Creative, Culture, Review

“I wanted to write a story about how powerful a weapon art can be”: Nicholas Bain reveals how his fantastical spaces were inspired by Manchester

0 385

American screenwriter, producer and freelance writer Nicholas Bain is soon to be featured in aAh! Magazine’s upcoming print issue, talking about his new comic novel The Unicorn and the Fox. It has been widely popular and is already being promoted by Comixology, a company known for distributing well-known comic book franchises such as Marvel and DC.

Bain has created something so universal, literally and metaphorically, that this new creation from the depths of his mind fits right into the Manchester scene. “The story itself has a lot of influences,” Bain said. “I wanted to write a story about how powerful a weapon art can be. You’ll have to read the series to figure out what it is exactly.” Bain’s creativity has whipped up an original fantasy which manifests itself as reality when you flip the final page.

The overall storyline of good versus evil and the abuse of power in the comic book are themes apparent all over the globe at the moment, from nefarious politics to crime on the streets, issues Manchester is trying to grapple with. From the Twin Cities of Minnesota, Bain sees similarities between his home and Manchester. “A lot of great artists, writers, and musicians have come from that area,” he said.

Exploring real-world issues, The Unicorn and the Fox shows how one can inspire the community or themselves, and find the courage to express their feelings and fight their own fight battles.

The Unicorn and the Fox also features the artwork of Nick Acuna, an L.A. based illustrator. His art is simple, in keeping to the story, but has the power to bring the story to reality with it’s etches and fantastical colours for Bain’s self-created universe.

Artwork by Nick Acuna. Courtesy of Nick Bain.

Bain has really shown how far the mind can go; something so unique that it has the power to strike the heart of Manchester 5,000 miles across the pond.

The story includes a cluster of words, villages, diverse creatures and unlimited possibilities, and believe it or not – this is Manchester. The city’s vast array of subcultures, boroughs and old renovated buildings is a haven for anything that is imagined. Manchester offers spaces, hidden and established, for people to gather, form ideas, talk and conquer their obstacles. This is shown throughout Bain’s illustrated universe.

Bain has proven the power of the mind and how inspiration can defeat the abuse of power. The Unicorn and the Fox is a power tool, an art form and a fresh idea from the depths of the universe ready to spread it’s a sense of adventure and escapism – ensuring a safe landing back to reality.

Even though it may seem like an international project, Bain says it was more of a personal piece. “I aimed for the work to be sort of timeless,” he said.

About the author / 

Pruthvi Khilosia

Leave a reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More News Stories:

  • Album review: Seagoth – How to Stay Wide Awake

    Featured image: Seagoth “This album is dedicated to all of the people who can’t take a day off from themselves, to the people who have to face their greatest fears every single day – and to all the pain we feel, may we heal”. – Seagoth on How to Stay Wide Awake. While studying music…

  • Is This Thing On: Feminist theatre with a twist comes to Contact

    Featured image: So La Flair Theatre Ellie Campbell and Megan Keaveney graduated last year from Manchester Theatre School. The pair met at a house party in their first year, where Ellie was standing on a table singing her heart out to Florence and the Machine. Megan locked eyes with her and knew they would be…

  • Jungkook’s Top 5 Solo Tracks: An Exploration into the BTS Stars Musical Odyssey

    Featured image: PA As members of BTS embark on their military services, South Korean singer and songwriter Golden Maknae Jungkook is taking a venture into his new solo journey. Jungkook is celebrated for his outstanding stage presence and vocal ability to traverse different genres. With the discovery of his new upcoming album Golden, including 11…

  • Manchester Fashion Institute Fashion Spotlight: Showcasing MFI’s young emerging talent and innovative artists

    Featured image and photography: Nathan Cutler aAh! Magazine highlights the up-and-coming talent of Manchester Fashion Institute (MFI) students this spring, introducing the young artists and designers who are sharing unique, creative and innovative work. Our MFI Fashion Spotlight focuses on three second-year Fashion Art Direction students who are taking part in the university-led project titled…