In the eighties I had the good fortune of playing Ralph Hinkley on the TV show The Greatest American Hero, which lasted for three amazing seasons. Because it was a smart, original and well-crafted show, it has earned a place still today in the hearts of many people. GAH was a learning ground for me in terms of what great creativity can do! I watched as Stephen J. Cannell was uncompromising in seeing his vision come to life.

Almost thirty years later, I’m seeing what great creativity can do again by launching a brand new line of comic books called Catastrophic Comics. With it, I’m using the same template that I learned from Stephen J. Cannell. My personal promise to you all is that when you to pick any book with the Catastrophic logo, it will contain two ingredients only: a great story and inspiring art. I further promise to never be late with an issue and to never release an issue that didn’t meet my standards of quality.

This has been a life-long dream to be involved in my own line of comics, and now I’m putting my money where my mouth is.

SPARKS ISSUE 1 ITEM CODE APR083679.

After almost 2 ½ years of work, you’re seeing the first six pages of launch title Sparks, a monthly superhero noir thriller — eight issues, 32 full color pages, with a cover price of $2.99 that goes on sale June.

It’s set in 1948, and centers on masked vigilante Ian Sparks, who discovers that the price for being a hero is much too high. It’s a dark, relentless story about self-discovery, heroism, failed lives and redemption. It makes me think of Lost meets Casablanca in terms of art, style and mood. Amazing talent JM Ringuet of Transhuman does all the artwork.

Our team is currently on Book 6 of Sparks; that’s how far in advance we are working. Sure, it’s a major risk as a start-up, but you know what? “Go big or go home.” It’s the only mantra to live by when you’re creating art you truly believe in. Call me crazy; however, I want Catastrophic to be the “Pixar of Comic Books” And why not? Isn’t that a goal you want to hear from every publisher?