I had the opportunity to speak with both Elle León Nostas (he/they) and Andrew Penczner (he/him), co-authors of Mark of Death: Year of the Rat. The novel follows main character Mark Thompson, as he grapples with the tragic loss of his wife, and discovers an unsettling truth—he cannot die. Drawn into the enigmatic world of ‘The Order,’ a secret society of sociopathic anti-heroes tasked with maintaining the balance of life, Mark uncovers a cabal of time-stealing mobsters known as ‘The Twelve.’ Discovering that they’ve drained his wife’s life to prolong his own existence with forbidden “borrowed time,” Mark is fueled by vengeance, and embarks on a harrowing journey, entangled in a brutal war.
Nostas, an award-winning, trans/non-binary, Bolivian American director, writer, and producer brought their creativity to the novel, having previously directed the short film, SAVIOR. Penczner, a screenwriter, producer, and author- provided his expertise as well, bringing his past experience from producing the feature film, BUCK ALAMO. The two of them have passionately driven this project since its inception alongside esteemed illustrator and artist, Steven E. Gordon. We had the chance to delve into each of their connections to the story, their personal inspiration for the novel and its characters, as well as what they hope readers take away from the project. Keep reading to find out more about the exciting novel that is, Mark of Death: Year of the Rat.
What drew you both to the medium of graphic novels as a means of storytelling for “Mark of Death: Year of the Rat?”
AP: The magic of graphic novels lies in their unique fusion of writing and illustration. In an age dominated by bite-sized content and fast-paced action flicks, we found refuge in a medium that affords a distinctive and personal rhythm to storytelling. Unlike film or TV, where an editor decides the pace, the tempo profoundly reflects each reader’s journey in graphic novels. It’s like this dance between the reader and the story, where each frame is a step, inviting the reader to pause, reflect and immerse themselves, making this medium an incredible platform for in-depth narratives and rich visual details. It’s a playground for artists and a haven for devoted readers.
Andrew Penczner
EN: Unlike film or television, where we come from, the tactile experience of flipping through a graphic novel, the personal journey it curates, and the feast for the eyes that is its art, there’s something uniquely fulfilling about it that’s hard to match. Like Andrew said, a graphic novel offers an intimate, reader-led experience. It’s like handing over the keys of the narrative to the readers and saying, “You set the pace.” If you want to spend extra time soaking up the ambiance in a panel or tracing the characters’ emotional growth, go right ahead. This unique dynamic compelled us to make every frame a feast for the eyes, a vortex of action and detail. And for a story like “Mark of Death,” a cocktail of visceral action, lush visuals, and labyrinthine complexities, a graphic novel was the perfect serving dish.
Elle León Nostas
As co-authors, how did you ensure a seamless and cohesive narrative flow between the text and illustrations in the graphic novel?
AP: It’s all about collaboration. As creators and writers, we built the world, sketching out detailed blueprints for our characters and this insane universe we shoved them into. It was that early development where we brainstormed, argued, and chiseled out every nook and cranny of Mark of Death. And from that foundation, we crafted a supercharged script that had to wrap its arms around these vast new concepts of the plot and Mark’s emotional odyssey through grief. At this stage, we began interviewing illustrators because we knew – to deliver that cohesive narrative – we needed an artist who could wrestle this behemoth of a story.
EN: We knew we needed an illustrator who could tackle a densely rich world filled with supernatural powers, brutal serial killers, and brand-new concepts like time transfers. We also needed an artist who believed in the idea as much as we did. That’s the number one rule in building any team: ensure they are passionate about what you are creating. And we were truly blessed to have found Steven E. Gordon. With decades of animation experience and his renowned character designs, he brought Mark of Death to life, elevating our narrative into a visual feast. It was such an intuitive and profoundly collaborative process, and Steven has become more than a life-long collaborator but a friend.
“Mark of Death: Year of the Rat” explores diverse perspectives and experiences. How did you craft an authentic representation of these diverse voices throughout the story?
EN: For Andrew and I, the heart of storytelling is grounded in truth and authenticity. The true power of narrative comes from its ability to mirror the varied, complex tapestry of human experiences that encompass our world. Our diverse backgrounds and personal community played a significant role in shaping these characters, and we meticulously ensured that each character’s backstory and outlook distinctly reflected their individual experiences. But regardless of race, orientation, gender, or creed, every soul in our story – and the world – is bound by the same fate: Death. Death doesn’t care about your morals, faith, or politics – it’s coming for us all. There’s something so powerful and unifying in that very idea – that if we could only honestly acknowledge and examine the finite resource of our Time on this Earth, maybe, just maybe, we could make the world better for each other.
Were there any characters that you found particularly intriguing or challenging to bring to life?
EN: Kali posed a fascinating challenge. In the lore of the world, Kali is steeped in millennia of existence, and in that time, she’s cultivated an almost impenetrable emotional armor against the suffering she’s witnessed. For her, human anguish has become a grim routine of her duty. In navigating the complexity of her character, we delved deep into her psyche, gradually peeling back the layers of her emotional detachment.
AP: We had to discover what would break down her barrier and lead her to foster a friendship with Mark. And more than that, we had to forge a character arc that would facilitate Kali’s reconnection with her empathy and humanity, allowing her to care about others again, including herself. Ultimately, we discovered a depth of character that was immensely rewarding to put into action throughout the series.
How did you approach balancing the suspense and mystery elements of the plot with the character development and emotional arcs of the protagonist?
AP: Balancing the suspense and mystery elements of the plot with the character development and emotional arcs was like being a tightrope walker. You have to have your eyes fixed on the goal, be extremely sensitive to shifts in balance, and above all, trust the process. Mark, our protagonist, is the exploding heart of this series, so his emotional journey was always going to be the anchor that grounded our story. So we instinctively unravel the mystery at the pace of Mark. As he learns about this world of time stealers and death dealers, so do we. And as Mark uses these insane powers and summons serial killers like Pokemon, we get the chance to share in that same insane morbid excitement that he does – the murders are very classy, we promise. (laughs)
Can you discuss the significance of the title, “Mark of Death: Year of the Rat,” and how it relates to the overall narrative?
AP: “Mark of Death” carries multiple layers of significance. First, there’s Mark, our protagonist, who joins The Order – the organization responsible for keeping the scales of life and death balanced. As a member of The Order, his role is to be a ‘Marker’ – a figure who earmarks overdue souls for death. So, quite literally, Mark is marking people for death, adding a playfully punny layer to the title. However, the title also carries a deeper, more ominous undertone. Mark himself carries the mark of death, as he’s relentlessly pursued by those who seek to harm him. The title thus neatly encapsulates the duality of his existence – a giver and receiver of death. It’s a quick, sharp twist of words that aptly portrays our protagonist’s complex, perilous life. So, while it might seem like a pun on the surface, blink, and you could miss its deeper connotations.
EN: “Year of The Rat” also holds significant symbolic meaning that intertwines with the overarching narrative. Our antagonists, “The Twelve,” are a group steeped in the symbolism of the Chinese zodiac. Each member wears a unique mask representing a different zodiac animal, both to conceal their identities and signify their place in this audacious time-thieving syndicate. In the lore of our universe, The Rat is the cunning leader of The Twelve. With an intricate plot aimed at wresting the reins of death from The Order, he aspires to become the sole decision-maker of life and death. So, the “Year of the Rat” marks a critical stage in our narrative where the battle for such control escalates dramatically. The story unravels against this backdrop, setting the stage for a clash of seismic proportions.
What advice would you give to aspiring writers or co-authors who are looking to collaborate on a graphic novel or similar project?
AP: Embarking on a collaboration for a graphic novel or similar project can be an exhilarating yet demanding journey. Our best piece of advice? Fall in love with the process. Nurture mutual respect and an open line of communication with your collaborator. Be prepared to share, listen, and adapt. I cherish working alongside Elle León every day – even when we’re stumped or facing a creative impasse. Maintaining a constructive, dynamic, and fun work environment is key.
EN: Remember that patience is pivotal. Everyone wants to rush to the finish line, but you often leave your work shorthanded by taking shortcuts or trying to fast-track the creative process. So buckle up, enjoy the ride, and always keep sight of why you embarked on this journey in the first place. Passion helps, but persistence and dedication will always see you through.
—
Thank you so much for reading! Please keep up with the graphic novel and their work via the official Instagram and you can purchase the novel here; https://www.previewsworld.com/Catalog/APR231256.
