On The Comics Alternative‘s first interview of 2014, Gene and Derek are joined by Brian Joines, the writer of the recent comic book series I.M.A.G.I.N.E. Agents (BOOM! Studios) and Krampus (Image Comics). They talk with Brian about how great 2013 was for him, the genesis of his new titles, his apparent fascination with the darker side of childhood, why devil-like holiday figures make good copy, his collaborations with Bachan and Dean Kotz, the hazards of self-publishing, and the sickeningly sweet and sinister connections between Steven Spielberg and sugar plum fairies. Brian points out, as well, that he’s not a defiler of childhood memories, and that kids should stay in school, not do drugs, and follow their creative imaginations.