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A Writting Journey
Lycan: Solomon’s Odyssey, Chapter 1 follows a young man with a devil-may-care attitude who finds himself placed into a position of leadership in his community. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The writing of the story itself actually went on quite a journey. This was the first book or comic that I have ever written. The original version of the script was like a sort of mix between a regular book and a comic script. I had given that out to friends and family for feedback in order to help shape the story itself. Eventually one of my friends put me in touch with an editor – Onrie Kompan, who took me under his wing and showed me how to write a comic script. He also gave me other graphic novels to read to get a better idea of how to write, such as A Contract With God by Will Eisner.
Originally the story was told from two different time periods, starting off in the future, or at least the end of the series and then jumping back and forth as a sort of “life flashing before his eyes” kind of situation. However, as Onrie and I laid out the book I decided to remove that storytelling device and focus solely on telling the story from Solomon’s point of view as it was happening. In terms of picking the setting, I had two goals. One was setting the story far enough back that I avoid any currently held ideas of the world’s first werewolf, such as King Lycaon of Greek mythology. But, I also wanted to be able to use the mythology of the world as a sort of sandbox to have this character exist in, traveling along the same path of history as our own, but told as though magic and monsters exist in hushed whispers and operating in the shadows.
This first book sets up the series so certain things need to happen in order to launch the character onto this path. I wanted to show this aloof character be forced into an unfamiliar situation, and while his intentions are pure, making hasty decisions out of desperation, lead to certain consequences that impact him and shape him for the remainder of his journey.
A lot of time was spent crafting the character traits in this novel. What was the most important factor for you to get right in your characters?
For me, the goal was to have characters that are both enjoyable to read about, but also are believable. The interactions between Solomon and his brother, or his friends, is similar to interactions I might have with my brothers or friends. I also wanted to make the reader care about these characters. I love eliciting emotions from people through my work. The interactions between characters are meant to make people feel a bit of that camaraderie or familial spirit, and any losses are meant to make the reader feel a similar level of sadness that Solomon feels. If I can make the audience feel a certain way throughout the books, then I feel I’ve done my job as a writer in properly entertaining them. Even if sometimes what I write might be tragic.
In fantasy novels it’s easy to get carried away with the magical powers characters have. How did you balance the use of supernatural powers?
The thing I like about werewolves, or magical creatures in general, is that they can be incredibly powerful, fear inducing, and awe inspiring, and yet they always have rules. While it does not appear in the book, werewolves, as well as many other monsters, have an aversion to silver. A werewolf, typically, can’t transform unless under the light of the full moon. And with that, the human part of the equation usually loses all control of their own body. It is almost as though it is an entirely different entity behind the wheel at that point. In the story, as Solomon is given this curse, even in a human form he is much stronger, faster, and has enhanced senses and a healing ability. Against normal unprepared humans, it’s not much of a fight. Against another supernatural creature, it is a much tougher fight. He is not completely invulnerable. For the other supernatural character in the book, he seems almost infinitely powerful in comparison to even Solomon, but one thing I always like to think about, is that there is ALWAYS a bigger fish out there. There’s always something more powerful.
Where does the story go in the next book, and where do you see it going in the future?
The next book in the series takes place immediately following the first book. It really delves into Solomon trying to deal with the aftermath of the first book, focusing on guilt and PTSD. The second book also introduces other supernatural elements such as magic and other mythological creatures. The idea with each book is that with each installment, it opens the world up a little more and a little more. The first book was the origin story, it sets everything in motion. Every book in the series after that, while still following Solomon, explores other regional mythologies, folklore, monsters, and gods. The second book delves into ancient Arabic mythology. The third book is best described as HP Lovecraft meets Gilgamesh. And so on. I have the entire series planned out all the way to the last page of the final book. Right now I am planning on a 15 book run, with 3 arcs each being 5 chapters. This will let me really play around with some fun mythology from around the world!
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The first book in this series is the origin story of Solomon, a man with a devil-may-care attitude who is thrust into a position of responsibility. Desperate circumstances lead to desperate decisions, which could affect the world in unforeseen ways for millenia to come. What would someone be willing to sacrifice to save those they care about most?
The Trauma I Endured
The Boy and The Man is a visually stunning and emotionally raw graphic novel that follows your journey of resilience and self-discovery after a devastating stroke. What inspired you to create a graphic novel about your experience?
Driven by a profound need to express myself and share my story, I turned to writing as a therapeutic outlet. Though returning to work was not feasible, writing became my lifeline, as it helped me make sense of the trauma I endured. My debut book, A Cry in the Dark, chronicled my journey through pain, hope, and resilience. But as I continued to reflect on my recovery, I realized that certain emotions and experiences couldn’t be fully captured through words alone. I lacked formal art training before my stroke, yet after encouragement from Dr. Moses Koh to illustrate the book myself, I discovered a latent talent. Art became a visual language that allowed me to express emotions that writing couldn’t, which is how The Boy and The Man came to life. By blending writing and illustration, I hoped to create a more immersive storytelling experience that would resonate deeply with both stroke survivors and a broader audience.
The boy’s final quote about the tunnel feels deeply metaphorical. Was this a reflection of your own fears during your recovery, or did it come from another personal experience?
The metaphor of the tunnel reflects my own fears during recovery, particularly in the early stages. When I first had my stroke, the uncertainty about whether I’d recover fully felt like being in a dark tunnel with no visible exit. Writing, and eventually illustrating, helped me process those emotions. Each word and each image became a small victory, bringing me closer to that light at the end of the tunnel. That quote represents not only my fears but also my determination to push through the unknown, knowing there’s hope waiting ahead.
Your artwork feels so integral to the story. How did the process of illustrating your recovery journey differ from writing about it?
Illustrating my recovery journey felt deeply transformative. Writing has always been my way of regaining control, but illustrating added another dimension to that process. Although I initially wanted to hire a professional illustrator, creating the artwork myself was a challenge that boosted my self-confidence. Through this process, I discovered that art was a powerful way to express emotions that words couldn’t fully capture, especially with aphasia. Art became my visual language, allowing me to convey complex feelings in a raw and authentic way. The process of creating each image felt liberating—every stroke and color choice carried a depth that writing alone couldn’t convey. Writing with aphasia is meticulous and deliberate, but illustrating gave me the freedom to express myself in a way that felt immediate and profound.
How has sharing your personal story through The Boy and The Man affected your outlook on both your own healing and the conversations surrounding stroke recovery?
Sharing my story through The Boy and The Man has been deeply cathartic. It’s made me realize how art and storytelling have given me new ways to communicate and understand my own healing. The feedback I’ve received has opened up conversations about stroke recovery that I hadn’t anticipated—particularly regarding the emotional and mental toll it takes, which often goes unnoticed. By sharing my journey, I hope to show others that recovery is not just about the physical, but also about regaining a sense of self and purpose. The book, blending both art and narrative, has allowed me to connect with people on a deeper level and has empowered me to continue advocating for stroke survivors.
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THE BOY & THE MAN: FROM A CRY IN THE DARK
From the harrowing pages of A Cry in the Dark comes The Boy & The Man, a poignant graphic novel that delves deep into the extraordinary journey of Terence Ang. Once a dynamic leader at the pinnacle of his career, Terence’s life is abruptly derailed by a life-altering stroke. Stripped of his former abilities, he faces the daunting task of relearning basic skills and reclaiming his life from the shadows of despair.
As Terence grapples with his new reality, his mind conjures a vivid hallucination— a new “team” at his workplace. Each member, flawed yet eager, becomes a mirror of his own struggles. Terence feels an inexplicable drive to guide them, to push them towards success. Through their fumbles, failures, and eventual victories, Terence begins to see these figures for what they truly are: manifestations of his fears, his doubts, and his unyielding determination to move forward.
Every victory, no matter how small, brings Terence closer to reclaiming his voice, his strength, and his identity. The vulnerable boy within him—the one who trembles in the face of fear—begins to walk hand in hand with the man he is becoming. Together, they navigate this treacherous path, forging a way out of the darkness.
The Boy & The Man is not just a tale of survival; it is a raw, unflinching testament to the indomitable human spirit. It is a story of hope, resilience, and the incredible strength that lies within each of us. For anyone who has ever felt broken, lost, or on the brink of giving up, this novel serves as a powerful reminder: even in the face of unimaginable challenges, you can find your way back. You can rewrite your story.
Lycan: Solomon’s Odyssey: Chapter 1
In Lycan: Solomon’s Odyssey, Chapter 1, Hive Head Studios introduces us to an intriguing tale penned by Dennis Robinson. Set in 8000 BC in what is now Saudi Arabia, this comic book narrative embarks on the legendary origin story of the first werewolf, woven into the fabric of early human civilization. The central character, Solomon, is a young villager poised to inherit the mantle of leadership and protection for his community. Amidst the burgeoning sense of societal order, Solomon’s journey is not without its perils. The narrative does an exceptional job of portraying a palpable sense of looming threats, ranging from malevolent entities to the natural dangers of the era, all of which encroach upon the tranquility of Solomon’s village.
Robinson’s storytelling is complemented by captivating illustrations, striking a harmonious balance that breathes life into each character and the world they inhabit. The vibrant community and its multifaceted challenges are rendered with vivid clarity from the outset. Particularly noteworthy is Solomon’s character development, whose wit and humor endear him to readers and infuse the narrative with a lighter tone amidst darker themes. The comic excels in maintaining a dynamic pace, skillfully interweaving moments of tension with lighter, humorous interactions. This juxtaposition highlights Solomon’s unique personality and approach to leadership, marked by resilience and a capacity for joy even in the face of adversity. As the story progresses, Solomon’s character is tested through a series of trials that deftly blend suspense and surprise, leaving readers anticipating the subsequent development. The plot’s narrative depth and thoughtful construction raise compelling questions about courage, loyalty, and the struggle against formidable foes.
Lycan: Solomon’s Odyssey, Chapter 1, is more than a mere adventure tale; it is a story of courage, camaraderie, and the complexities of familial bonds set against the backdrop of a burgeoning civilization and an enigmatic, powerful force. It’s a compelling read that quickly captures the imagination, promising an absorbing journey for those who delve into its pages. The initial chapter sets a high bar for the series, leaving readers eagerly awaiting what comes next in Solomon’s Odyssey.
Pages: 78 | ASIN : B0B5RXNY99
Brought My Ideas To Life
Omnis 1: Beginnings follows a family in Argentina who move to the US and have to deal with intolerance and prejudiced people they encounter at school. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Although the characters and the storyline are fictitious, I drew freely from my own experiences growing up and those of my three children. I set the story in Argentina and the U.S. to ensure authenticity, because that is what I know, having been born and raised in Argentina by parents from the U.S., and having made several moves between the two countries. There are two girls and two boys so that four different cases could be explored. I also wanted both female and male superheroes. The problems the siblings face with their move and at school are very similar to situations that we have been through ourselves but are also faced by children everywhere. Regardless of his or her background, every reader will have been at the giving or receiving end of these scenarios and can identify with the feelings and problems arising from the pandemic.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Sabrina Bedford?
I am incredibly fortunate, because, beside being a gifted illustrator, Sabrina Bedford is my niece. She did the artwork for my previous books, which consist of the front and back covers of four books and ten illustrations for King of the Hill (ten biographical stories from my father’s childhood during the Great Depression). It was wonderful working with her, because there was so much freedom of communication. I described the scenes I wanted and she delivered, sometimes with exactly what I asked for and often with improvements. I started out with tables containing columns for English, Spanish and scene descriptions. Sabrina set up a detailed spreadsheet with room for comments and questions from both of us. As the story and dialogue evolved, she made thumbnail sketches for approval and then fleshed them out. She was incredibly intuitive about what I wanted and brought my ideas to life.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The Omnnis’ superpower reflects the main theme. Empathizing with others, regardless of race, ethnicity, language, culture or social status, and acting on that empathy overcomes the barriers that separate people and fuel rejection and aggression. Some of the sub-themes I wanted to bring out are an appreciation of cultural and linguistic diversity, the advantages of bilingualism, the power of positivity, and the importance of family and friendship.
Can you tell us more about where the story and characters go after book one?
Without giving too much away, the second volume will revolve around veterans, PTSD and service dogs, while the third volume will tackle a natural disaster, both with plenty of Omni involvement, of course.
Author Links: Website | Twitter | Facebook
In mid-pandemic, the Martins move from one continent to another, and the four siblings face challenges and obstacles, especially at their new school. See them receive very unexpected help and undergo an amazing transformation.
Una experiencia gráfica bicultural y bilingüe.
En plena pandemia, los Martin cambian de continente, y los cuatro hermanos enfrentan desafíos y obstáculos, especialmente en su nueva escuela. Acompáñalos mientras reciben la ayuda menos pensada y se transforman sorprendentemente.
I Stumbled Onto The History
Journey Into Mexico: The Revenge of Supay follows a young man with the ability to summon the Aztec and Mayan gods who is trying to save Mexico from demons and the old gods. What was the inspiration for your story?
During the time that the idea came to me, I was heavily researched into South American mythology and the pre-Catholic era, meanwhile I stumbled onto the history of Vicente Guerrero, Mexico’s first Afro-American president and his organized execution from rival political forces and the following Mexican revolution. Something started to form as I was putting all that together, and thought how interesting it would be to bring more knowledge of this material to the public, but also weave together a story that resulted in Mexico’s independence from Spain. Surprisingly it all took shape very quickly and I desperately sought an artist.
How long did it take you to imagine, draft, and write the world your characters live in?
This process took about 6 weeks to finalize where I wanted it all to go.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Sebastián Guidobono?
Sebastián was fantastic. I sent him the first few pages of script, and he hit it out of the park. I really couldn’t believe it, and wanted him to be the primary visualist of the story. He is incredibly easy to work with, and collaboration with him is a dream. We’re similar age-wise and we had a great time generating the graphic novel together.
What is the next installment in this series that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I’m in the research phase of that, and not quite sure if I want to do a direct extension of the story or fastforward it thirty years and involve Mexican politics during the American civil war. To be determined!
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
Someone Who Could See The Monsters
The Dragon in The Closet, Dragon’s Journey follows a dragon as he sets off on an adventure to defeat his family’s curse; along the way there is danger and mysteries to solve. What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?
The first issue of The Dragon in the Closet, The Curse is about a cursed little boy who is constantly attacked by monsters. His Nana is a witch who comes to his rescue. I wrote it during a dark time with my daughter who suffers from suicidal ideation. She was so bad they were recommending she be hospitalized but we couldn’t afford it and our insurance covered almost nothing. The character, his Nana, is what I wish I was. Someone who could see the monsters and had the tools to protect their child.
In the second issue, the dragon, who can see through time and is kept in the family closet to predict monster attacks, finally breaks free of his prison. This issue is a natural progression of the story as Orin, the boy and dragon travel north facing monsters on their own with his Nana there with him.
What were some of the trials that you felt were important to highlight the character’s development?
My goal is to show Dragon as he enters the real world for the first time, While he could always see what the world is like because of his psychic gifts, in this book he not only sees the sky with his own eyes, he flies through it. Navigating the world vs watching from a distance are two very different things and he makes mistakes like when Orin gets attacked by Cave imps.
This is also an important part of the story for Orin as he is away from his Nana and counting on someone else to protect him, feed him and keep him safe. In upcoming stories he needs to learn to keep himself safe, but he’s getting there in stages.
When you first sat down to write this story, did you know where you were going, or did the twists come as you were writing?
The twists have come as I am writing. I write a few issues ahead of the drawing of this book. I work from an outline so I know where it’s going. I create a few pages at a time and post on the webcomic every Saturday.
Will there be an Issue #4 to continue Dragon’s journey, if so when will it be available?
Yes, Issue #4 is in progress now and will be out late next year. At the beginning of 2023 I will also release the first graphic novel for this series that compiles 1,2, 3 and some chapters of 4. In the meantime you can follow the story on the webcomic at TheDragonintheCloset.thecomicseries.com.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
The Dragon in The Closet is a thrilling comic book series for kids full of magic and mystery.
2022 Winner of the Silver Literary Titan Book Award!
Literary Titan Book Awards August 2022
The Literary Titan Book Awards are awarded to books that have astounded and amazed us with unique writing styles, vivid worlds, complex characters, and original ideas. These books deserve extraordinary praise and we are proud to acknowledge the hard work, dedication, and writing talent of these brilliant authors.
Silver Award Recipients
Calm Before the Storm by Steven Paul Germanè
The Sting
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
LITERARY TITAN 