What happens when you combine a samurai story, dark fantasy, and Kickstarter? Why Aruku Akumu, a brand-new comic (that’s currently crowdfunding) that does more than just check a few boxes.
Written by Luke Stokes and drawn by Caleb Ady (a winner of Todd McFarlane’s Spawnuary contest), Aruku Akumu (which means “Walking Nightmare”) follows a “cursed samurai battling demonic forces and his own inner darkness in a quest for redemption.” So expect plenty of exaggerated battles, ample horror, and just grit and heft galore. But Aruku Akumu is more than just this genuinely pleasing slice of genre storytelling (complete with a mini-soundtrack) — it’s a deeply resonate story about the depths we’d all face just to get back to where we need to be.
The Aruku Akumu Kickstarter runs through Saturday, November 30. (Head here to contribute and/or check out the various incentives and other offerings.) You can also check out a free preview via Aruku Akumu‘s official website. And for even more info, we recently caught up with both Stokes and Ady via email. The pair discuss the story’s development, their interest in feudal Japan, the soundtrack, any inspirations/influences, and a possible long-term future for Aruku Akumu.
(Editor’s Note 10/30: We’ve edited this to better reflect answers of both Ady and Stokes.)
AIPT: What’s the elevator pitch for Aruku Akumu? Is there a “It’s BLANK meets BLANK” that perhaps works best?
Luke Stokes: Aruku Akumu is about a possessed samurai fighting for his soul in a world where ancient demons and sorcery are the norm. It’s like Seven Samurai meets Hellraiser — lots of honor, but also lots of terrifying supernatural horror.
AIPT: Why the interest in feudal Japan – does the fact that there’s so many great stories already somehow deter or inspire you?
LS: If anything, the richness of feudal Japan stories inspires me even more. The setting has so much to offer — honor, vengeance, mysticism — it feels like the perfect backdrop for this dark fantasy. There’s already so much lore, so we wanted to add our own twist to it with demons and possession.
AIPT: Same with samurais – is there something more important or resonant about that character trope in the madness that is 2024?
LS: Samurai represent discipline, loyalty, and the constant struggle between honor and personal demons. In 2024, that feels super relatable. We’re all balancing chaos, trying to stay grounded while navigating our own inner battles — so the samurai archetype fits right into that.
AIPT: Do you have any favorite horror and/or samurai tales that went into shaping/inspiring this book specifically?
Caleb Ady: Yeah, definitely! Lone Wolf and Cub is a big one for me, just the way it blends action and emotion. And for horror, The Ring and Ju-On are great at creating that creeping dread. I also have to shout out Yojimbo — classic samurai vibes with an edge.
AIPT: The free preview has a soundtrack (Editor’s Note: See below), which I assume is meant for the whole story. Where did that come from and why is it such a novel little decision that works so well?
LS: The soundtrack idea came from wanting to really immerse people in this world. We wanted to give readers that cinematic experience, like you’re not just reading but living in the world of Aruku Akumu. Music sets the mood, and it just felt right to combine it with the art.
AIPT: Caleb, I’ve seen a few videos of your work, and it’s super fascinating. Can you talk about your approach and how it informs the look and feel of Aruku Akumu?
CA: Thanks! My approach is pretty detailed and atmospheric. I pull a lot from old samurai films and horror — so it’s all about making the scenes feel moody and intense. I want people to feel like they’re stepping into a nightmare, but also be drawn in by the beauty of the world.
AIPT: What can you tell us about our lead, Kei Amano? Do you have sympathy for him? Does he become a kind of “receptacle” for your own fears, doubts, anxieties, etc. given the scope of this story?
CA: Kei’s definitely a complicated character. He’s carrying a lot of pain and regret, which I think we all can relate to in some way. I have sympathy for him because he’s trying to fight for redemption, but his journey gets darker and darker. There’s definitely some of my own anxieties in his story — he’s facing his own worst fears, just like we all do sometimes.
AIPT: How much of the art came first and informed the story, or vice versa?
CA: It was definitely a mix. We had a rough story, but once Caleb started sketching and adding that haunting atmosphere, it inspired certain parts of the narrative. Some scenes even changed based on the art because it just felt right to lean into the visuals.
AIPT: What standout moments or dope scenes can you tease from Aruku Akumu?
CA: Without giving too much away, there’s a scene where Kei faces off against a demon that’s basically a living nightmare. The battle is intense, but it’s more about what’s happening in Kei’s mind during that moment. There’s also a quiet moment in a haunted forest that just oozes tension — definitely a favorite.
AIPT: What does Kickstarter offer a project like this?
CA: Kickstarter gives us the chance to connect directly with people who are just as excited about this story as we are. It’s more personal and community-driven. Plus, we can offer backers some really cool, exclusive stuff that wouldn’t happen otherwise.
AIPT: Is there a long-term future for the story if this campaign goes well?
LS: Absolutely. We’ve got big plans for Kei’s journey and the world of Aruku Akumu. If this campaign goes well, we’d love to dive even deeper into the lore, expand the universe, and explore more of the horror that’s lurking in the shadows.
AIPT: Is there anything else we should know about Aruku Akumu, comics, the campaign, Kickstarter, life, etc.?
LS: We just want people to know that Aruku Akumu is a passion project, a true labor of love. It’s dark, it’s intense, but it’s also something we’re really proud of. And we hope everyone who backs the campaign feels like they’re part of this journey with us! Oh, and definitely keep an eye on our variant covers—we’ve got some incredible artists on board!
You must be logged in to post a comment.