Q&A: James Aquilone Honors the Legacy of Taylor Grant with Extreme Horror Comic Anthology DARKEST DEPTHS, Now on Kickstarter

Looking to plunge readers into the deep end of extreme horror and terrifying tales, the first volume of the comic anthology series Darkest Depths has now launched on Kickstarter as a collaboration between James Aquilone’s Monstrous Books and Crystal Lake Publishing. In addition to showcasing aspiring comic book writers as well as established voices in the genre, the anthology honors the late horror author and producer Taylor Grant, who passed away from cancer last year, with the profits from the crowdfunding campaign of Darkest Depths going to Taylor’s son, Zane. The anthology will also feature “It Lives in Darkness,” the final comic book story written by Taylor.

To commemorate the launch of the anthology’s Kickstarter campaign (which has already more than doubled its goal with weeks to go), Daily Dead caught up with Darkest Depths editor James Aquilone (who also wrote one of the stories in the collection) in a new Q&A feature to discuss honoring his friend with this new anthology, continuing Taylor’s legacy of helping others by opening submissions to new comic book writers, and what readers can expect from James’ scary spelunking story, “The Gate,” featuring artwork by J.K. Woodward and lettering by Tom Napolitano.

You can read our full Q&A with James below, and we also have a look at the cover art by J.K. Woodward and Robert Hack, respectively, as well as a look at the eerie artwork from “The Gate”!

To learn more about Darkest Depths, visit:

Thank you for taking the time to answer questions for us, James, and congratulations on the Kickstarter launch for the new extreme horror comic anthology Darkest Depths. This was a planned collaboration between yourself, Crystal Lake Publishing, and the late horror author and producer Taylor Grant, who passed away from cancer in 2024. How important was it for you to honor your friend Taylor’s legacy by bringing this project to fruition, with profits from the crowdfunding campaign going to Taylor’s son, Zane?

James Aquilone: Bringing Darkest Depths to life was deeply important to me. Taylor was not only a collaborator but also a good friend. After his passing, completing this project became a way to honor his legacy.

Darkest Depths will include “It Lives in Darkness,” the final comic story that Taylor wrote. What can you tell us about Taylor’s story and how meaningful it was to be able to include it in this anthology?

James Aquilone: “It Lives in Darkness” is about a young boy who’s abused and a monster who may or may not be real. Taylor was very excited about this project. He loved comics, so I’m happy that we’re able to publish his final story.

In addition to featuring stories written by Taylor Grant, Nick Roberts, Candace Nola, John Durgin, and yourself, Darkest Depths will continue Taylor Grant’s legacy of mentoring new writers by being open to submissions of comic book scripts from writers who are just getting started in the industry. What types of stories are you looking for from new writers, and where can they go to submit their scripts?

James Aquilone: We’re committed to continuing Taylor’s legacy of mentoring writers. Darkest Depths will open to submissions in June. We’re looking for stories that push boundaries and hopefully scare the pants off readers. Interested writers can find submission guidelines on the Monstrous Books website.

Along with great writers, Darkest Depths features amazing artwork by J.K. Woodward, Robert Hack, Vanessa Cardinali, EV Cantada, and Zac Atkinson, with J.K. and Robert also creating stunning cover art for this first volume. How important was it for you to assemble such a talented group of artists to pair with the powerful prose showcased in Darkest Depths?

James Aquilone: Finding great artists is always crucial to creating comics and much of the fun comes in figuring out which artists to use for which story. Anthologies are also a great way to work with a bunch of artists at once, and we have a great group of creators on Darkest Depths.

Your story in Darkest Depths, “The Gate,” follows a group of spelunkers who discover a deadly door to unfathomable horrors, and the preview pages give off vibes of The Descent and The Keep. When did you initially come up with the idea for “The Gate,” and what was it like collaborating with artist J.K. Woodward and letterer Tom Napolitano to bring it to life?

James Aquilone: I came up with the idea for “The Gate” a few years ago after seeing photos of caves. They were very mysterious and beautiful and I thought the images would look great in black and white.

JK was the perfect artist for this story. His black and white work is very moody and majestic. He did a magnificent job. I’ve used Tom for most of my lettering work and he always does a terrific job.

The Kickstarter campaign for Darkest Depths is off to a great start, with the anthology already fully funded with several weeks to go. What types of ghoulish goodies can supporters of the Kickstarter campaign look forward to?

James Aquilone: Besides the paperback and digital editions of Darkest Depths, the campaign includes Jonathan Maberry’s first Joe Ledger graphic novel and a short story collection by Taylor Grant with an exclusive hardcover edition.

Ultimately, what do you hope readers take away from Darkest Depths?

James Aquilone: I hope after they read it they can’t sleep with the lights off.

Darkest Depths will be released as a trade paperback and digital edition. When can readers look forward to diving into the deep horrors of this anthology?

James Aquilone: We’re already well into the production of the book and backers should have it by early next year.

Do you have plans to release more volumes of Darkest Depths in the future?

James Aquilone: Yes, we’re hoping to make this an annual anthology.

With the Kickstarter campaign for Darkest Depths now underway, what other projects do you and Monstrous Books have coming up that you can tease for our readers?

James Aquilone: We should be doing campaigns for the next installment of Monstrous magazine as well as more issues of The Omega Eleven and a bunch of other stuff I can’t talk about.

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From the Press Release: Monstrous Books and Crystal Lake Publishing are thrilled to announce the Kickstarter campaign for DARKEST DEPTHS, a new black-and-white comic anthology series devoted to extreme horror and bringing new voices into comics.

The launch of DARKEST DEPTHS had been planned for 2023 as a joint project among Crystal Lake Publishing, Bram Stoker award winner James Aquilone, and acclaimed horror author and producer Taylor Grant. Sadly, after Taylor fell ill, the campaign was put on hold. Taylor, who was a development executive at Stan Lee Media and Head of Global Animation at Wattpad WEBTOON Studios, ultimately passed away from cancer in September 2024.

Now DARKEST DEPTHS will serve as a tribute to Taylor and feature the last comic story he wrote, “It Lives in Darkness.” Additionally, profits from this crowdfunding campaign will be donated to his son.

Taylor believed in helping others and DARKEST DEPTHS will continue his legacy of mentorship by giving writers the opportunity to break into the comic book industry. Following the campaign, submissions will open for additional stories, the number depending on the campaign’s final funding level. It is our hope that the DARKEST DEPTHS series will be the launching pad for many aspiring comic book writers.

The first volume of the anthology already boasts a stellar lineup — including Nick Roberts (The Exorcist House), Candace Nola (Bishop), John Durgin (The Cursed Among Us), and James Aquilone (Kolchak: The Night Stalker 50th Anniversary).

Artists include J.K. Woodward (Star Trek, Kolchak), Robert Hack (Doctor Who, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina), Vanessa Cardinali (The Golem of Venice Beach), EV Cantada (Joe Ledger), and Zac Atkinson (Teen Justice, The Omega Eleven).

DARKEST DEPTHS, which will feature unflinching horror stories, will be available in a trade paperback and a digital edition.

“Taylor Grant was an inspiration to me and a good friend,” said Aquilone, who will edit the series. “We shared a love of horror comics so I’m very excited to be launching this project, which will not only benefit his son Zane but also give writers a chance to break into the industry.”

Monstrous Books and Crystal Lake Publishing are urging fans of horror and comic books to follow the Kickstarter campaign page.

DARKEST DEPTHS launches May 19th on Kickstarter.

ABOUT MONSTROUS BOOKS

Monstrous is an independent publisher focused on dark fiction and action-packed stories. Owned and operated by Bram Stoker Award-winning editor and writer James Aquilone, Monstrous Books is dedicated to creating high-quality print and digital comics, graphic novels, and prose books that aim to entertain with its stories and delight with its aesthetics. Monstrous is the new home of Kolchak: The Night Stalker. Its other titles include Monstrous magazine, Dead Detectives Society, Shakespeare Unleashed, and The Omega Eleven.

For updates, follow Monstrous Books on X, Facebook, Instagram, and MonstrousBooks.com.

ABOUT CRYSTAL LAKE PUBLISHING

Since its founding in August 2012, Crystal Lake has quickly become one of the world’s leading publishers of Dark Fiction and Horror books. In 2023, Crystal Lake officially transitioned into an entertainment company, joining several other divisions, genres, and imprints, including Torrid Waters, Crystal Lake Comics, Crystal Lake Games, Crystal Lake Kids, and many more.

While we strive to present only the highest quality fiction and entertainment, we also endeavor to support authors along their writing journey. We offer our time and experience in non-fiction projects, as well as author mentoring and services, at competitive prices.

With several Bram Stoker Award wins and many other wins and nominations (including the HWA’s Specialty Press Award), Crystal Lake puts integrity, honor, and respect at the forefront of our publishing operations.

For updates, follow Crystal Lake on X, Facebook, Instagram, and CrystaLakePub.com

Cover A by J.K. Woodward:

Cover B by Robert Hack:

“The Gate” Preview Art by J.K. Woodward: