Rafael Scavone’s Hailstone came out several years ago, and now he’s returning to his horror sandbox with his new 5-issue comic Devil’s Luck: A Hailstone Story from Comixology Originals and Stout Club Entertainment. Cemetery Dance spoke to Scavone about collaborating with artist Eduardo Ferigato, the story’s historical setting, and what he thinks the elements for a good horror comic are.
Be sure to stick around after the interview for a special preview of The Devil’s Luck!
(Interview conducted by Danica Davidson)
CEMETERY DANCE: What was your experience like revisiting the world of Hailstone?
RAFAEL SCAVONE: It was a cozy experience, like home. Returning to the town of Hailstone was actually on my plans since the first book, Hailstone, in 2021. The idea consists in creating this imaginary isolated settlement to serve as my own “horror sandbox” where I could craft several stories spanning various historical eras. I’ve already written other horror tales set there that I plan to continue developing into scripts.
How did you collaborate with Eduardo?
Despite typically having defined roles in the comic-making process, I genuinely appreciate when the artist I’m co-creating with contributes to the narrative, character development, or any other aspect that improves the overall work. With Eduardo this process was very collaborative. Besides coming out with a special tailored art and color style, only for this series, when I first handed him the story’s outline he also brought a cool idea for the ending scene that summed up a lot and added to the series outcome.
As a historian, what intrigued you about the time and place this story is set?
Two historical aspects from that era shaped my writing process. The first involved the disillusionment stemming from a generation’s shattered hopes — people who had envisioned prosperity and a brighter future following WWI, only to be devastated by the 1929 Stock Market Crash and the subsequent Great Depression. The second was the gold prices, which reached unprecedented heights during the Depression’s darkest periods, widening the gap between rich and poor and frequently driving people in desperation toward violent means of survival. These factors felt like compelling ingredients for a horror narrative, and the setting — the bleak, snow-covered Hailstone — appeared to be an ideal backdrop for such a tale.
You said Devil’s Luck “has all the elements of a good horror comic.” What do you think are all the elements of a good horror comic?
I think that suspense and anticipation come first. The narrative must deliver just the necessary amount for readers to move on in the speed you want, which, in my opinion, must also gain speed in some moments. Another element is the setting, which should add to the fears you’re playing in your story. And a third element is character, interesting and troubled characters, with real fears and dreams but facing intriguing challenges. I’m certain we can elect a few more elements, but I think these three form the basic building blocks.
What do you hope readers will take away from Devil’s Luck?
The story explores themes of greed and treachery, but it equally explores the idea of believing in something, regardless of whether it’s considered “good” or “evil.” I think people can also interpret it as self-belief or as devotion to money and wealth, like in a Capitalist nightmare narrative. I can promise readers that the series’ finale is genuinely unsettling, and I’m eager to discover how it resonates with those who read it.
Enjoy this Preview of
Devil’s Luck
