Aaron NabusMichael Pickard, artist and co-creator of the indie comic, UltraMax, joins the Hall H Show! Episode 98 is also available on Google Play, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, iHeart Radio and Spotify. The Hall H Show is hosted by Aaron Nabus and Alex Benedicto and is the “Voice of Independent Creators.”
Show Notes:
Hey there Hall H Show listeners!
I hope you are all doing well during this pandemic.
If you’ve been listening to us the last few months, you’ve heard some great interviews with comic book creators that have come on the show to talk about their Kickstarter campaigns.
Last week, I got a DM on Instagram from Michael Pickard, the artist and co-creator of UltraMax a 96 page super-villains in crime graphic novel – which is now on Kickstarter until October 15, 2020.
As the host of a pop culture podcast that loves signal boosting indie creators, I’m always honored when indie comic book creators reach out to me for interviews, so please welcome to the show, Michael Pickard!
This was a fun conversation with Michael. I enjoyed getting to know him and also learning more about UltraMax, a graphic novel that is a love letter to prison dramas, superheroes and crime fiction. ~Aaron
A Few of the Topics Discussed:
- Michael’s creative journey, as an illustrator.
- What Michael was like at 15 years old.
- Comic and non-comic influences.
- Sequential art vs. fine art.
- What being a comic book creator during the pandemic has been like.
- Advice for fellow creatives on how to be productive during the pandemic.
- How Michael met his UltraMax co-creator, Doug Wood.
- What motivated him to want to be the artist of UltraMax (after reading the initial script).
- His experience as a graphic designer and why he doesn’t regret not going to The Kubert School.
- The power of collaboration.
- Michael’s favorite superhero.
- His gratitude for Jason Inman’s (co-creator of Jupiter Jet and the Forgotten Radio and co-host of Geek History Lesson) Kickstarter advice.
About UltraMax:
Synopsis:
A journeyman henchman has pulled off the impossible. He has killed the world’s most famous superhero. In order to get reduced jail time, the henchman has cut a deal with the feds. Problem is, even without having any powers they are sending him to the Ultra Max facility. With all the worst super villains. Now the unlucky nobody must navigate prison life, while praying no one finds out he is a snitch.
Creative Team:
Doug Wood (Writer/Co-Creator) is a disabled writer from Peculiar, MO. He had his first published comic Leap M came out from Action Labs this year. He previously has many shorts in anthologies such as Platform Comics Short Story Anthology and Bonfire Comics Bonfire Anthology.
Michael Pickard (Artist/Co-Creator) is a comic book illustrator from Pennsylvania. His greatest influences include Tony Salmons, Tim Sale, and Bill Sienkiewicz. When he’s not making comics, he’s probably blabbering about them in the village square.
Reno Lino (Colorist) is a Brazilian colorist influenced by Marte Gracia and Alejandro Sánchez. Comics, Norse mythology and Punk Rock define him well. His oldest memories are drawing, creating stories and painting.
Kickstarter:
Trailer:
Preview of Book 1 of UltraMax:
Thunder Round Questions:
- What would you do with one million dollars? How about $100?
- I know you’re a huge Bill Sienkiewicz is a huge fan. If Bill was on here with us, what would you ask him?
- It looks like the main character of UltraMax doesn’t have any superpowers. If both of you existed in the UltraMax universe, what kind of superpowers would each of you have? Describe what your character would be like.
- Your main character was sentenced to ten years in prison. If you were just released from jail, having completed a ten year sentence, what is the first thing you would eat?
- If you could teleport to anywhere in the world right now, where would you go, and why did you pick that place?
- You’re going on a long road trip, what songs would you put on your playlist?
- What’s one thing your fans would be surprised to know about you?
- What color would your lightsaber be?
Follow Michael Pickard:
Instagram
Ink Drink Think (YouTube podcast)
Website
Thank YOU:
Thank you so much for tuning into the Hall H Show podcast, where we love showcasing independent comic book creators like Michael Pickard. Please check out the UltraMax Kickstarter campaign which ends on October 15, 2020
If you believe in our mission to be the voice of independent creators, please leave us a comment and rating (hopefully five stars) on Apple Podcasts. You can also find this podcast on Google Play, Stitcher, iHeartRadio and even Spotify!
Peace, cheers, and remember that representation matters. If you would like to recommend a guest that you feel deserves more attention, please reach out to us on any of our social media accounts or the contact form on our contact form.
