Ignition began start-up operations one year ago, with the mission to do comics differently. Their direction grew out of after-hours gripe sessions about the comics industry. Publisher Filip Sablik (photo at right) said that Ignition will lead with story first, and often seek out the books that creators couldn't pitch elsewhere because of restrictions, lack of interest/support, etc.
So far, they have released ROOTS OF MADNESS, VOYEUR, MURDER PODCAST and DELUGE. Later this year THE BEAUTY will continue with new stories on October 29, followed by new titles NO PLACE on November 5 and ARCADIA on November 26.
The creators were invited to then briefly describe their books and comment on their experiences so far with Ignition, often describing the differences.
Stephanie Williams (photo at left, also a comics historian as well as author) says that they led with compassion. Ignition asked her what she wanted to do. She wasn't "just a cog in the machine" but found them to be super-supportive and treated creators like humans.
In ROOTS OF MADNESS (five issue series) a young Black woman at the turn of the 20th century learns the tradition of creating special medicines using secrets passed down from generation to generation.
Inspired by the life of Madame CJ Walker, this alternate history combines tradition with the supernatural for something modern and unique.
Artist Shawn Martinbrough (photo at left) appreciates working with people who have plenty of experience and know exactly what they are doing. He will be working with Will Rosado on a summer 2026 title described as "a grounded thriller within the DMV" (or was that DMZ?) No title has been announced yet.
Artist Aaron Campbell (photo at right) gets a chance to work again with writer Tim Seeley after WEST OF SUNDOWN on a heist book loosely described as "Fargo meets Knives Out" in spring of 2026 that addresses the question: "How far would you go for fame? Maybe pull off a heist and become rich and famous?"
Sablik mentioned that creators at Ignition are well aware that if someone has never read a comic before it's hard to start or find a starting point. He said their books were designed like the "cold opens" of movies - - provide a hook/teaser, and plunge right into an action scene that reveals a little about the character and where the story might go. Many of the books displayed at their Baltimore Comic Con were convention exclusives or Kickstarter editions, often labeled with the secondary title - - The Cold Open.
He also noted, with amusement, that when he told friends and associates what he was starting a new comics company he was asked two questions every time: 1) "Are you crazy?, and 2) "Why?"
Writer/artist Jeremy Haun (photo at left) is new to the role of Creative Director and is excited to bring new properties to Ignition as well as work on the other side of the aisle for the first time with fellow creators. One of the prior works he is noted for, THE BEAUTY, is being reprinted by Ignition (the first volume) to be followed by the continuation of the story.
His newest title for Ignition is MURDER PODCAST, the first issue which was released in September.
MURDER PODCAST is a deft blend of crime and horror with a wild premise. Listeners to a new true crime podcast become mesmerized and then transform into berserk killers. A group of career women with a shared interest in true crime podcasts meet on a regular basis to share stories and enjoy each other's company - - until after one meeting a member runs into someone listening to the weird podcast. Issue #1 ends on a cliff-hanger. Will more members of the group be in danger? Most likely.
PHOTO BELOW - - - THE IGNITION PRESS BOOTH
AT BALTIMORE COMIC-CON
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