Back in 2013 Colin Maxwell started producing comics and he became the driving force behind Maximized Comics which have already produced a range of titles that cover everything from history to heists.
What was the first title you worked on?
King Robert the Bruce and the Wars of Independence (writer + letterer, 2014)
How has your work changed since then?
I do artwork, as well as writing. I no longer use Comic Sans! I’ve had a go at writing fiction too (The Big Comic Con), and won a prize for a short scifi story that I wrote and drew called The First Men on Mars. I’ve moved from pencil and paper to using an iPad Pro for drawing – I just prefer the digital workflow.
Who are your main influences?
2000AD is probably the most influential comic I’ve read. I enjoy scifi more than superheroes or other genres. I used to read war comics like the Victor and Commando as a child, so that’s probably why my historical comics have a lot of battles in them! There are writers and artists I admire, but I wouldn’t say they are a great influence on what I write or draw.
What comics are you reading just now?
I read lots. My local library has lots of graphic novels and I probably read a graphic novel every week. I read them all, and am not picky about genre or art style or writer. I also read lots of indie comics, most recently Levels by Desert Whale Comics and Spies by Vital Publishing.
I’m reading the following series:
Papergirls – it’s not what I expected. I thought it was going to be something like The Goonies, but it tuned out more like Stranger Things, but stranger.
Archangel – William Gibson’s first foray into comics. I thought I’d read it as he’s such a renouned scifi author, and was curious how it would work out. So far it’s been good.
Reborn – Mark Millar’s latest sci-fi fantasy about what happens when you die. I haven’t read it all as I’m saving them up for a binge.
What’s the best thing about creating comics?
Surprisingly, I like the social part – meeting fans, readers and creators at cons and events, and playing football with the Scotland Comic Creators FC.
What are you working on just now?
Some short stories about Scottish historical characters that will be included in a compilation graphic novel that I have a Kickstarter running for now. I’m also doing a superhero web comic strip called the Brexiteer.
Where can we see you next?
Glenrothes Comic Con – 10th June
Glasgow Comic Con – 1st July
Inverness Comic Con – 8th & 9th July
You can catch-up with all things Maximized Comics over on the website, Facebook & Twitter pages. Take a look at the Colin’s Maximized Comics Blog too.
You can also take a look at their Kickstarter campaign at the link below:
Tales of Bruce and Wallace Graphic Novel
G-Man
COMICS ANONYMOUS 