Suro Senen
In the ever-evolving landscape of independent comics, few creators possess the satirical bite and structural ingenuity of Mark Russell. Known for his work on titles such as Second Coming, The Flintstones, and Billionaire Island, Russell has carved a niche as a writer who uses the medium to dissect the absurdities of modern society. This week, the AIPT Comics Podcast (Episode 385) welcomed the acclaimed writer to delve into his latest venture: The Forgotten Divine, an ambitious graphic novel currently being brought to life through a crowdfunding campaign via Ahoy Comics.
The episode serves as both a masterclass in the craft of long-form storytelling and a deep dive into the psychological underpinnings of why we believe what we believe.
The Genesis of ‘The Forgotten Divine’
Exploring the Inner Mechanics of Cults
During his interview with the AIPT team, Russell explained that The Forgotten Divine is perhaps his most personal project to date. The graphic novel, which features the evocative art of Russ Braun, seeks to explore the allure of cults not from the perspective of an outside observer, but from the inside out.
Russell posited that many people fall into cults—or intense, fringe belief systems—not because they are unintelligent, but because they are searching for a sense of belonging and meaning that mainstream society has failed to provide. By humanizing the members of these groups, Russell aims to move past the sensationalism often associated with the topic. "It’s about the vulnerability of the human condition," Russell noted during the discussion. He spent significant time researching the sociological drivers of fringe groups, aiming to translate the feeling of communal isolation into a narrative that resonates with a modern audience.
Creativity as a Form of Belief
A recurring theme in the conversation was the philosophical overlap between religious fervor and artistic creation. Russell argued that creativity itself is a form of belief. To write a story, to draw a panel, or to build a fictional world is an act of faith—a belief that the ideas in one’s head possess enough merit to be manifested in reality. This thematic bridge provides the foundation for The Forgotten Divine, which challenges readers to consider where they draw the line between healthy passion and dangerous obsession.
Chronology of the Project
The journey of The Forgotten Divine began as a desire to break away from the serialized, monthly comic book model. Russell and his team opted for a graphic novel format, which presented a unique set of challenges.
- Conceptualization: Russell began drafting the narrative arc with a focus on a singular, contained story that could be consumed in one sitting.
- Artistic Collaboration: Bringing Russ Braun on board was a pivotal moment in the project’s development. Braun’s ability to capture the nuance of human emotion was essential for the book’s character-driven narrative.
- The Crowdfunding Phase: Recognizing the current state of the comics market, the team pivoted to Kickstarter. This move allowed them to maintain full creative control while fostering a direct relationship with their readers.
- Current Status: The campaign is currently live, with the creative team providing regular updates and exclusive previews to backers as they push toward their final production goals.
Supporting Data and Industry Context
The comics industry has seen a massive surge in the popularity of crowdfunding, particularly for graphic novels that fall outside the traditional "superhero" mold. According to recent industry reports, creators like Mark Russell have found that direct-to-consumer models provide a safety net that allows for more experimental storytelling.
The Forgotten Divine enters a competitive market, yet its focus on high-concept satire and emotional depth sets it apart. Data from the Kickstarter campaign indicates a strong baseline of support from established readers of Ahoy Comics, suggesting that there is a significant appetite for "prestige" format independent comics that prioritize thematic weight over franchise continuity.
The Weekly Roundup: News and KAPOW Moments
Before the deep dive into The Forgotten Divine, the AIPT podcast hosts, Dave and Alex, navigated the week’s most pressing industry developments. The weekly recap serves as a barometer for the health of the comics market, covering everything from shifting distribution trends to the latest high-profile announcements from the "Big Two" (Marvel and DC) and the burgeoning indie sector.
Standout KAPOW Moments
The podcast’s signature "KAPOW" segment highlights the most visceral, surprising, or aesthetically stunning moments in comics this week.
- Alex’s Pick: Alex highlighted the interior art in In Your Skin #3, specifically praising the work of letterer/designer Aditya Bidikar. The discussion centered on how typography and design can serve as an emotional anchor in a story, transforming a standard page into a piece of visual poetry.
- Dave’s Pick: Dave focused on the debut of The Eye Collector #1. With art by GMB Chomichuk and writing by Jonathan Ball, the book was lauded for its haunting visual style and its ability to immediately establish a tone of dread and intrigue. The host noted that The Eye Collector is a masterclass in atmospheric storytelling, proving that high-concept indie books continue to lead in creative risk-taking.
Judging by the Cover: Aesthetic Analysis
The "Judging by the Cover Jr." segment offered a lighter, yet equally critical look at the industry’s aesthetic trends. This week’s selection highlighted a diverse range of artistic styles:
- Dave’s Selection: Dave Repoza’s cover for Iron Man #7. The hosts discussed the weight and texture Repoza brings to the armor, noting how the cover manages to feel both retro and modern simultaneously.
- Alex’s Selections: Alex Ross’s Mortal Thor and Alex Eckman-Lawn’s Deadman #2. The conversation explored the contrast between the classic, painted realism of Ross and the surreal, often unsettling digital-collage aesthetic of Eckman-Lawn. The hosts concluded that the diversity in cover art remains one of the most exciting aspects of current comic book collecting.
Implications for the Future of Comics
The success of Mark Russell’s approach to The Forgotten Divine carries significant implications for the future of the medium. As traditional publishing models face pressure from changing reader habits, the "Author-Led Graphic Novel" model is becoming increasingly viable.
Creative Autonomy
By utilizing Kickstarter, Russell is demonstrating that a creator-owned project can thrive without the interference of corporate editorial mandates. This trend is likely to continue, with more mid-career creators opting for crowdfunding to ensure their artistic vision remains intact.
The Rise of the "One-Sitting" Read
There is a growing shift toward "bingeable" comics. Readers are increasingly seeking out complete, self-contained stories rather than committing to multi-year, multi-issue runs. The Forgotten Divine caters directly to this shift, offering a cohesive narrative that rewards the reader’s investment of time and attention.
Conclusion: Why It Matters
The AIPT Comics Podcast Episode 385 serves as a vital resource for both casual fans and industry insiders. By balancing the intellectual rigor of an interview with Mark Russell and the lighthearted appreciation of visual art, the episode encapsulates the current state of the medium: a blend of high-art ambition and accessible, community-driven commerce.
Whether you are interested in the sociological study of cults or simply looking for your next great read, The Forgotten Divine represents the pinnacle of what independent comics can achieve. As Russell continues to push the boundaries of the medium, the support of the reader community remains the engine that drives this creative evolution forward.
For those looking to support the project, the Kickstarter campaign for The Forgotten Divine is currently live. The podcast itself, which continues to be a staple for comic enthusiasts, is available for streaming across all major platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music. As the week’s news continues to unfold, one thing remains clear: the future of comics is being written by those willing to take the biggest risks.
Siti Muinah
