Memphis: A City Resurrected in a Zombie Apocalypse
Ah, Memphis! A city that effortlessly combines rich musical history with vibrant culture. It’s a place where blues and BBQ reign supreme, and its spirit is woven into every street, building, and neighborhood. And now, it’s getting a unique twist with the launch of a new comic series, Memphis vs. Zombies, which brings the thrill of a zombie apocalypse right to the heart of this iconic city.
The Birth of an Idea
So, what inspired this fascinating blend of a post-apocalyptic story and a city known for its soulful charms? According to the creator, the idea flowered during a lively visit to the Cooper-Young Fest, a community celebration in the city. Picture this: crowds of enthusiastic locals soaking in the atmosphere, the Beale Street Flippers performing their acrobatic feats, and an epiphany—“How cool would it be to encapsulate all this energy into a comic book?”
From that moment on, the wheels started turning. The creator imagined a Memphis grappling with the bizarre and supernatural twist of a zombie invasion. With a goal to explore the hidden mysteries of the city—think curses and ancient forces—the vision expanded into an exhilarating narrative that goes beyond mere survival.
A Love Letter to Memphis
At its core, Memphis vs. Zombies is a love letter to the city itself. The characters are inspired by the vibrant personalities found throughout Memphis, reflecting a strong sense of individuality and community connectivity. From high school heroes like Walter to the charming feline sidekick, B.B. the cat, these characters serve not just to navigate through chaos but to rally around their beloved city.
And here’s a fun fact—B.B. the cat is not just a fictional creation. The creator ended up adopting a real-life B.B., a black cat found abandoned. Talk about blending life and art!
Overcoming Hurdles
Of course, creating a comic series is no small feat. With life’s unpredictability sometimes sidelining projects, our creator faced challenges ranging from time management to self-doubt. However, the inspiring news of impending fatherhood lit a spark. This new role motivated him to pursue dreams passionately and set an example for the future generation.
With a plan in place and a commitment to push through the hurdles, the project regained momentum. Collaborations with talented artists, Guilherme and Aline, helped bring this fresh narrative to life visually, making it a team effort to showcase the heart of Memphis through the lens of a comic.
The Essence of Thrill Comics
In 2018, the vision for Thrill Comics was born, influenced by Memphis’ vibrant spirit and the creative desire to share stories. Originating from a quirky idea related to a local football league’s naming contest, the creator transitioned that concept into a fully-fledged publishing company, laying down the foundation for Memphis vs. Zombies and future tales waiting to blossom.
The logo embodies the spirit of Thrill Comics, featuring a skeletal bluesman. Thrill represents the commitment to local storytelling and the promise to bring new and exciting ideas to life, including tabletop games and additional comic book series!
Culture and History Infused in the Narrative
Anyone familiar with Memphis will appreciate how deeply the city’s culture and history are intertwined within the comic. For example, the first issue kicks off with a lively 5K race filled with Elvis impersonators—setting the stage for unexpected chaos. The narrative will also subtly include nods to influential music icons without overwhelming readers with constant references.
The warm, light-hearted tone couples perfectly with the local diversity, offering an authentic reflection of Memphis while engaging the audience in thrilling zombie escapades.
What Lies Ahead?
Fans have much to look forward to! Exciting developments await in Memphis vs. Zombies, with new characters like a gun-toting diva named Etta Fitzgerald making her grand entrance. The story promises to explore deeper issues beyond zombies, hinting at multiple threats that will challenge the city and its inhabitants.
Moreover, a Kickstarter campaign launching soon will provide opportunities for fans to support the comic, gain access to exclusive content, and be part of a community that shares the love for Memphis!
A Journey Worth Taking
Perhaps the most rewarding aspect of this adventure has been sharing the journey with loved ones. The support of family, specifically the creator’s wife and newborn daughter, fuels a drive to instill lessons about chasing dreams despite challenges.
For aspiring comic book creators, the advice is clear: keep pushing through obstacles, develop a solid plan, and stay committed to your vision. Remember, each struggle is part of the vibrant journey of making art.
As the city of Memphis embraces a new chapter marked by thrilling tales and supernatural twists, Memphis vs. Zombies is set to capture hearts while showcasing the unique charm that makes this city so special.
