No one in comics has a career quite like Denys Cowan's. From studying at the feet of Neal Adams, to breaking out with his legendary run on The Question, and co-creating an entire universe of diverse superheroes with Milestone Media. Finally, all these achievements and more are being celebrated in a first of its kind art book, live on Kickstarter now.

Today, I'm joined by the legend himself, along with author Michael Stradford as they talk about putting this enormous project together.

Back the Campaign at http://comicsaredope.com/denyscowanart

About Denys Cowan:

Denys Cowan is an accomplished and celebrated comic and animation creator and illustrator. Founder of Milestone Media, which sold over 10 million copies of ground breaking comic books, Cowan has numerous credits to his name, including: Black Racer, Deathstroke, Black Lightning & Hong Kong Phooey, Batman: Lovers & Madmen, Blind Justice, Black Panther: Flags of Our Fathers, The Question, Hardware, and Static.

Static became one of the most beloved characters in the Milestone Universe, spawning a hugely successful animated series, Static Shock. During its run, the series was the only animated show not produced by Nickelodeon to dominate ratings. Denys directed and produced the series, which was nominated for an Emmy.

As Senior Vice President of Animation at BET, Cowan was responsible for the creation, development and production of animated programming for the network. This included the development and production of the Black Panther animated series. Prior to his time at BET, Denys was instrumental in developing and Producing the first season of the prime time animated series, The Boondocks. Serving as Senior Vice President of Motown Animation and Filmworks, he created and developed a number of shows with Fox, ABC, Disney and Nickelodeon. Cowan also co-created the character of Henri Ducard, as played by Liam Neeson in Batman Begins.

Cowan drew the cover art of the GZA/Genius of the Wu-Tang Clan’s platinum selling hip-hop album Liquid Swords. Denys illustrated the successful run of You Can’t Handle the Truth, a monthly full-page comic strip for Ebony magazine. More recently, Denys Cowan illustrated the Django Unchained graphic novel, which was inspired by the Oscar-winning film by Quentin Tarantino. Denys also created illustrated posters for Marvel’s Black Panther and John Wick 2.

Among comic book readers and collaborators, Denys Cowan is the stuff of legend. Denys Cowan comic books have gone on to sell millions. Cowan remains a prolific creator, illustrator, and producer. He is the recipient of the Humanitas Award, and he has been nominated for a number Eisner awards throughout his illustrious career. Denys is also featured in Robert Kirkman’s “Secret History of Comics” in the episode titled “The Color of Comics” focusing on the history of Milestone Media.

About Michael Stradford:

Michael Stradford is a seasoned entertainment executive with a career spanning radio, music, and film. Starting as a radio announcer in the Midwest, he later programmed top stations like KKBT in Los Angeles. Stradford worked as a senior executive at Quincy Jones’ Qwest Records and later led Sony Pictures Home Entertainment’s DVD Special Features department and original programming for Crackle.com. After producing award-winning content for Warner Bros. Pictures, he founded Gizmoe Press in 2023, channeling his lifelong passion for comic books into the successful crowdfunding of the graphic novel ‘Fargo: Hell on Wheels,’ set for release in 2024.

For More from Comics Are Dope:

Get This Week in Comics, our weekly e-mail newsletter: http://thisweekincomics.com

Subscribe on YouTube: http://youtube.com/@comicsaredope

Join our online Discussion Communities:

Facebook - http://bjkicks.link/community

Discord - http://bjkicks.link/discord

The last time I had Joe Illidge on the show, I couldn't believe the secret he kept from us. He's writing The Shadow Cabinet! But now, just a week ahead of release, Joe is free to tell all. Well, all he can tell us without spoiling the first issue. Listen to hear why EVERY MOMENT MATTERED, and just what this new series means for the Dakota Universe.

Back Graphic Samurai: The Art of Denys Cowan on Kickstarter here.

About Joseph P. Illidge:

Joseph started his editorial career at Milestone Media, Inc., the influential comic book publisher profiled in the MAX documentary “Milestone Generations”

His groundbreaking editorial runs on the Batman line of comic books for DC Comics and Lion Forge’s “Catalyst Prime” superhero imprint featured in The Hollywood Reporter reflect Joseph’s expertise in curating inclusive hero fiction.

Profiled as one of the “Best Editors” in comics, Joseph was featured in the History Channel documentary series, “Superheroes Decoded”, discussing popular heroes from Superman to The Black Panther.

Joseph is a member of the Board of Directors for the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund, and the recipient of a Citation from the New York State Assembly for exemplary community service through career achievement.

For More from Comics Are Dope:

Get This Week in Comics, our weekly e-mail newsletter: http://thisweekincomics.com

Subscribe on YouTube: http://youtube.com/@comicsaredope

Join our online Discussion Communities:

Facebook - http://bjkicks.link/community

Discord - http://bjkicks.link/discord

Today, I'm thrilled to be joined by artist Asia Simone! We talk about being inspired by animation, what she hopes to leave readers feeling from her work, and how she's balancing being a teacher with her pursuit of a career as an artist.

About Asia:

Asia Simone received her BFA in Illustration and minor in creative writing from the University of the Arts. She’s a digital artist whose love for animation and comics/manga can be seen in her work, including her newest graphic novel release, Marvel’s Moon Girl And Devil Dinosaur: Wreck And Roll.

Asia's goal is always to draw whimsically expressive characters and create stories and worlds that feel magical, whether contemporary or not. Her love for character acting can be seen in her co-illustrated middle-grade book, Pack Your Bags, Maggie Diaz. She uses vibrant colors, shapes, and light to express fantasy in reality and to showcase positive representations of underrepresented people and stories.

With two books under her name, Asia continues to develop her sense of storytelling with personal comics and characters she continues to create. Keep up with her latest on IG: @asia_simone405 or Twitter: asiasimone405

For More from Comics Are Dope:

Get This Week in Comics, our weekly e-mail newsletter: http://thisweekincomics.com

Subscribe on YouTube: http://youtube.com/@comicsaredope

Join our online Discussion Communities:

Facebook - http://bjkicks.link/community

Discord - http://bjkicks.link/discord