“Blood never slumbers… but it dreams upon a cup of cackleberry tea.”
– Kya Mahone

Inspiration and author’s notes

KYA’S origin takes me back to junior high.

In between classes, I would draw simple, six-panel comics on classroom chalkboards for my friends and classmates to enjoy. While some teachers would erase them before class began, several would often leave them up on display, unaware that I had hidden secret messages to assist with upcoming quizzes.

I had developed a cast of characters, including the original Spookaluca, the Pūkas and the Hunting Kunka, now prominent in my trilogy series. In addition, I had designed several characters based on friends and classmates. Yet the most popular amongst my classmates was, hands down, “Holly the Holly.”

“Watch it! I know Karate!”
– Holly the Holly

The panels would feature the serene and mild-mannered Holly going about her daily life – studying for a test, going to church, planting flowers, shopping, etc. By panel three, a villain would arrive, ranging from a chaotic evil clown to her arch-nemesis, the evil mastermind (and classmate) Meredith. More often than not, they would grossly underestimate her.

Panel four was always identical; the meek Holly would physically transform into the hero, “Holly the Holly,” a fearless martial artist powerhouse who screamed her battle cry with confidence and authority!

By the final panel. She had kicked their asses, and smoldered in her awesome power.

Holly the Holly faces the criminal mastermind, Meredith – circa 1992

From Holly to Kya

At the onset of writing the Spookaluca story, I knew Holly belonged in my world.

Originally, I thought she could be Timmy’s love interest, but that quickly faded when I realized what a badass character I had on my hands; a perfect foil to Timmy’s cowardice.

I couldn’t and wouldn’t simply let her sit idly while Timmy adventured with chaotic gods and mythical monsters in Magonia. She’d be there, in the thick of it, kicking ass and taking names.

Thus, I realized I needed to give her a physical and identity makeover… The character couldn’t be meek and soft-spoken like the original Holly. So, I kept her fierceness and intelligence, then changed her name to Kya; a name that evoked the spark of playful ferocity I felt from Holly that day in junior high.

The surname “Mahone” was inspired by a dear friend of mine, Jen Mahone-Rightler, one of the most brilliant, inspiring and badass leaders I’ve ever had the privilege of working with in my career. Like Kya, Jen speaks the truth and stands by her principles and beliefs. Rarely has someone with such impact on my life in such a short period of time.

Jen Mahone-Rightler, certified badass

As a result, I created a new love interest for Timmy, Andi, inspired by another significant person in my life (to be revealed soon), allowing me to place Kya in her rightful place at the heart of the saga, alongside Timmy and his friends.

Developing Kya’s backstory and narrative arc was a blast. From her childhood in Wisconsin to her trials with the Sisters of Satin, I ached for her losses and cheered for her journey of self-discovery. It sounds strange, but I’m proud of whom she becomes throughout the series.

Designing a badass

Concept art by Francesco Sala

Kya’s original design was largely inspired by my friends’ amazingly intelligent, charming and kickass daughter, Gillian. Like Gillian, Kya infuses such incredible vibrancy and a spark of energy into everything she does. I needed art to capture that in her every pose, action and facial expressions.

My original character design for Holly (Kya)

While Kya is rather short in comparison to Timmy and Bolivar, she more than makes up for it in power and sheer athleticism. She’s a powerhouse of energy and precision.

From a costume perspective, I wanted to ensure Kya’s principles were carried through her clothing. While the other Sisters of Satin wear revealing robes and lingerie, Kya opts for more conservative attire (less flashy and more practical)  a statement of her own confidence.

The incredibly talented Rafael Dantas and Cleber Junior helped me upgrade my original “headshot” of Kya into a fully-realized character. Yet, I struggled with her design quite a bit. Oftentimes the sketches would come back either far too “adult” looking, or far too childlike. It was a difficult balance to find, but I’m grateful for the journey.

Ultimately, I selected Francesco Sala for the final concept art. After seeing his work on Timmy, I knew I made the right choice for the rest of my characters. Full of life and badassery, Francesco’s artwork captured Kya’s vibrance!

Early concept art by Rafael Dantas (left) and Cleber Junior (right)

Getting personal

While I’m not exactly known for being athletic like Kya, I was quite physically active in sports throughout my youth.

As a child, I was a state-ranked wrestler in Oklahoma, having been pulled into the advanced wrestling program at my school district. There’s photographic evidence of this, but… let’s just say singlets aren’t my thing.

I was also a gymnast, having trained with world champion tumblers and stage performers, and became obsessed with martial arts, thanks to the Karate Kid movies.

In high school, you could witness me tumbling down the hallways, or on the soccer field, turning flips and back handsprings, then twisting into a flying high kick to show off.

And, after years of therapy, I can admit, that, like the Sisters of Satin, I had a sword and exotic weapons collection. Lots to unpack there…

Anyhow, Kya represents my confidence. Every time I’m in the zone and in control. The pride I take when I accomplish something I set my heart to pursue, or after presenting on the main stage at a large corporate gathering. Kya is my charisma, fearlessness and leadership in the face of adversity. She’s my conviction in standing up for what’s right, even if it’s inconvenient or unpopular. She’s the spark of life that brightens a dark world.

Kya’s story is a journey of self-discovery and embracing one’s inner beast. I’m excited for people to meet her, witness her ferocity, and learn that the greatest warrior is one who fights with their heart.

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