Key Takeaways:
- Several celebrities have successfully created comic books, including Tom Morello, Keanu Reeves, Kevin Smith, Brian Posehn, and Gerard Way.
- These celebrities are not trying to compete with top comic book publishers, but rather tell unique stories based on their love of the medium.
- Their comic books often feature diverse themes and genres, such as social justice, action, and fantasy.
- Some of these celebrities have even had their work adapted into live-action or animated series, or have written for major comic book publishers like Marvel and DC.
Introduction to Celebrity Comic Book Creators
The world of comic books has seen a surge in popularity in recent years, with many celebrities trying their hand at creating their own comics. These creators aren’t trying to compete with the top names in Marvel Comics and DC Comics, but rather tell stories that are often very different from what the main publishers are putting out. What’s best about these celebrities is that they are telling stories that are often very different from what the main publishers are putting out, although in some rare cases, there are some celebrities who have gotten a chance to write for the big two and have done so at a relatively high level. This article will take a look at five celebrities who have successfully created comic books, and explore their unique contributions to the medium.
Tom Morello’s Orchid
Tom Morello, the lead guitarist of Rage Against the Machine, is one such celebrity who has made a mark in the comic book world. His comic book series, Orchid, was published by Dark Horse Comics in 2011 and tells the story of a street prostitute who learns her fate is much bigger than what society has determined she deserves. The comic is set in a dystopian future where the wealthy live on high grounds and the poor live in human settlements, and follows the protagonist as she fights a deadly class war. Morello’s story is a brilliant tale of social justice, and his passion for the subject matter shines through in the comic.
Keanu Reeves’ BRZRKR
Keanu Reeves is another celebrity who has ventured into the world of comic books. His series, BRZRKR, is a story for people who love action-packed storylines and is illustrated by Ron Garney. The main character, B, is an immortal who is half-God warrior and half-human, and has been alive for over 80,000 years, fighting and killing through all ages. The 12-issue series was published by Boom! Studios after raising money on Kickstarter, and has been optioned for both live-action and animated series. The comic has also spawned spinoff comics, and is a testament to Reeves’ creativity and dedication to the medium.
Kevin Smith’s Daredevil: Guardian Devil
Kevin Smith is a well-known comedian and writer who has written several comic books over his career. While he has received mixed reviews for some of his work, his series Daredevil: Guardian Devil is widely regarded as one of his best. The story follows Daredevil as he tries to figure out what to do with a baby who may be the Messiah or Antichrist, and features beautiful artwork by Joe Quesada and Jimmy Palmiotti. Smith’s work on Daredevil is a highlight of his comic book career, and showcases his ability to craft compelling stories and characters.
Brian Posehn’s Deadpool
Comedian Brian Posehn is another celebrity who has made a name for himself in the comic book world. He wrote 45 issues of Marvel’s Deadpool, starting in 2012, and his sense of humor was perfect for the character. The comic featured some of Deadpool’s best writing, and included tie-ins to Axis and Original Sin. Posehn’s work on Deadpool is a testament to his ability to craft hilarious and engaging stories, and his collaboration with artist Tony Moore resulted in some of the character’s most iconic moments.
Gerard Way’s The Umbrella Academy
Gerard Way, the lead singer of My Chemical Romance, is arguably the most successful celebrity comic book creator. His series, The Umbrella Academy, was published by Dark Horse Comics and tells the story of a world where 43 babies were born to random women who were not pregnant before giving birth, and all the children had superpowers. The story follows the adopted children as they try to figure out what happened to their father and stop an apocalypse, and features beautiful artwork by Gabriel Ba. The comic was so popular that it was adapted into a Netflix series, and Way has written 21 issues and seven spin-offs. His work on The Umbrella Academy is a testament to his creativity and dedication to the medium, and has cemented his place as one of the most successful celebrity comic book creators.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these five celebrities have proven that they have what it takes to create compelling and engaging comic books. From Tom Morello’s social justice epic Orchid to Gerard Way’s fantastical The Umbrella Academy, each of these creators has brought their unique perspective and talents to the medium. Whether they are writing for major publishers or creating their own independent series, these celebrities are helping to push the boundaries of what comic books can do and say. As the comic book industry continues to evolve, it will be exciting to see what other celebrities try their hand at creating comics, and what new and innovative stories they will bring to the table.
