Building Our Dark World, One Page at a Time
Hey Hellsville heretics!
So we’re now about a quarter of the way through the first act, and every day, Hellsville is becoming more vivid and alive and I’m grateful to have you all on this journey with me.
As we push forward, your support is more important than ever. If you haven’t done so yet, please consider subscribing to stay updated with our progress. Your subscription helps build our community, and sharing Hellsville with your friends and fellow horror lovers helps spread the word even further. You can also follow me on social media to catch sneak peeks of character art. Every repost or share helps us reach a wider audience and grow this dark little corner into a thriving fan community.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to announce the upcoming release of some exclusive Hellsville sticker sets. These will feature some of the most iconic characters from the novel as well as some spooky conjuring’s that aren’t, and they’re perfect for adding a bit of Hellsville flair to your belongings. And just in time for Halloween, we’ll be launching the official Hellsville merch store! Expect some eerie gear that’s not just perfect for the spooky season but also for any horror fan looking to represent Hellsville year-round.
Now, for our new feature: the weekly character spotlight. With each update, we’ll shine a light on one of the unique characters from Hellsville, diving into their backstory, personality, and role in the graphic novel. It’s a chance to get to know the residents of Hellsville on a deeper level and see how they fit into the eerie world we're building. Along with detailed insights, we’ll also share concept drawings and some of their earliest incarnations, offering a glimpse into how these characters evolved from initial ideas to the final designs. Whether it’s a fan-favorite or a lesser-known character, the spotlight will give you a closer look at what makes them tick and why they’re an essential part of the story.
This week, we dive into the quirky world of Loonis, a uniquely endearing character from Hellsville. Known for the paper bag he wears over his head, Loonis is not just a small mutant with a mysterious facade; he's also the indispensable sidekick to Eek the bat. Together, they're known for their mischievous antics and chaotic adventures, bringing humour and unpredictability to the dark corners of Hellsville.
A small webcomic panel from 2005, capturing Loonis’ very first appearance, and my very early attempts at Photoshop effects. 🤦🏻♂️
An updated version from 2013, which showcases how Loonis' design (and my Photoshop skills) slowly matured over the years.
Backstory: Loonis' origins are shrouded in mystery and mutation. As the lore goes, he was born under the toxic shadows of Hellsville's darkest sewers. Emerging from the unintended consequences of hazardous waste, his creation was less of an evolution and more of an accident. From the beginning, Loonis was an outlier; his peculiar appearance marked by the paper bag he wears to hide his face, a symbol both of his origins and his desire to blend into the shadows from which he came.
His first encounter with Eek, the large anthropomorphic bat, was a turning point. It marked the beginning of a legendary partnership, turning two misfits into the heart of Hellsville's mischief and mayhem.
Early comic art from 2007 that features him alongside Eek the bat, illustrating the development of their dynamic as Hellsville’s most notorious duo.
Personality: Loonis is much more than his eccentric appearance suggests. Beneath the paper bag he possesses a brilliant mind, he is nervously witty, always quick with a quip, yet his humour often belies a deep-seated anxiety about his place in the world. Despite his fears, Loonis is incredibly resourceful, able to improvise and manipulate his way out of even the stickiest situations. His intelligence is his superpower, making him indispensable to his more brazen partner, Eek.
Role in the Graphic Novel: In the wider world of Hellsville and the graphic novel, Loonis serves as both comic relief and the emotional anchor of his duo with Eek. While Eek dives headfirst into chaos, Loonis is the strategist, often pulling them out of self-made disasters with his quick thinking and inventive solutions. His role extends beyond just supporting Eek; Loonis often acts as the voice of reason in their duo, his cautious nature tempering Eek’s impulsiveness.
Their escapades serve as crucial comic interludes that provide relief from more intense moments in the main storyline. Yet, Loonis' contributions aren’t merely for laughs. His actions often lead to significant plot developments, making him a key player in the unfolding drama of Hellsville. His unique perspective as a mutant who is neither fully supernatural nor entirely natural gives him—and by extension, the reader—a unique viewpoint on the events that shake their world.
Loonis’ journey through the graphic novel is also one of personal growth. His adventures with Eek challenge him to confront his insecurities and embrace his identity, paper bag and all. Through each challenge, Loonis learns to wield his intellect not just for survival, but for the betterment of those around him, proving that true heroism comes in many forms—even in the most unassuming.
Check out Loonis and other character lore over at the Character Profile section of the site
If you have subscribed to the mailing list make sure to reply with who you’d like to see as next week’s character spotlight!
Thank you all once again for being part of this journey. Your support, enthusiasm, and passion for Welcome to Hellsville and it’s characters are deeply appreciated and I look forward to updating everyone on progress next week!
Stay Spooky!
JS Comics
