Latinx Heritage in Horror Month 2024: An Interview with Alejandro Gomez
What inspired you to start writing?
When I started my self-published comic book series, one of the many roles alongside drawing was the writing process. Being a visual person, writing out details to convey the image to the reader is important. Music certainly has its inspiration, especially the lyrics. My love for Siouxsie and The Banshees’ music inspires me because their songs read like stories, and always painted a vivid image for me to draw on.
Tell us about your work in 25 words or less.
My work is visual and ethereal from the horror/drama comic book series to a short film series about a family of three hunting vampires.
What was it about the horror genre that drew you to it?
The horror genre has always been in my life since watching The Exorcist when I was five years old. It’s the creative process that goes into making horror stories and movies that are downright fun for me. It’s the sense of controlling the fear rather than the fear controlling me.
Do you make a conscious effort to include LatinX characters and/or themes in your writing and if so, what do you want to portray?
Being Colombian-American and growing up in Southern Arizona, I’m immersed in the Latinx culture, both traditional and modern. At the same time, no one in the Latinx neighborhood portrayed their heritage with their fashion, creativity, stories, language, and family pride. There was no self-declaration unless to educate. The characters I create aren’t just a ‘Latinx man/woman/them,’ they are just a ‘man/woman/them.’ It’s merely humanizing my Latinx characters and allowing them to tell their rich background to the audience as they’re put into dire situations.
What has writing horror taught you about the world and yourself?
The horror community is the nicest people in the world. Not speaking for myself, horror writers and creators put their terror and pain on the page. Once outside that world, they’re engaging and kind. I’m not sure what writing horror has taught me, I’ll always be learning, an amateur.
How have you seen the horror genre change over the years? And how do you think it will continue to evolve?
I’ve noticed in the comic book and indie filmmaking industry that the writing has stepped up their game. More horror comic books are on the shelves, and some great stories in the indie film community deserve more attention. The horror genre is evolving in the right direction, in the sense that the horror genre is getting more and more popular. The audience are paying better attention to the story than the gore. I’ve been enjoying the work A24 has been producing.
Time to daydream: what are some aspects of LatinX history or culture – stories from your childhood, historical events, etc — that you really want our genre to tackle? (Whether or not you’re the one to tackle them!)
My parents would tell me amazing stories of their own experiences with ghosts and folklore. My father describes the time witnessing La Bolefuego entering a church. There’s a variety of folklore that may sound familiar and creatures no one has come across yet. When I look at the list of myths of the Colombia region, I couldn’t write just an individual story but have them all chasing one victim across the beautiful, luscious lands of Colombia.
Who are some of your favorite LatinX characters in horror?
The Netflix series Wedsnday, portrayed by Jenna Ortega, and Luiz Guzman as Gomez Addams. One character I’m a big fan of is Guillermo played by Harvey Guillen on the show What We Do In The Shadows.
Who are some LatinX horror authors you recommend our audience check out?
When thinking about the LatinX horror authors, I immediately think there aren’t enough LatinX horror authors out there. There’s a lack of representation for LatinX creatives in the horror genre and it needs to change. I’m always looking for recommendations. I’ve heard about this one guy named Alejandro Gomez, but he’s a weirdo.
What is one piece of advice you would give horror authors today?
Create stories based on your fears and base them on reality. Write your story. If you’re not writing your story, someone else will. Be stronger than your strongest excuse.
What is one piece of craft advice you’ve gotten that has really worked for you? Alternatively, what’s one that you’ve happily rejected?
Meeting deadlines is the best advice I got when I first started my career. Setting personal deadlines, paid or not, helps me with discipline and allows me to take my work more seriously. The idea forced me to write and draw and I got so much work done. Being in the industry means having to show up to the table. One piece of advice I’ve happily rejected: Unsolicited advice. It’s the same as criticism.
And to the LatinX writers out there who are just getting started, what advice would you give them?
The world is waiting to hear your story and if you think it’s already been done, the difference is we haven’t heard it from you! There’s always enough room for everyone to succeed. Don’t wait for your work to be “perfect,” it just needs to be done and let the audience judge. As you begin to get your name out there, allow the audience to grow with you as you build your career. They’d be happy to say they’ve been there since the beginning.
Indie artist Alejandro Gomez recently premiered his second short film, The Last Executioner: A New Dawn, which he wrote, directed, and more. The third short film of the series is currently in production. As well as continuing his self-published comic book series, The Leather Of The Whip, now in its eighth issue, the horror/drama comic book released Volume One, which compiles the first six issues, with an introduction by the creator. You can find more of his work at his site, www.theloudestintrovert.com, IG @agomesagogo, Facebook, Leather of the Whip Facebook, The Last Sunrise Film Facebook, and on his YouTube channel @TheLoudestIntrovert.
