STAIN #0 REDUX Outlaw Horror Comics Anthology on Kickstarter - Interview
- Michael G.
- 2 hours ago
- 7 min read
Introduction
The STAIN #0 REDUX Outlaw Horror Comics Anthology on Kickstarter marks a milestone for a long-running independent horror title rooted in creative freedom and grassroots support. Originally launched in the late 1990s and revived years later, STAIN has steadily evolved into an international horror anthology built on trust, collaboration, and unapologetic storytelling. With #0 REDUX, the project revisits its origins while expanding the scope, talent pool, and production quality. In this interview, the creator behind STAIN walks us through the project’s history, the meaning of “outlaw horror,” and how the anthology continues to grow through Kickstarter.
The Birth of STAIN
What sparked the creation of STAIN #0 REDUX Outlaw Horror Comics Anthology on Kickstarter, and what does “outlaw horror” mean to you as a creative statement?
Stain #0 Redux was a project I had thought about for the last couple of years. The original Stain launched way back in 1998, I resurrected it in 2015. Zero crowd funding was done, more of a grass roots movement to test the waters to see if readers still remembered us and if there was still interest in the title. Coming up on the anniversary of it I wanted to launch an issue in celebration of how far we've come and what we've accomplished. I didn't want to just reprint the original 40-page issue. My Stain collaborator Brandon and I wanted to expand upon what made that issue great. We've added 23+ additional pages of new story and art, went back and updated some of the original stories and wanted to improve upon the overall quality of the original with higher production and printing. It was a race against time to get it launched before the end of 2025 and I was told this is the worst time of year to launch and somehow, we managed to buck that trend with our most successful campaign yet.
Outlaw horror is a nod to my late great friend Glen Hammonds who ran Raw Comics out of LA Mirada California. He helped distribute books for many creators and companies and championed us little guys and really supported us. if we were labeled an outlaw comic company by him that was a badge of honor. So outlaw horror keeps that flame lit. We unapologetically test the waters with creative expression in story and art. We're not a book that tries to make a buck on gore and nudity there's substance to what we do, and I give creative freedom to everyone that works on it to push themselves on what outlaw horror means to them.
Why a #0 REDUX Issue
STAIN #0 REDUX revisits and reframes an earlier release. What was the motivation behind returning to issue #0, and what makes this REDUX edition different or more representative of the anthology’s vision?
We revisited Stain #0 for two main reasons. The first being a lot of my backers discovered Stain on the initial Kickstarter campaign for Stain #001 back in 2023 and were unaware of there even being a zero issue. So, while they've jumped on board with us and fully supported these last 4 issues, I wanted to make 0 available again but to do so just reprinting it just seemed lazy and a cash grab, so I wanted to go all out and provide them with almost another full book of content.
My previous production collaborator Todd had to bail after Stain #002, it was hard for him to keep up with the demands of working a full-time job and assisting with the book so by chance Brandon came in and assisted with it and then offered to take over duties moving forward. To do so though I wanted him to take on a bigger role and have a major voice in what I do. I wanted him to have some creative control over the design and art direction, and he has not disappointed. It's been a great collaboration between the two of us and I truly believe he's helped the readership grow.
Curating Horror Voices
As an anthology, STAIN brings together multiple creators and stories. What connects these voices, and how did you approach selecting stories that belong under the STAIN banner?
I'm very fortunate to have such a wide variety of creators from all around the world. Tim Tyler has been a longtime friend and truly a pioneer in the independent comic scene. He's been a part of Stain since it originally launched so always having him part of each issue is something special. I like to bring in artists that have influenced me and I've really admired. Some never worked much in American comics. Toshio Maeda is maybe one of the top 3-5 most influential manga artists in Japan, I've admired him for decades, so it's been an honor that he wanted to be a part of Stain. Rick Melton is one of the top illustrators and painters out there I fell in love with his work when Arrow Video first started releasing movies years ago. Ragne Naess is someone who didn't spend many years in comics but left a big impact on me so when he found me on social media I was thrilled to bring him back into comics. Ranarchy I discovered years ago and wanted to give him his big break and he's never disappointed and Jason Crager I was very familiar with his work but we kind of came together after the passing of our friend Glen Hammonds. Enrico Teodorani has been fantastic with always coming to me offering new material. I weeded out the guys who didn't pan out and really put together a terrific crew of not only talented individuals but just really good people that I consider friends. I think Stain #002 I had talent from 7 different countries involved so that was a pretty amazing accomplishment. My friendship with all of them really connects this book and gives it some soul.
Tone, Boundaries & Creative Freedom
STAIN positions itself as raw, unfiltered, and unconstrained by mainstream expectations. How important is creative freedom in this anthology, and where do you draw the line between horror, discomfort, and provocation?
Creative freedom is a big part of the book. I'm proud to say I only hire traditional artists. I don't want digital art, people that draw on a tablet and use clip studio, and absolutely no AI. I never want them to hold back; I want the best version of them.
Violence and nudity all serve a purpose but to do so does it always add to the story? That's where I test them to challenge themselves, I like the fact everyone will interrupt that differently. There are so many different levels of horror and what is perceived as horror that it's really limitless in storytelling. I love the fact that on any given day I can be working on my post-apocalyptic demon story The Devil's Pawn, the next week I'm working on my story Crimson loosely based on real life serial killer Joe Ball. Talk about polar opposites of horror! The only thing I deem off limits is politics. I want my book to be an escape from the current, violent political climate. I don't want to read anyone getting on their soap box preaching to me on their world views and I'm certainly not going to do that to my readers. I want them to have a book they can enjoy and escape reality from.
Why Kickstarter & The Future of STAIN
Why was Kickstarter the right platform to launch STAIN #0 REDUX, and how do you see this anthology evolving beyond this release?
Kickstarter has always been the biggest crowdfunding platform out there. While they've given Brandon and I some headaches on having to censor content on our campaign there's no denying they bring a lot of eyes in on your project, and we've been very fortunate to gain a lot of new readers through them. As for the future of Stain we will continue to push boundaries on storytelling and art. The crew and I put a lot of pressure on ourselves to deliver on what we've previously done and only look to improve upon it. There will be some more top end talent joining us this year as well so it's an exciting time to be doing this. Expect Stain #005 to launch in late Spring then Stain #006 to launch in the late Fall/Winter.
Thank you for taking us through the long journey of STAIN and the thinking behind #0 REDUX - it’s rare to see an anthology grow with this level of consistency and creative integrity.
The STAIN #0 REDUX Outlaw Horror Comics Anthology on Kickstarter stands as both a celebration of the past and a commitment to the future. By expanding rather than reprinting, embracing global talent, and maintaining strict creative principles, STAIN reinforces its identity as true independent horror. The project’s outlaw spirit isn’t about shock for its own sake, but about trust - trust in creators, in readers, and in storytelling that isn’t compromised. As new issues line up and the anthology continues to evolve, STAIN remains a powerful example of what long-term creator-driven publishing can achieve.
About the Creator
STAIN is produced by a veteran independent horror publisher whose work dates back to the late 1990s. Built on traditional art, long-term creative relationships, and grassroots support, STAIN brings together international horror creators under a shared philosophy of creative freedom, substance, and experimentation.
Frequently asked questions about STAIN #0 REDUX Outlaw Horror Comics Anthology on Kickstarter
What does “outlaw horror” mean?
Outlaw horror reflects a commitment to creative freedom, boundary-pushing storytelling, and honoring the independent spirit of horror comics.
Is STAIN an anthology series?
Yes. STAIN is a horror anthology featuring multiple creators and stories across each issue.
Does STAIN use AI or digital art?
No. STAIN works exclusively with traditional artists and does not use AI or digital illustration tools.
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