DEANNA DESTITO: How did you come up with this story?
CORIN HOWELL: Lilith started as a way to deal with my OCD and some past trauma that burned me on the inside. At first, it was just an illustration of this dark-haired woman who either slaughtered an enemy or ate a lover who had scorned her, thus sending her down a spiral of cannibalistic madness. But over time, as I drew her more and more, her personality started to take shape— this demonic creature lady that eats anyone that pisses her off. I have my friend Sasha to thank for coming up with the name “Lilith” when we were brainstorming names one day on Discord. I started seeing her as an outcast in the eyes of people she once trusted, and we follow her story as she picks up the pieces, similar to the trauma I’ve dealt with. I’m throwing in the blood, guts, and gore with a side helping of sexiness because I’m a horror fan.
DESTITO: There is definitely graphic content, but there is also a lighthearted, sweet side to this. Do you like to play with genres and themes in your work?
HOWELL: Usually I do. I mean, most of the stories I’ve written in the past (most, if not all of them, are fanfiction or fan comics/doujinshis) involve a hearty helping of angst and drama. But I like to balance it out. Otherwise, I feel like the reader is just going to be depressed. Especially with a story like Lilith where there are a lot of dark themes, I know it’s a strange combination to some, but I like mixing my angst with some humor and sweetness.
DESTITO: What has been your favorite part of putting this comic together?
HOWELL: If I had to choose, I would definitely say drawing it. Writing it can only go so far for me. I love visualizing the scenarios. Especially with the more I draw out the story, the more of these character’s personalities come together, and I get to see how they handle whatever conflict comes their way. Also, it’s making me embrace my manga influence a lot more.
DESTITO: How has it been working with the creative team?
HOWELL: It’s been a BLAST. Everyone is so on board and supportive with this project. I feel like this project is making the team more open and feel really comfortable to work with because the story itself contains a lot of NSFW content. And honestly, how can you keep a straight face when I’m throwing out the panel shots of Lilith eating a man’s sausage?
DESTITO: How would you sell this story to someone who may be hesitant to read it because of the horror/NSFW content?
HOWELL: I would probably tell them that “It’s dark and kinda violent, and definitely not for kids, but it balances it out with a sweet little bookshop owner who loves to bake and take care of her friends. And cats. There’s cats too.”
DESTITO: Any teasers for upcoming issues?
HOWELL: Besides maybe some spicy pinups of Lilith in dark fashion— I won’t spoil much, but I can say there’s a sexy demon man that you might want to pounce or punch in the face. Oh, and some weird monsters too.
