I was just going though some old Avatar PR and material from the “old” version of the site to see what needed to be integrated here, and I spotted something which must not go unnoticed. If I’ve got my facts right, 2007 marks the 20th anniversary of regular Avatar writer/artist and creative force Mike Wolfer’s entry into comics with giant-monster title Daikazu under his own Ground Zero banner in 1987.
Of course, Mike has been a vital part of Avatar since almost the beginning, first with his creator-owned title Widow and in more recent times as frequent collaborator to Warren Ellis (Strange Kiss, Stranger Kisses, Strange Killings) and John (Night of the Living Dead) Russo, and numerous other projects. In fact, we have another big project which Mike will be involved with which we will be previewing in May solicits.
Twenty years of doing indy comics is an absolutely monumental achievement. What Mike did with Ground Zero, along with what others did, such David Quinn and Tim Vigil with Rebel Studios, helped lay the groundwork for the kind of indy scene that Avatar entered a decade later in 1997. Mike continues to play an indispensable role in shaping the company with his creative contributions to this day.
I still remember seeing Widow for the first time around 1991-92 and being bowled over by it. Great writing, great art, and never pulled any punches. Those characteristics have been hallmarks of Mike’s work ever since. Thanks, Mike. Here’s to another 20 years.