. My style of work usually changes from project to project depending on the content.
Wretched: Surreal Tale of Vice & Crime (OCT241446) hits your local comic shop this Wednesday, December 18th. Find it at your local comic shop!
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