Fabrizio Aiello is a multi-disciplined artist, including 3d, comics, and illustration. Bringing a bronze age style to indie comics in 2019, he introduced the title, Horace H. Hoover, bringing a new type of occult detective combined with a traditional superhero. Fabrizio is the sole creator of H.H. Hoover, with several titles planned under his imprint Gloomy Wood Comics.

In this episode, Nicky P interviews Fabrizio, a multi-talented comic book creator and programmer, who discusses his work on Horace H. Hoover, a unique 1920s occult detective series. Fabrizio shares his creative process, including writing, drawing, inking, and coloring the comic, which blends elements of horror, pulp fiction, and a dash of humor reminiscent of Mr. Bean or Douglas Adams. Currently a five-issue mini-series, Fabrizio is deep into the production of issue four.

Fabrizio’s journey into comics is explored, noting his divergence from traditional superhero themes in favor of more eclectic and narrative-driven storytelling, influenced by works like Sin City and Hellboy. He highlights the importance of hope in his stories, offering an antidote to the dark, nihilistic trends that have dominated modern comics and media.

The conversation delves into the psychological effects of consuming dark and horror-themed content, with Nicky P sharing his personal experiences from a 105-night horror movie marathon. Fabrizio reflects on the impact such content has on creators, leading him to embrace a more optimistic tone in Horace H. Hoover.

Fabrizio also touches on his career as a game developer, where he combines programming with creative storytelling, although he notes the differences between the game development industry and comic book creation. The episode concludes with a discussion on the artistic value of video games, recognizing their potential as a medium for profound storytelling.

Diving deeper into the evolution of storytelling within video games and its impact on the broader media landscape. Nicky P reflects on how video game narratives have grown into some of the most compelling stories in mass media today, highlighting the shift of talented writers into the gaming industry.

However, Nicky P also shares his personal experience of moving away from modern games, noting a shift towards MMORPGs and open-world formats that offer less directed narratives. He contrasts this with older, more cohesive games like Bioshock Infinite, which he praises for its incredible storytelling and artistry.

The conversation then shifts to the intersection of music, visual art, and gaming. Nicky P discusses how album art and imagery from his Catholic upbringing influenced his creative journey. He delves into the psychological impact of grand narratives found in religious iconography and classic rock and metal album covers, which shaped his appreciation for storytelling in various media.

The discussion also touches on the transition from physical to digital media and its effect on how stories and artwork are consumed. Nicky P reminisces about the tactile experience of exploring album covers and liner notes, expressing concern that future generations may miss out on this formative experience.

Finally, the conversation turns to the world of comics and crowdfunding. Nicky P discusses his own experience with crowdfunding for his comic book projects, weighing the benefits of creating a storefront versus launching a traditional crowdfunding campaign. He explores the psychology behind crowdfunding, emphasizing the importance of creating a sense of community and urgency around supporting creative projects.

In this episode, Nicky P and Fabrizio discuss some experiences and insights on the evolution of marketing for musicians and how it parallels with comic book creation. He emphasizes the importance of treating every gig as an event rather than just a performance, noting that creating a sense of occasion can make people more inclined to invest their time and attention. Reflecting on Kiss’s first show, he highlights how their commitment and high-value approach impacted the perception of their work. Fabrizio also delves into the significance of maintaining a singular vision in creative projects, balancing collaboration with staying true to core ideas to ensure authenticity. He critiques the lack of authenticity in corporate marketing compared to the genuine connections found in independent creative fields.

Discussing his comic book, Fabrizio explains his choice of a vintage color palette inspired by the Bronze Age, contrasting it with modern trends that wouldn’t suit his project. He shares his diverse artistic background and how it influences his comic book work, expressing a desire for his future documentary to reflect his broad artistic sensibility and unique approach. Fabrizio wraps up by inviting listeners to check out his comic book and expressing gratitude for the engaging conversation.