by Joe Schickman, Reporter

Author and artist Ben Wickey is singularly suited to shatter the lens mythologizing this era of American history in his impressively crafted graphic novel, More Weight: A Salem Story

More Weight: A Salem Story is a richly researched, densely packed, beautifully fashioned, historical deep dive into one of the darkest chapters of American history. In his first interview on the ambitious work, find out why author and artist Ben Wickey is uniquely appropriate to add a voice to the complex dialogue surrounding these highly mythologized events, and how his upbringing, family history, and intense dedication coalesced into this one of a kind endeavor. Through the interview, learn about Ben’s nuanced process and detail oriented approach to all aspects of this project. Witness Ben’s intelligence and humor, all while grappling with the cruelest parts of humanity, and bringing insightful inquiries and fresh challenging perspectives to this infamous topic over 300 years later. 

Ben’s mother (a Henson Studios trained puppeteer and art therapist) and father (a cartoonist and animator) cultivated artistically fertile soil and an encouraging atmosphere to raise Ben in, set against the backdrop of a small New England fishing village 30 minutes north of Salem. There, the history and locations Ben would later write about were tangible, enveloping him throughout his formative years. Growing up Ben spent countless hours at ground zero of these historic events, and learned first hand that history doesn’t happen in a vacuum, it happens in our back yards. While steeped in these dark legacies, Ben dove into research. 

In the interview Ben recounts that the book became an obsession leading to late nights and long hours of grueling research, studying myriad works of other scholars, pouring through first hand accounts, analyzing official records, and learning the topography well enough to bring the locations back to life with the help of a very talented map maker, his wife Mariana Ivenovich. Throughout the fascinating process creating this comprehensive work, Ben maintained an inquiring eye, continuing to ask questions and explore further as he wrote. Ben approached drafting this book as a conversation between himself and everything that had come before, hoping his audience would read it the same way. To begin, we hope you enjoy this interview, and trust that after listening, you’ll be eager to get a copy of Ben Wickey’s More Wight: A Salem Story and see for yourself why this unique Graphic Novel has an essential voice to add to this centuries old conversation. 

Special thanks to our friends at IDW Publishing for arranging this interview.

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