FreakShow Character Introduction: Merulo

Every Monday from now until December 3rd, I'm introducing a character from my debut novel, Jack Jetstark's Intergalactic FreakShow! Today's character is...

　

Merulo!

　

 

Merulo is Jack's first mate. He is asexual and aromantic, and comes from a toxic planet called Valeo. Having grown up in a wasteland, he has a passion for protecting the environment and bringing peace to the universe... but he also really enjoys bloodshed and war. Merulo is a conflicted man, but you won't find anyone more loyal.

　

Merulo is a freak, a descendant of people who were genetically engineered to have superhuman abilities when they hear a certain song. He turns into a beast, sort of a combination of a werewolf and a bigfoot.

　

Most of my characters were inspired by lyrics from American Pie, and musicians referenced in it. Merulo is based partially on John Lennon ("Lennon" means "blackbird," and the Latin name for blackbird is "merula"), and his home planet being a radiation hazard was inspired by "the birds flew off with a fallout shelter."

　

If Jack is Han Solo, Merulo is Chewbacca. I even accidentally drew inspiration from the prison transfer scene. My "dream casting" for Merulo would be Sean Baek, who plays Fancy on Killjoys.

　

Preorder here and add it on Goodreads!

　

Come back next Monday to meet Theon!