In Darrow’s graphic novel debut, Tramps of the Apocalypse (Dark Horse, Jan.), a trio of extra sexy, super-violent women—Baby, Babette, and Belladonna—take on the testosterone-poisoned Lord Quest Ragnor in a post-apocalyptic wasteland. The escapade “revels in the excess of classic exploitation films with confidence and style,” per PW’s review. Darrow enters the scene with legacy behind her, as the daughter of Eisner-winning cartoonist Geoff Darrow (Shaolin Cowboy). She was born in France and now lives in L.A., where she’s sharpened her chops as a character designer for animated series including Futurama, Disenchantment, and Exploding Kittens.
PW talked with Darrow about the bleakness of the current political climate and the joy of over-the-top pulp.
How did you get started drawing comics?
My dad asked me to do a variant cover for him. I've always wanted to draw comics, but that was the first time I dipped my toe into the world. I started getting more requests for variant covers, and eventually I gathered the courage to send a bunch of pitches to Dark Horse. Tramps was the one that they ended up picking, which was actually my personal favorite.
What made you want to do a post-apocalyptic story?
I was feeling pretty desperate about the political situation, not just in this country, but everywhere in the world. I'm from France, and we're also in a dire situation there. I wanted to set a story that seems like it's far in the future, but at the same time is very close to where we’re going now. And, humor has always made me feel better in times of distress.
What pop culture influences went into this book?
Obviously, Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill! was huge. That movie rocked my world when I first saw it. And I love, love, love John Waters. Pink Flamingos and Pecker inspired me.
Another influence is the song “WAP” by Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion. It makes me laugh hard. How it was received by the public, and particularly how offensive it was to right-wingers, was hysterical.
What was your favorite thing to draw in Tramps?
Truthfully, I love to draw the women. I always have. When I was in elementary school, my teachers were always like, you're drawing a lot of big-breasted women there.
What I am not good at is drawing cars and bicycles. I bought all these toy cars to model, moving them around, and tried to get as close to a decent-looking car as I could.
Are you thinking about returning to more plots set in these end times?
Tramps ends on an open note where the group is separated. They would definitely, in the future, become one again. I have a whole plot planned out in the capital of whatever dictatorship Lord Ragnor comes from. You find out there are different levels of evil men running the show. I also have a whole arc about the virility musks and the musk factory. I would love to write that—because it is truly very silly.
What can we do to avoid this horrible apocalypse that we see in your book?
That's a hard question. Community organizing is important, supporting each other—and empathy. It seems like empathy has somehow become considered bad. So let’s backtrack on that, we need empathy for everyone.
But being defeatist doesn't help us move forward. In human history, we've gone through some pretty horrible times, and I want to believe that we can persevere and make it through now. And then if you have money to spare, give to the ACLU.
