In an exclusive one-on-one interview with AIPT, Thomas Jane—actor, comic book writer, and editor—dives deep into making the new ComiXology original series, The Lycan. This series, co-written with David James Kelly, features a script by award-winner Mike Carey and stunning artwork by Diego Yapur, with iconic covers by Tim Bradstreet.
Combining historical horror, gothic romance, and supernatural intrigue, The Lycan is described by Jane as “Aliens, set in a castle with werewolves.” Set in 1797, the narrative follows a motley crew of big game hunters marooned on a British isle, where werewolves—and a host of conflicting human agendas—turn their world upside down.
Courtesy Comixology
A World of Historical Horror
Jane’s passion for the project is evident when he reveals that the idea for The Lycan had been percolating for over a decade. He recalls that he initially tried to get the project off the ground years ago and was inspired to break away from typical werewolf tropes.
“We decided to rework the familiar lore—not just for scares, but to tell a love story, a gothic romance at its core,” he explains. The narrative follows a diverse group of hunters returning from Africa who become stranded on an island. There, the local villagers, beleaguered by relentless wolf attacks, find shelter in a castle now occupied by red coats amidst a French-English conflict.
Behind the Scenes: The Creative Team
For Jane, assembling the right creative team was key. He praises Mike Carey for his work on the script, noting how Carey’s dialogue brings the period to life: “I was impressed with the way he used language—the words and tone really felt true to the era.”
The initial outline, co-created with David James Kelly, provided the bare-bones plot and characters, while Diego Yapur, discovered in the pages of Heavy Metal Magazine, lent his fresh perspective to the visual storytelling.
Jane adds, “Finding Diego—someone unbound by big studio contracts—was crucial. He not only delivered incredible art but truly set the tone we wanted.” Tim Bradstreet’s contribution to the cover art, born from a longstanding friendship that began during a Marvel project, further elevates the series. For Jane, these collaborations are never just business; they’re about working with people who are genuinely passionate about their craft.
The Art of Visual Storytelling
Jane emphasizes that the magic of comics lies in the seamless integration of script and art. “My job is to tell the story, and that means working closely with the artist on every panel,” he explains.
He likens the process to filmmaking, where decisions like a “tight closeup” or a “wide pull back” are made to capture the precise emotion or action needed to drive the narrative. This careful orchestration ensures that each page is both visually engaging and rich with detail.
The Cover Artist: Tim Bradstreet
One of the standout features of The Lycan is its captivating cover art, masterfully executed by Tim Bradstreet. Jane recalls how a longstanding friendship with Bradstreet began during a Marvel adaptation of The Punisher and evolved into a pivotal creative partnership.
“Timmy really walked me through the process when I was a newbie, introducing me to other artists and showing me what great comic art should look like,” he explains. Bradstreet’s iconic covers not only capture the gothic and atmospheric essence of the series but also serve as a visual gateway into the richly detailed world of historical horror and supernatural intrigue.
Themes and the Narrative Landscape
Beyond its striking visuals and dynamic action, The Lycan explores the collision of differing worldviews. The series juxtaposes the rugged independence of its international band of hunters with the disciplined order of the red coats and even the unexpected resilience of nuns sheltering in the castle.
Jane describes this interplay as a reflection of life’s constant balancing act: “How do these opposing forces—masculine and feminine, order and chaos—come together? That tension is what makes any love story or adventure compelling.”
Courtesy Comixology
A Werewolf Survival Kit
Adding a touch of levity, Jane reflected on what three things he’d bring if trapped in a castle with a werewolf for one night. With a laugh, he quipped that he’d insist on having a good woman by his side, along with a survival kit featuring an espresso machine to fuel his caffeine fix and a trusty pipe complete with tobacco and a lighter to keep his thoughts sharp.
When pressed if a gun and silver bullets would be a better option he pointed out, “take nothing for granted, man. Just because you’ve seen silver bullets stop a werewolf in a movie does not mean if you ever encountered a real werewolf, we don’t really know what those rules would be.”
His playful answer certainly helps encapsulate the hopelessness of having any chance against a werewolf and the meticulous detail that characterizes both his storytelling and the spirit of The Lycan.
Final Reflections
Despite the constant pressures of deadlines and the challenges inherent in the creative process, Jane’s enthusiasm remains undiminished. His ultimate goal is to produce a comic that stands proudly on both digital devices and printed shelves—a work that surprises and captivates at first glance. “I want readers to pick up the book and immediately be drawn in by the art and story,” he affirms.
With issue #1 already released and issue two slated for an April 1st debut, The Lycan promises a cinematic reading experience that transcends the traditional comic format. Thomas Jane’s candid insights offer a rare glimpse into the passion and dedication behind one of today’s most intriguing new series—a narrative unfolding one powerful image at a time.
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