Exclusive: Terry Moore Talks Rachel Rising #26 And The Things Only Your Doctor Knows For Sure

In last week's Rachel Rising #26, writer/artist Terry Moore gave fans (those who hadn't already read our commentary on #25, at least) some answers to the practical questions raised by the end of the big Lilith story in #24.

As Manson continues to recover from her bizarre attack, with the "rat harvest" dominating the opening and closing pages of this issue as well as the front page of the local newspaper, Rachel and company are gearing up for their next mission.

As always, Moore joined us to talk about the issue and how it fits into the bigger picture of Rachel Rising.

Remember that our commentary track-style interviews are spoiler-heavy. If you haven't read Rachel Rising #26 yet, go buy it and read along with us!

Okay, so are we going to be using the rats as a kind of framing device throughout this volume of the trade paperbacks?

No, just making sure they get closure. I can't fill the city with rats then leave that detail forgotten. It takes time to get rid of them all and I wanted the town atmosphere to reflect their continued presence. Like a city garbage problem.

Johnny's new scar on her head/neck is obviously connected to having been left alone with the good doctor, right? Did Earl not know it was there either? I forget who was where, when.

Only Johnny and the good doctor know it's there.

You did answer -- sort of -- the question I raised last month about why nobody noticed Lilith. What else does Manson not know about?...And is there stuff that may have happened to our heroes that they "forgot?"

We'll have to find out! :)

I'm guessing Zoe doesn't get the Creeper Channel the same way when she has Jack, right?

Or she does and she likes it. Which would be worse, by the way.

I love that splash page. Any chance of that being a print down the line?

I've been getting that request! I'm so happy people like that page. I will consider the print idea. I need a new print for SDCC, you know. I put more effort into that splash page than I do a portrait print, for sure.

Also...you used a splash page! That's pretty rare for you.

It is, isn't it? I'm a big boy. *proud smile*

Hmm. I didn't necessarily expect that with Father Salvini. As this enters an increasingly holy war-flavored chapter, what are the odds he'll be a pretty key player?

Father Salvini is chopped liver now. Meet Vera Poe.

How does all this figure into Rachel figuring out who killed her?

You know how when you look to your past you don't see a straight line, you see a winding path? It's like that. We want to get to goals in a straight line to the target, and end up dodging and diverting and ducking and jumping past obstacles. But it all leads to the end point.

It wasn't Zoe, right?

Oh great, you guessed it. No point in finishing the book now. *throws pencil in the air and grabs bottle of whiskey, which I don't drink so I put it back and grab a Diet Pepsi*

Does Vera get an extension of the Lillith/Satan power of being ignored? There are certain people in this story who just leave a trail of bodies and sooner or later it seems like any half-decent cop would put two and two together.

Detective Jim Corpell must have a hell of a tracking map in his office, huh? With more red pins and connecting lines than a switchboard. I'm sure the citizens of Manson feel safe with him on the case. Go get 'em, detective! ;)