"Hell Hath No Comics" - Terry Moore on Rachel Rising #17

Terry Moore's Rachel Rising was back last week with a new issue that was quieter and more reflective than most--but certainly no less off-the-wall. It also featured one of the most buzz-generating beats yet of the series--a moment that connected the story to Strangers in Paradise, Moore's long-running, award-winning book that celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. Remember that this is a spoiler-filled discussion; if you haven't read the issue yet, go buy one and read it along with us! ComicBook.com: Now, are the rats "working for" anybody or is their prevalence just a symptom of what's going on in town? Terry Moore: I like the symbolism, but it's also the old school way to first weaken the opponent with a series of plagues. ComicBook.com: The rats eating the cat alive certainly reminds me of my first impression of Zoe - the whole, "She shouldn't be doing that!" kind of cognitive dissonance. Was that an intentional parallel to what Rachel and Jet were talking about?

Moore: Yes. The tone of the story is that we have to disregard our usual "tells" for a predator. It's all messed up in Manson. ComicBook.com: The discussion on scientific absolutists is one of those ones that can start to run around in circles and get you groggy. Moore: I know! We touched on that in Echo, too. You can take anything—especially good things and worthy things— and go to the extreme. The undercurrents of this are all through Rachel Rising, and Echo for that matter. ComicBook.com: Are there any hidden Easter eggs in Johnny's office? I mean, besides the big one?

Moore: Did you notice Patricia Cornwell's novel Blood Drive? I think that would be a good title for her next book. Get it, Johnny the mortician reading Cornwell books? Deep, right? I also included a book titled The Impossible Life of Ian P. I have no idea what it's about, but I'd love to write it someday. ComicBook.com: Does Carol believe Jet about being actually dead? She's taking the whole thing very much in stride still. Moore: I think she very much does believe Jet. I can't say any more. This moment continues in the next issue. ComicBook.com: Since Rachel isn't bleeding from that hole, should we assume that her blood has coagulated? Her heart was beating the last time we checked, just very slowly... Moore: Remember when we got a first look at the hole in a previous issue? It was gross and sticky. I really think it's impolite for us to talk about Rachel's hole. Don't stare.

ComicBook.com: So let's talk about this painting. Did you know when you introduced Johnny and Carol that this was going to be something you would do? For the purposes of that question, I meant when you introduced them in Rachel Rising, not when you introduced them without names and from the back in SiP. But..wha-huh?! Moore: I'd love to say yes but, truthfully, no. It's like songwriting. You have some bits and ideas, then fit them together like they were just made together all along. I did know that I loved Jet during SiP, and would definitely use her again. She got her chance in Rachel. One thing led to another and BAM! everything's connected. ComicBook.com: Because of your Paradise Too! material and all the names you've reused and things, I briefly considered this could be the same Jet, but didn't really think it would be used that way. Did any other fans say, "Well, I saw that coming"? I was spun around a bit! Moore: I'm shocked nobody asked. It seemed like a question that should have been brought up right away because, I mean come on, how many Jets are there in the world? ComicBook.com: You know, they really should visit that artist sometime. Moore: Yes, they should. lol ComicBook.com: Is this the SiP visitor passing through that you mentioned last year at Comic-Con, or do we still have another visitor scheduled? Moore: You want more? My God. ComicBook.com: Is it a safe assumption that ol' Dale and his buddy were a human sacrifice needed to make the resurrection work here? Moore: Not a safe assumption. ComicBook.com: You've told fans online recently that the comic could end as soon as #24, depending on the status of the TV show. Does this mean you expect to have a sense for where the TV series is going in the next year? Moore: I do, but what do I really know or control? Let's say I hope to have a better idea by the turn of the year. TV works faster than movies, that's all I know. ComicBook.com: Will Dale at least get a copy of that old comic we saw in SiP ("Death Tits") on the other side? Moore: Eh, not bloody likely. Hell hath no comics.