The comic book scene is flooded with a ton of writers, many of whom you’ve never heard of. With so many different titles and independent companies out there, producing thousands of comics, it’s never been harder to find your way through generic and mediocre titles and find something truly unique.
Review Fix makes it easy for you though, with our list of ten writers you should be reading.
John Backderf: With a fun story that will remind you of classic films such as “Dazed and Confused†and “Fast Times at Ridgemont High,†John “Derf†Backderf’s “Punk Rock and Trailer Parks†is an edgy and fun comic book ride you won’t forget. Taking place in 1979 Akron, Ohio, this tale is about so much more than great music. Sure, the music, powered by punk gods The Ramones, The Clash, Wendy A. Williams and so many more give the tale a legitimacy and accessibility it needs, but the doings of Otto and his pals make up the best parts of the book. It’s quite possible that the book didn’t need all the big names– that the main plot itself was strong enough. However, either way you look at it, Derf crafts a wild tale here.
To listen to an interview with Backderf, click here.
Gerry Alanguilan: Creatively stifled, Gerry Alanguilan turned his back on the mainstream comic world in 2005 after inking some of the most influential comic books of our generation, such as Iron Man, Wolverine and Superman. However, rather than fade away into obscurity, he’s shown the world that he’s much more than a “tracer.†His graphic novel, “Elmer,†is easily one of the most engaging, engrossing and emotional epics in independent comic book history.
To listen to an interview with Alanguilan:, click here.
Sean Von Gorman: After turning the last page of the first issue of Sean Von Gorman’s “Sock It To Me Comics,†two things are abundantly clear. Von Gorman is funny and knows his pop culture. Stringing several small stories together, in addition to several hoax-ads in between, Von Gorman’s work will remind many of a younger, less-polished, but still charming and entertaining version of Eric Powell, the evil mastermind behind Sci-Fi/Noir/Comedy hits from Dark Horse Comics, “The Goon†and “Chimichanga.†Unlike Powell however, Von Gorman’s protagonist isn’t a muscle-bound tough guy or a bearded little girl. Instead, it’s a man and his sock-puppet roommate. And his name is Sock.
To listen to an interview with Von Gorman, click here.
Stephan Nilson: Nilson’s two newest books, “The Pound†and “Extinction†prove his ability tenfold. “The Pound†is essentially a buddy cop meets old school horror film romp with a great main character, while “Extinction,†a zombie-inspired disaster comic, can be scary at times, but also has moments of humor and wit.
To listen to an interview with Nilson, click here.
Neil Gibson: The first two volumes of his “Twisted Dark†series are an homage to the work of Neil Gaiman, anime and “The Twilight Zone.†He’s a talented indie comic guy just breaking in who put an obvious ton of work into the project. The type of artists he garnered for this trade is impressive as well, as they manage to change the pace nicely.
To listen to an interview with Gibson, click here.
Jeff Martin: A independent graphic novel about a pro wrestler in space set in the year 3000? It’s in black and white too? It’s a compilation of comic strips as well? With these three elements striking a chord as either strange or associated with usually weak work, Jeff Martin’s “Heat†may be a trade you’ll originally pass up. That would be a huge mistake. For those of you that grew up on a heavy diet of WWE as a kid, the thought of watching Dick the Bastard fight his way from jobber to main eventer is something both familiar and fun. In the end however, Martin does more than cash in on pop culture sensibilities, he crafts a one of a kind story that is also infectiously drawn and features two characters that you can listen to forever. You’d never expect this book to be a futuristic buddy comedy, but that’s exactly what it becomes.
To check out a review of “Heat,” click here.
Connor McCreery and Anthony Del Co: The creative team behind IDW’s “Kill Shakespeare,†Del Co and McCreery are hot commodities. Not many could combine Shakespeare and comics, but these two do and find a way to make it fun. With a possible movie in the works and a theatrical performance already in production, expect to hear their names.
To listen to an interview with McCreery, click here.
To listen to an interview with Del Co, click here.
Frank Powers: Pissed off animals, colorful anime-inspired art and enough pop culture references to hurl an orange top hat at, Frank Powers’ “The Origin of Pissed Off Panda: A Hate Story†definitely has its moments. While he still has some kinks in his story-telling ability, he’s got enough talent and ability as both a writer and an artist to check out.
To listen to an interview with Powers, click here.
Brian P. Katz: The concept for Brian P. Katz’s “Neutron Girl†is so intriguing that it demands your attention. Lets be serious here, a sexy heroine, flanked by a cute kitten and fueled by the thoughts of a horny and over-worked comic book writer? This idea is solid enough that it practically writes itself. That’s not a knock on Katz either. The writing on the first issue of “Neutron Girl†is fueled by organic and realistic language that ends up making it incredibly fun and sexy.
To read a review of “Neutron Girl,” click here.
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