GVN Talking Comics Interview: Kevin Shinick On 'Host Mortem'

Geek Vibes Nation

06-05-2025

As anyone who follows true crime knows, actual cases are not solved in just an hour or two as television or film might depict. It can take weeks, months, or even years for a resolution to be realized. Well, the same can also be true for the fruition of a graphic novel. As many creators will lament, there are times when things don't happen as fast as you would want and you have to play the 'long game.'
Such was the case for Clover Press graphic novel, Host Mortem . An all-new tongue-in-cheek, time travel metafiction mystery written by Kevin Shinick in which he appears (as himself!), along with Greg Lee (the host of 'Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego?'). When the two former gameshow hosts are transported to the year 1947 by a time portal at Comic-Con, they find themselves enmeshed in a murder mystery involving Humphrey Bogart's legendary noir film 'The Big Sleep.' When one of the stars winds up dead, Kevin and Greg's knowledge of random trivia might be the key to solving this Hollywood caper.
Now after a large dose of hard work and patience, Host Mortem is ready for its Kickstarter campaign. In advance of their launch, we sat down with Kevin to discuss his creative beginnings, his career as actor, producer, director and writer and his work on Host Mortem . So, let's welcome the multi-talented Kevin Shinick to GVN Talking Comics. Creative Goals
GVN: Thank you for sharing just a bit of your time, Kevin. Since this is our first opportunity to chat, let's start with a bit of your creative background, which is extensive. You've been an actor, a producer, a director and a writer. What was it that influenced your pursuit in all those creative fields? Did you start with just one direction which led to the others or were you ambitious enough to consider all of them?
KEVIN: I had the good fortune of arriving in this world knowing I wanted to entertain people. I began solely as an actor, but then eventually let my interests guide me. It's interesting to hear you phrase the question as to whether I was 'ambitious enough', because I guess I never saw it that way as much as me 'not letting my fears hold me back.' So, when the opportunity arose to say, direct at Radio City Music Hall, or write a Star Wars novel or even perform on Broadway, I just took the chance and bet on myself. So never let anyone tell you you can't do something until you've tried it first yourself.. Hosting 'Where in Time is Carmen Sandiego?'
GVN: Among many of your jobs was playing host of the PBS TV Gameshow 'Where in Time is Carmen Sandiego?' How did that opportunity arise, and what about the job appealed to you (besides a possible steady paycheck)?
KEVIN: I was just starting out in my career and hadn't really done much television other than a few commercials when my agent told me I had an audition to play the host of Where in Time Is Carmen Sandiego? I of course was aware of its predecessor 'Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego?' so it was a little intimidating to think of following in the footsteps of that show's host, Greg Lee. But I also had never even entertained the idea of hosting a game show, so it was a little surreal. I had been told by others that I would be a great game show host (which is the last thing you want to hear when you're performing on Broadway) but I tend to subscribe to the philosophy that you should always go with the door that opens. So, I did. And throughout the audition process, which included six additional call backs, mind you, I was able to see what a truly special show this was, and how it dovetailed with a lot of my interests: History, mysteries, time travel and trivia. So, in a way, all those callbacks helped me realize what a unique and special opportunity this was going to be. Who knew I'd also call back to it years later in Host Mortem? Writing for Comic Books
GVN: You have also had the opportunity to write in the comic book industry for Marvel and DC. How did those opportunities come about, and did you have any learning curve from writing for television?
KEVIN: I guess there's something true to the saying, 'work begets work,' because a number of my jobs launched me on to different ones. When I was a writer/producer on the series Robot Chicken I had written a sketch involving Batman that got the attention of a DC Comics editor. We were introduced at Comic Con and when he found out I was a huge fan of Batman he said, 'You should write a Batman comic book for us.' I was like, 'You can't joke about something like that!' And to prove he wasn't, the first comic book I ever got to write for was Batman. Same with Spider-Man. I met a Marvel editor who said he and his family loved my show MAD – the animated series and that I should write a Spider-Man comic for them. In hearing myself, I realize this all sounds very fortuitous, but the key point in both those cases was that I let my interests be known. Both of those editors knew of my love for their characters so asking me to come on board seemed like a natural progression. But I always advise young artists to make sure people know what their goals are, because I find people are willing to help you if they can. Guest Starring on NBC's 'GRIMM'
GVN: Before we get into your newest project, Host Mortem , I would be remiss if I didn't ask about your appearance in one of my favorite series, NBC's Grimm. Do you have any memories of that particular job (it's not like it was over 12 years ago 😉), or was it basically just another role your agent approached you with?
KEVIN: No, not at all! I LOVED doing GRIMM! I mean, how often do you get to play a Porcupine Man? (Sorry, a porcupine man who gets infected and becomes a zombie-porcupine man!) But if you're a fan of the show then I guess I should use the proper terminology: A Stangebar. One funny thing about my experience on the show (starring David Giuntoli) was that when David and I met on the set we felt like we knew each other. After some investigating, we discovered that David was good friends with the guy who was renting my guest house at the time and had been to my home on multiple occasions. But I always considered that show one of my favorites. Apparently, you and I are not alone, because people always have me sign GRIMM photos at Comic Cons.
Origins of 'Host Mortem'
GVN: Thank you for humoring an old GRIMM fan. So, I mentioned your latest endeavor with artists Damien Torres and Andrea Schiavone, Host Mortem . What inspired this story and how long have you had it in your creative file cabinet? Also, did you decide to include fellow 'detective' Greg Lee from the beginning or did his inclusion come as your narrative developed?
KEVIN: I've always loved murder mysteries and had wanted to create one of my own, so I began writing this very 1940's noir TV pilot. But then everyone said it wouldn't get made because it was period (even though 80% of the shows out there are period. GRRR!) My agents suggested I instead turn it into a graphic novel because of my comic book background. And while that was a fine idea, there are already a number of murder mystery graphic novels out there, so I thought what could I do that would break through all the noise? What's something that's so unique that only Kevin Shinick could do it? And that's when it dawned on me that I already had the perfect detective character, because it was ME!
And since time travel has always been an interest of mine both on and off the show, and I wanted the story to take place in the time period that Greg Lee actually represented on his show, the premise just fell into place: Two fake-detective game show hosts from the 1990's who have to solve a series of real murders in the 1940's. At one point I did envision pulling other hosts into the story, since the 90's was filled with a number of fake detective hosts (Blues Clues, Cluedo, Figure Out?) but ultimately, I decided there was enough story with just Greg and I and I could always save some of those other hosts for future tales. Working with Artists Damien Torres and Andrea Schiavone
GVN: I bet you Steve Burns (of Blues Clues), Richard Madeley (of Cluedo) are probably thinking 'Darn Kevin, we would love to have been involved.' But maybe next time. So, Damien Torres and Andrea Schiavone are handling the artistic chore for your book. How did this collaboration come about and what was it about their work that you felt would mesh with the story you were trying to tell?
KEVIN: I definitely had a specific look in mind in crafting 'Host Mortem' and after meeting with several artists, a friend recommended Damien Torres (Marvel's Crisis Protocol). Once I saw Damien's work, I knew he needed to be my main artist. Plus, as we got to know one another, it became clear that Damien enjoys film noir as much as I do so this quickly became a match made in Leave Her to Heaven. (That's a film noir joke.)
But as I was crafting the story I realized I wanted each issue (four in total of the 180-page graphic novel) to be narrated by a different character: Me, Greg, our fast talkin' receptionist and a mystery narrator for the fourth. And it occurred to me that pairing each narrator with a different art style would be both fun and engaging. That's when I reached out to Andrea Schiavone (Gangsters Versus Monsters). His noir style has more of a golden age look which is exactly what I felt that particular issue required. But I'm spoiled working with both of them, because they're both so good at what they do. And when my colorist Pippa Bowland (Judge Dredd) and my letterer, Taylor Esposito (Red Hood and The Outlaws) add their talents, I almost pass out I'm so bowled over.
Kickstarter
GVN: You are bringing this project to Kickstarter. Is this your first go-around with crowdfunding, and what can visitors to your campaign expect to find (besides a fun and entertaining graphic novel)?
KEVIN: Yes. This is my first foray into crowdfunding, and it's been quite an education. What I think I learned most about Kickstarter is that it is definitely a supportive, creative community. And so, for my campaign rewards I really wanted to service that specific community with items they'd love and some they're perhaps not used to being offered. As a result, we have everything from original pieces of comic book art, the chance to be killed off in the book, opportunities for backers to connect with Greg Lee and myself, to services like script or comic book evaluations from Damien and I, invites to launch parties, offers of my personal narration on someone else's project and even in-person dinners. So, if anything you read here today interests you, please follow us on Kickstarter (or at www.HostMortem.com) because the more followers we get the sooner we can launch.
Upcoming Projects
GVN: Thank you once more for your kind attention, Kevin. Before I let you go, I want to give you an opportunity to tell our readers about this project and any others you might have upcoming. If past evidence is any proof, you have more projects in the queue.
KEVIN: HA! You wouldn't be wrong. But just to recap, Host Mortem is a 180+ adult graphic novel. Since our fans from Carmen Sandiego are now adults I figured they'd want more mature content. As did I. And hosting must be part of my horoscope this year, because I was also recently cast as legendary TV Host Dick Clark in the upcoming Michael Jackson movie, Michael. Now we just need NBC to reboot GRIMM so I can come back as a Zombie-Porcupine-Man-Host!
Follow Kevin @KevinShinick across all social media.
Host Mortem by Kevin Shinick, Damien Torres, Andrea Schiavone, Pippa Bowland and Taylor Esposito is coming soon to Kickstarter. You can visit the link to this exciting campaign here.