Creator of the Month: Steve Wands

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The idea behind AWA is that by putting creators first, we all benefit. Our tagline says it all: “Where the best creators do their best work, for you.” We think the quality of our original stories backs that up, and our fans, critics, and the industry seem to agree with us.

Our “Creator of the Month” program lets us spotlight a different writer, artist, colorist, letterer or more each month, allowing you to get a glimpse into what makes them tick. (What’s more, you may ask? As you may know, AWA is venturing into film and TV, so you may just see a director or other movie auteur show up on these pages over time, too!)

Follow Steve on Instagram: @steve_wands

What is your favorite comic character or fictional character of all time? Why?
Probably the Punisher. He was the first character I really followed and had to buy every month. From his primary book to War Journal, War Zone, and eventually the Max stuff I was in and couldn’t get enough. The Thing is a close runner up.

Who most influenced you in the world of comics?
I don’t think I can narrow this down to one, but perhaps the two captivated me most would be John Romita Jr. and Walt Simonson. When I saw their work, I wanted to draw—scratch that—HAD to draw.

Who most influenced you outside of the world of comics?
Where to start? I guess as it pertains to comics probably my Grandmother. She always told me I could be a comic artist, even as a young kid making terrible “comics” by folding a sheet of paper in half and doodling my way into a to be continued. She always said, “why not?”

Tell me about your favorite story/panel/art page from an AWA series you’ve worked on.
I absolutely LOVE the Absolution #5 Dawn of the Dead homage cover. That’s my favorite movie and I so loved seeing that cover. And anytime you can work with your favorite Hulk artist is a good time, Mike is a legend, and I’ll buy a ticket to that ride any time.

If you were a comic book character, would you rather be the hero or the villain?
I feel too flawed to be a hero and I don’t care for tights.

What’s your favorite comic book or graphic novel?
Once upon a time my favorite comic used to be Fantastic Four, then it was The Walking Dead, and sometime after that I started being a terrible patron of comics. Favorite graphic novel is probably something stupid like Watchmen.

What’s your favorite moment in comics ever?
Is there anything better than Punisher vs Daredevil? Or drying your eyes after Essex County?

What’s your favorite comic book genre?
Horror

Would you rather be invisible or have the ability to fly?
Invisible, heights are scary, yo

Do you think you could survive in a zombie apocalypse?
Hell yes.

Do you listen to music while you’re creating?
Music, podcasts, audio books, dogs barking

What is your favorite song or band?
This feels impossible. I can’t commit to it.

What is the best advice you ever got?
There’s nothing new under the sun, just make it yours

Dog person, cat person, or…?
Dog person

Where is your happy place?
Backyard making smores by the fire pit with the family

Tell us one of your guilty pleasures.
Sometimes I like a pumpkin spice latte

If you were stranded on an island with any 3 people — real or fictional, living or dead — who would you pick?
Mary Ann, Ginger, and Hank Moody

What’s the last movie you watched?
Not sure about movie, but currently watching season 2 of Squid Games

What’s the last comic you read?
Beneath The Trees Where Nobody Sees

What is your favorite type of pizza/pizza topping?
Sicilian is the boss, but I love a veggie pie

If you could have anything in the world for a last meal, what would it be?
Crab Cakes

What do you want fans to know about you? (Or any other question you’d like to answer that we haven’t asked!)
I’ve said too much already, but you’re reading this, and you think you can’t — fuck that because YOU CAN!