Robby Thomas otherwise known as SpiritCage on Twitter is the founder of a new horror art magazine and he kindly agreed to answer some quick fire questions.

What is your inspiration for creating ‘Fire Mass’ and what can readers expect to see?

I have been involved with various DIY art publications since I was in my teens. At age 33 I felt it was time to step things up and create a magazine that focuses on 3 things that I love:

magic, horror and sequential art.

This time around I am fortunate to have friends like Clive Barker, Chet Zar, Drew Daywalt and many more stellar creators involved. Readers can expect to see lots of great dark art, prose, articles and sequential art in each issue.

You’ve just published issue 1.  When will issue 2 be available and do you have anything exciting to whet our appetites with?

Issue 1 available by clicking here.

Issue 2 will be available this August and will feature a cover by the great Chet Zar. Inside expect to find creators such as Michael T.Gilbert of Mr. Monster Fame, John U. Abrahamson, Drew Daywalt and many more knockout creators. Look out for a few more surprises involving FIRE MASS #2 as soon as I have confirmation from the possible contributors. Heavy hitters for sure.

I see that you’ve interviewed Clive Barker and Drew Daywalt amongst others with a horror background.  What was it like interviewing them?

Actually I didn’t interview them. They both contributed original works to the mag. Clive contributed two paintings, a poem and a series of his photography. I collaborated with Drew by illustrating some of his horrific yarns for twisted adults. They are both amazing individuals and I’m honored that they call me a friend.

If you could interview anyone at all, who would it be?

Ogre of Skinny Puppy.

Where did the name ‘Fire Mass’ come from?

Somewhere out of the depths of the scrap yard that is my mind. I kicked it around for awhile as being a possible graphic novel. As it turns out it works perfectly for the magazine that it became. A gathering of creative people coming together celebrating the fact that creativity is the one true magic.

What do you look for when sourcing material for ‘Fire Mass’ and do you accept submissions and if so how?

I know it when I see it as my brain goes electric. I love things that break boundaries and take me to new places. I do accept submissions but I tend to do better finding the right folks on my own. That said, contact me at spiritcage@gmail.com

Are you the only member of the ‘Fire Mass’ team?

I’m the primary force behind it and the one who has to put it together. As far as a team there are a few folks that I bounce things off of when things get hectic. Of course, without the stellar contributors there would be no FIRE MASS in the form I chose to give it.

I’ve seen your work over at Deviant Art and I think that your work is amazing.  Where do you draw your inspiration from and do you have a personal favourite?

Life, nightmares and my imagination are the fuel for my work. That said I’m a filter, just like any other artist, that has many sources of inspiration. Some of my all-time favorite artists are Barron Storey, Bill Sienkiewicz, Clive Barker, Jack Kirby, Dave McKean, Kent Williams…I could go on and on.

Click here to view more of Robby’s AWESOME horror art.

Finally, who are your heroes from the horror community and why?

Clive Barker is my biggest hero. He creates the most incredible worlds and characters . He has given me so much encouragement behind the scenes and is beyond kind. He is a true renaissance man.

A big thank you to Robby for answering the questions above. I hope you will agree with me that he is an amazing artist and I wish him the best of luck with Fire Mass.  Buy your copy today and help spread the word.