Comic-book writer Ryan Foley stays true to Oklahoma roots
Writer Ryan Foley has the power to influence characters’ lives – including He-Man – all from his home in rural Oklahoma. His first published comic book was “Masters of the Universe” Vol. 3 issue No. 8, starring He-Man and the Masters of the Universe characters, based on the Mattel toys.
The Adair native, 34, has worked with MVCreations, Image Comics and Arcana on several comic-book projects. His “Tales of Penance: Trial of the Century” was released this summer. In “Tales of Penance,” a costumed superhero is arrested in the murder of a supervillain after a videotaped battle. Police officer L.J. McCloud is tasked with finding out the truth behind the case.
Foley says being a writer based in Oklahoma hasn’t been a problem.
“Everything is done via the Internet and to a lesser extent the telephone,” Foley said in a recent interview. “I have worked with artists as far away as South America, the Philippines and Italy. My publishers have been based in Virginia, Kentucky and British Columbia.”
Foley said the cost of living is great in Oklahoma, and the pace keeps him relaxed.
“If I were based in New York or Los Angeles, I would be searching for a refrigerator box to live in,” he said. “I love the down home charm of a place like Adair. It is very calm and relaxing. There is no crime. I’ve always said that we are laid back but not back water. My back yard is 80 acres of cattle pasture. I cannot think of a better place to raise my kids.”
Foley said he believes superhero comic books should be looked at as a dynamic, positive medium.
“On the surface, I think comic books can easily be dismissed as a child’s media. But … superheroes are our modern day mythology. Apollo, Hermes, Achilles. Today, they are known as Hyperion, The Flash and Wolverine.”
Foley says he’s still growing as an author.
“My hope as an author is to one day create comics that kids look back on and say, ‘Wow, I really want to write like Ryan Foley.’ I know I’m still a long ways off but I think I get closer with every comic that I write.”
By Matthew Price
From Friday’s The Oklahoman
If you enjoyed this post, please consider to leave a comment or subscribe to the feed and get future articles delivered to your feed reader.
Comments
No comments yet.
Leave a comment