Review Fix chats with artist and writer Charlie Ragnorok, who discusses her new comic Glory Whole.
Review Fix: What inspired this comic?
Charlie Ragnorok: That’s a funny story, actually. I was working this dead-end job and one night at work, while mindlessly crushing boxes, it was literally like a bolt of lightning struck me and I was just suddenly inspired with this triple entendre– the story is named “Glory Whole” because 1.) The main characters find a Hand of Glory. 2.) They find it in a hole in the bathroom wall, like a “glory hole.” And 3.) The hand will want to join its master and become “whole.” So, “Glory Whole” is that triple entendre.
Also, if you couldn’t tell, I am really inspired by music and occultism. I was a really weird kid who decided to hyperfixate on the occult– so while other high school girls were going out to parties I stayed home and fell down Wikipedia rabbit holes about demonology, occultism, and magic. If I did go out, it was to play DnD with my friends and listen to metal music. All that seems to have found its way into my artwork.
Review Fix:What did it take for this to be realized? What was the journey like?
Ragnorok: A surprising amount of blood sweat and tears went into just these 10 pages. I don’t really like to talk about it, so let’s just say I had a mental health crisis in the middle of producing this which made it, and any art, difficult to work on. Thankfully I got help and came out of that bad state and was able to finish this ashcan, and I’m really happy with the result.
I did have to do a bit of research on the location, time period, and of course the mystical Hand of Glory as a part of this journey. The story takes place in England in the late 70’s and is inspired by punk zines of the time, so there were a lot of factors to consider when piecing it together.
Review Fix: Being a great writer and a great artist like you takes a ton of precision and focus. Where do you get it?
Ragnorok: Caffeine and the powers of the underworld. It also helps to work every day on your art. Even if it’s just 20 minutes– doing something every single day really does add up over time.
Review Fix: What makes this comic special?
Ragnorok: It makes me laugh. Hopefully it will make you laugh too. I like to think the limited color is also pretty special as it really lets the inkwork talk.
Review Fix: Who do you think will dig it the most?
Ragnorok: I imagine anyone who enjoys gross humor, goth and punk subcultures, and music in general will enjoy it and get a good laugh out of it.
Review Fix: What are your goals for it?
Ragnorok: I would like to continue it as a series. Who knows, maybe it’ll become a show one day!
Review Fix: How do you like Global Comix so far?
Ragnorok: I just started using it so it’s a little early to say, but I really love that it allows for viewing the comic in spreads. I tend to plan/ draw in spread format. It allows me to post my work in its intended and most impactful form.
Review Fix: What’s next?
Ragnorok: I’m really hoping to make art/comics my full time job, which is probably a big ask but it’s what I want and I think it’s what I’m meant to do. As far as Glory Whole is concerned, I’ll probably be working on a full 22 pager in the near future.
Review Fix: Anything else you’d like to add?
Ragnorok: Make sure you listen to the Cure, Billy Idol, the Sex Pistols, and Black Sabbath in order to understand all the jokes in Glory Whole. Also because they’re awesome.
Review Fix: Where can people get more Charlie?!
Instagram: charlieragnarok (longer projects, hand picked memes)
Twitter: charlieragnarok (daily sketching and random thoughts, NSFW)
Tik Tok: charlieragnarok_ (art tips mostly)
Patreon: Charlie Ragnarok (NSFW, personal comics, monthly sticker and art print)
Art Station: Charlie Ragnarok (professional portfolio)
Website: charlieragnarok.com (NSFW)
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