Helen Mullane and Tula Lotay Unveil the Secrets of GROUPIES
GROUPIES is officially set to redefine the intersection of music and horror, fueled by the collaborative genius of filmmaker Helen Mullane and Eisner-winning artist Tula Lotay. Published by Mad Cave Studios, this project is a “labor of love” that dives deep into the stardom-fueled shadows of the 1970s Sunset Strip. By blending extensive research with a lurid, pulp sensibility, the creative team has crafted a time capsule that is as psychologically complex as it is visually arresting.
The elite creative team behind this idyll-shattering series includes:
- Writer: Helen Mullane (Nicnevin and the Bloody Queen, Lifeforms)
- Artist: Tula Lotay (Barnstormers, Somna)
- Colors: Dee Cunniffe & Tula Lotay
- Editor: Will Dennis
- Publisher: Mad Cave Studios
Helen Mullane brings a unique authority to the project, having managed major film releases for Studio Canal and EOne before transitioning into the world of graphic fiction. Her history as a producer for FutureShock! The Story of 2000AD and her personal experience conquering a 650km dog sled race in Norway speak to the grit and determination she injects into her characters. Similarly, Tula Lotay—the pen name for Lisa Wood—is an industry titan who founded the world-renowned Thought Bubble Festival and has illustrated for clients ranging from Marvel and DC to Playboy and Variety.
The Satanic Panic and Aesthetic of GROUPIES
What readers should prepare for in GROUPIES is a narrative that asks, “What if the satanic panic were real?” Tula Lotay noted that the era of the 70s is naturally rich with dark stories, which she and Mullane decided to amplify with “psychedelics and some Argento colours.” This stylistic choice creates a world where the neon lights of the Fox Club hide a much more sinister reality. Transitioning from the thrill of getting signed to Asmodeus Records to the horrific realization of the band’s true nature provides the primary tension of the series.
The story centers on a group of girls who are often treated as mere muses by the industry but who, in this book, contain multitudes. Helen Mullane emphasized that it was essential to give each girl her say and share her point of view. For fans who track new comics for their character depth, this pivot is a breath of fresh air. The “weird cognitive dissonance” of being a woman in a world of rock and roll excess is explored through the eyes of characters like Johnnie, Morganne, and Gaia as they realize their dream tour is actually a nightmare.
A Legacy of Horror and Music
The visual presentation of GROUPIES is a masterclass in mood. Tula Lotay, who won an Eisner in 2023 for Barnstormers and another in 2024 for Somna, utilizes her “ethereal and lustful” storytelling style to capture the decay and evolution of the characters. For collectors tracking comic book covers, the trade paperback from Mad Cave includes a new art gallery and collects the original issues into a single, prestige volume. It is a mathematical certainty that fans of high-concept psychological horror will find this to be a centerpiece of their collection.
Furthermore, Mullane’s script challenges the traditional “groupie” label by providing a voice to the figures essential to rock history. By exploring the darkest excesses of fame through a “fem-focused” lens, the series adds a layer of social commentary that few music-themed books achieve. As the “dropped-out” idyll of the tour begins to unravel, the girls must confront the “Asmodeus” pulling the strings. This narrative structure ensures that the horror remains grounded in human emotion even as it touches on the supernatural.
In addition to the physical comic, the creators’ passion for the era shines through the specific “Argento-inspired” color palette and the attention to detail in the Sunset Strip setting. Whether they are navigating the back-alleys of Los Angeles or the lonely highways of a national tour, the protagonists remain the headliners of their own story. Consequently, the series serves as both a tribute to the music of the 1970s and a warning about the predatory nature of fame.
In conclusion, GROUPIES is a must-buy for any reader looking for media that is “very pulp, very lurid, but still has a strong point of view.” By pairing Helen Mullane’s research-backed writing with Tula Lotay’s world-renowned art, Mad Cave Studios has guaranteed a release that will stay with the reader long after the tour ends. Don’t miss this portal into the dark side of rock and roll when the volume arrives in shops this February!
📢 Join the Conversation
Are you ready to see the Sunset Strip through a “satanic panic” lens? Which girl’s perspective are you most interested in following: Vera, Johnnie, or Gaia? Join the conversation on X and tag us @comicbookaddt to share your thoughts on the Mullane and Lotay collaboration!
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