By Zack Quaintance — Today we have an interview with Vault Comics’ Adrian and Damian Wassel, the brothers who serve as CEO/publisher and editor-in-chief, respectively. Since Vault first launched at SDCC in 2017, the publisher has been one of my own personal favorites. Vault’s line has just so consistently mixed a distinct storytelling fearlessness with an uncanny knack for expanding the boundaries of what can work in monthly comics. So, when I made a list of dream interviews for 2021, the leaders of the Montana-based publisher were at the top.

And fortunately, they were game, despite being incredibly busy prepping a robust 2021 line for which they’ve released the names of creators but not yet titles. You can find our quick-hit email interview below…enjoy!

INTERVIEW: Vault Comics’ Adrian and Damian Wassel

ZACK QUAINTANCE: Every time I think I have Vault figured out, you all surprise me with books that push your narrative interests — dropping a Friendo or a Finger Guns or a Black Stars Above — what do you look for in pitches, especially those that defy genre?  

DAMIAN WASSEL: We quite specifically ask people to bring us stories they think they’d never be able to tell elsewhere. When you extend that kind of invitation, you get some madness, but you also get some genius in reply.

ADRIAN WASSEL: Another way of saying that: We look for stories that creators wouldn’t be happy publishing anywhere else. We don’t just want the story you want to tell; we want the story you need to tell at Vault. You see our mission and you’re aching, not just to participate, but to raise our standards all over again.

ZACK: With comics events cancelled and distribution stopped for weeks, 2020 was a year of unprecedented challenges for comics. As a rising publisher, what were some of the most difficult obstacles you all faced and how did you have to work to overcome them?

DAMIAN: Navigating what we all seem to be calling euphemistically a “pause” was brutal. That one decision upended years worth of planning, and we had to revise our release schedule for the subsequent two years. For all that, there were opportunities amid the chaos and we worked hard to make the most of them.

ADRIAN: We kept running when everything else was shut down. We didn’t make it a choice. We committed ourselves to working twice as hard just to ensure all our projects continued, no matter what.

ZACK: I really enjoyed the original graphic novel you all put out last year with Brandon Sanderson, Dark One, and was wondering if there were more projects like that in the works, either for your forthcoming YA imprint or for Vault proper?

DAMIAN: In a word, “Yes.” There will be subsequent volumes in the Dark One series, our middle grade line will focus on graphic novels, and we’ll have some other strange and wondrous things to share with the world.

ADRIAN: Heck yes! Keep your eyes peeled for our young reader imprint Wonderbound, Dark One sequels, and some absolutely wild OGNs.

ZACK: Finally, I’ve seen the creators list for 2021, and it’s fantastic, some of my favorite writers and artists in the industry. I have to ask: is there anything else you can tell us about what Vault has planned for 2021? Any new tidbits you can reveal about the forthcoming projects?

DAMIAN: Rather than spill the beans about unannounced titles, I’ll encourage everyone to take a serious look at Witchblood. A camp delight, it’s the story of a witch with attitude and serious alchemical talents on the run from a gang of biker vampires who want the power in her witchy claret. But it’s also a book with a serious emotional heart. That blend of genre delights and rewarding, deep narrative is what I hope we’re becoming known for, and I’m certain anyone who reads it will find something to love.

ADRIAN: First, let me echo Damian — for the love of tacos and all things guacamole, please do not miss Witchblood. Second, let me tease this: The series coming later this year from Michael Moreci and Nathan Gooden is going to make Conan look like Barney. So please, get your axe-sharpeners ready.

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Zack Quaintance is a tech reporter by day and freelance writer by night/weekend. He Tweets compulsively about storytelling and comics as Comics Bookcase.