Richard: How did you first start writing comic books?

Danika: Honestly, it was Lance. I’m actually more accustomed to prose and poetry that I’ve never thought about writing comic books until he approached me about it. He thought my story for Nocturnal Essence would make a great comic. I was a bit nervous about the idea, but who isn’t when they want to take on something new? After talking it over some and plotting out the first couple of books, I realized that we could make it work and agreed to it.

Richard: What was it like helping to found a comic company?

Danika: It’s insane! Rogue Wolf has come a long way from how Lance and I first started. Our first venture was Powerful Press, along with a few short stories published by Shooting Star Comics. We learned that the business was not for the weak of heart. You need to be dedicated to your work and knowing that, unfortunately, a lot of failure is going to happen. It can be disheartening to read the rejection notices from other companies that don’t like your work, or don’t think they can market it. You need that drive to succeed; otherwise you’re going to fail.

You also need money. An unfortunate reality. But if you’re going to be a self-publisher, you need the cash. We were lucky that David Hitch wanted to back us, after hearing our proposal and reading our books. He believes in us and that just made us want to try even harder. With having an investor, we were reborn into Rogue Wolf.

Richard: Where did the name Rogue Wolf come from?

We wanted something to help distinguish us from other comic companies, but still be true to our Indy roots. We’re all working in the same business together, but the ‘big two’ have defined the industry for so long. Rogue Wolf is about reshaping the current mold and producing comics that don’t have to fit any definition. We create them because we love what we do, and we hope our readers like the end product too.

That’s how we came up with our slogan ‘Break Away From the Pack’. We’re not a category. We have our own identity.

Richard: How did you come you with the idea for "Nocturnal Essence"?

Danika: There are two things I absolutely love. Mythology and the creatures of the night. Mythology became a passion when I was in grade school. Any book about the Greek and Egyptian mythos I tried to get my hands on. My imagination had its roots here, wondering what it would be like living in a place where gods roamed the earth.

I then fell in love with vampires and werewolves after watching Interview with a Vampire and The Howling. Been addicted ever since! I poured over Anne Rice novels, was fascinated with Whitley Strieber’s The Hunger… The struggle between keeping your humanity and fighting the monster inside is a theme that is often seen in movies and literature. Now you just add fangs and some fur to give it an external visualization.

Nocturnal Essence explores these concepts and combines my passions. That’s why there isn’t a specific main character. Through the eyes of the cast, you learn about the world I created. And it’s pretty dense.

Richard: You also co-write "The Veil" and "Redshift" what about each of these will attract readers?

Danika: The Veil is men in black meets magic. Instead of hunting down aliens in secret, they have to take down demons and psychics gone out of control. What also makes this series fun is that it’s set in the future. So you also have technology mixed in. With these concepts blended together, it makes for an interesting world to read about as you follow the assignments the main cast must deal with.

Plus, the art is slick. Mariano de la Torre was able to come back to draw the book for us and we have Sean Taylor as writer. We’re happy to have them aboard and are excited to see what they do in this world.

Redshift is kung fu cinema in space. Our female lead, Lianna Mal Pannis, follows the way of the Bodhin; an order who’s roots stem from the Shaolin Monastery centuries ago. She was kicked out of the Temple, but not for the reasons she thinks. Then we have the rugged Captain Chase Merik and his surly ship's engineer Grum. They're on the run from the Xhalan Federation, running supposedly innocent contraband.

Throw in Rayla, purely a victim of circumstance (just ask her), and thrust them all into a terrorist plot to destroy the planet they're all stuck on.

Richard: Do you find it hard to mesh yours and Lance Stahlberg your co-writers ideas into one?

Danika: It isn’t hard at all actually. We work that well together, which is a blessing. We have disagreements on where we want characters to go, or certain themes we want to explore first, but even that doesn’t happen often. We’ve known each other for so long, that we sometimes know what each other’s thinking. No joke.

Richard: If you could write any comic outside of Rogue Wolf's comics which one would it be and why?

Danika: If Frank Miller would ever be so kind, I would love to be given the opportunity to write a Sin City limited series. It’s film noir at its best. Black and white goodness with the simple use of color for emphasis, it’s gorgeous. Every citizen is touched by Basin City’s corruption and greed in some way. There are endless stories to tell and you don’t have to pull any punches.

Richard: Why have you decided to go back to school?

Danika: The answer is a rather long and complicated story. Short version is I finally figured out what I wanted to do with my life. Comics will always be a part of it, but I wanted to better myself as a person, so I decided to go back to school and become a nurse. I absolutely love helping people. I’ll be (knock on wood) graduating in May and I’ll have more time to dedicate to the company.

I’m very fortunate that I can juggle Rogue Wolf with school … most of the time. It can be very stressful, but it’s worth it. I’m just happy I can have room in my life for both of my passions.

Richard: You enjoy RP games do you have any favorites?

Danika: Dungeons and Dragons! I was introduced to D&D in High School by my best friend. It was actually strange that by that point that I’ve never heard of D&D or role-playing games since I’ve read all sorts of fantasy novels. I love elves to an almost obsessive degree that actually playing one was fantastic! I still play now and I’m also a big fan of RIFTS and Heroes Unlimited.

Richard: What comics would you recommend outside of Rogue Wolf?

Danika: I would recommend Artesia. It’s everything that I hope Nocturnal Essence can be in regards to how intricately woven the details of the story are. Mark Smylie has created this amazing world with such a detailed history that you could imagine this place existing. His art style also compliments his medieval world and the textures and colors are spectacular.

Even though Terry Moore has finished the series, I would still recommend Strangers in Paradise. I cannot sing his praises enough. Not only is the art realistic, but you have these fantastic believable characters too. He’s the master of dialogue too. You have panel after panel of what people refer to as ‘talking heads’, but it’s more then that. You are actually drawn into the lives of these people Moore created. You are more of an outsider looking in and you laugh, cry and get angry with them!

Richard: Who and what are the most important things in your life?

Danika: Family will always be the most important thing in my life. If not for them, I wouldn’t be returning to school. They are my guide when I feel lost, and my rock when I need encouragement to succeed.

That includes Lance. Our relationship is hard to describe, but he’s more then just a best friend. He’s a partner in life. It’s why we work so well together. Then there’s my girlfriend. She helps to keep me sane, though I drive her nuts when school’s in session. Well, actually I drive everyone nuts then. Thankfully they love me enough to put up with me!

Richard: If you could have one super power what would it be and why?

Danika: The ability to talk to animals. I wanted to be a veterinarian since I adore animals, but my allergies to dogs prevented it. Plus, I really want to know what’s going on in my pet rabbits head sometimes. They always look guilty for some reason …

Richard: How can someone contact you?

Danika: You can use the contact forum at the website, and there’s also a link to my myspace and comicspace pages in the crew section.

Richard: Any final words for readers of your comics?

Danika: At times, it’s difficult to know what you want to do with your life. But when you do, never be discouraged by your desire to achieve that goal. You’ll regret it.