Kristofor Harris is an artist out of Kansas City and won’t hit me back with two godd@*n lines of biographical information no matter how many times I beg or threaten him. Most recently, he drew the backup story for the final issue of Unearth from Image Comics.
Full disclosure: Kristofor is the only member of the GREEN INFERNO team with whom I had a previous working relationship. We co-created the still-forthcoming Body Horror series, CRAZY EIGHTS, and he was the only artist I even considered for an eye-catching, mind-melting cover worthy of the talent inside the pages of GREEN INFERNO...
GI: Let’s start basic: what are your favorite Horror stories, in comics, fiction, film?
KH: That's tough; I'm kind of all over the place with my favorites. I really love stories
that don't just focus on cheap thrill and spectacle but tell interesting stories with cool
characters. As an artist I’m always focused on the artwork, but if you have a cool premise
and execution, I'm in. In comics I tend to gravitate toward Manga. Series like Gantz, Berserk
and Ichi the Killer (yes, i count them!) and, more recently, Tokyo Ghoul, fire me up and are beautifully crafted stories.
GI: I’m embarrassed to say, I had no idea Ichi the Killer was originally Manga.
I’ll have to look that one up; the film is such a delightful nightmare.
KH: As far as American stuff: I love older stuff like Creepy Magazine, but I also adore
Hellboy, From Hell, and I would throw Sandman in there. I love 80s horror movies,
but we are in a golden age of horror film right now; go ahead and treat yourself
and get a subscription to Shudder!
GI: My Shudder subscription essentially kept me alive during quarantine.
You and Jordan Kroeger (who appears elsewhere in GREEN INFERNO) are both
from the Kansas City area. KC’s got quite a kickass Comics scene that doesn’t
necessarily get (or need!) the attention that some other places do. What are y’all
drinking in the water there?
KH: Man, I really don't know. I honestly feel so fortunate to share this city with such
wonderful and cool people. The studio I couch-surf in is home to some insanely creative
and skilled dudes. I'm in a group with KC creators that chat and meet (when there isn't a
global pandemic) and bounce ideas off of each other and it's just refreshing that there isn't
any jealousy here; we are happy to see each other find success. Jordan is the best too;
love that guy’s work, and he’s a cool dude as well.
GI: I know you as a restless explorer of both technique and subject matter. What’s
stoking your fire these days?
KH: Art is a hobby of mine, even though it's part of my profession. I love trying new
mediums. Currently I've jumped into watercolor and I love it!
I tend to burn the candle at both ends, but I'm always exploring ways to get
better and hone my craft. I have a soft spot for Spanish/Mexican/South
American artists, and I’ve been diving head first into finding great stories they’re
telling. It's no secret I love Mathias Bergara (please go buy everything he has
made!) but I’m also a huge fan of Carlos Dearmas, Xurxo G. Penalta, and my
homie here in KC: Baldemar Rivas.
GI: When pencil or brush are not in hand, you are...?
KH: I really enjoy exercising and working out, despite what my dad bod might say.
I share a home with my partner Laura Lee, a fabulous teacher, and our
daughter Leanora.
I love video games but never have time to play them; send me a message,
though, and we can argue which Legend of Zelda game is the best video game
of all time.
GI: That’s easy, the original one...also I haven’t played any video games since NES
Classic, don’t @ me.
How have you and the family been coping with the 2020 shitstorm?
KH: ...As well as I feel I can. My whole household had COVID in November; that
really sucked. I've made an effort to try and get out of my hole and engage
more with friends and family, but I'm hoping the silver lining of 2020, despite all
the political chaos, is that we learn that we need each other, that together we
are stronger.
GI: Dude, you manage to muster a lot more optimism than I do. Kudos.
KH: I always try to stay positive, but I encourage everyone to find something
creative to do. Write a poem, draw a doodle, make a movie, whatever you can
to siphon those hard feelings and find some respite in this big weird world we are
living in right now.