When Faith and Comic Books Meet
by Don E. Smith Jr. 

Let’s face it, faith and religion are funny things.

For as many reasons as there are to trash it, there are many people who find the spiritual side comforting in times of distress.

However, the independent comic book creators at Faith Star comics have found faith and religion as a source of inspiration. 

“We at Faith Star Comics...are committed to providing high quality comics for the Christian entertainment market, as an alternative to secular comic book that may contain spiritually questionable material,” said Rick Madison, the president of Faith Star.

He continued, “In all our titles, it is our hope that through art, work and storylines, we can creatively present biblical principles to encourage and initiate interest in seeking a deep and loving relationship with Jesus Christ.”

Before the “J.C.” words scare off anyone check out this cool verse Madison quotes on the Faith Star web site - Ephesians 6:11, 12:

“Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”

Religion aside, tell any comic book fan, “Hey let’s go put on some armor and kick demonic fanny!” you will get the staunchest atheist asking, “Where do I sign up?” 

SCORPION SAINT

With Faith Star releasing their comic later this summer, we spoke with Madison about faith and its significance in his work. 

Cosmic Book News:  First of all, taking a look at the characters on your site, do you find you ever have to compromise your faith with art and vice versa?

Rick Madison: No. 

I feel like it’s “one and the same” because my faith goes into every character and storyline. It’s a part of life, and my faith means everything to me.

Cosmic Book News: For those of us who are new to Faithstar, can you give us a rundown of the plot or characters?

Rick Madison:  Well, I cant give out any plots yet, but I can say we have a book coming out this August.

This book will show the Faithstar characters and plots. 

Cosmic Book News: Some of those characters are just really cool looking!

How long did it take you guys to design the characters and come up with the storylines?
 

GHOST RAM

Rick Madison: I would say, each character took about three to five months to work out things [like design and storyline].

Cosmic Book News: Just taking a look at your work, it is clear early Image has been an influence, but who else have been influence for you comic book wise?

Rick Madison: Reginald Hudlin [president of the BET channel and writer on BLACK PANTHER from 2005 to 2009] has been a big influence for me.

Yet, right now I've been going back [to] the oldies like Jack Kirby and Stan Lee.

Cosmic Book News: What is next for you guys?

Rick Madison: Of course we have the previously mentioned Faith Star Universe book coming out in August.

And a comic featuring the Scorpion-Saint (who is our flag ship character) will be released in November of this year, right in time for the Christmas holidays.

Cosmic Book News: So, will we see any Faithstar Comics in any local comic book shop soon?

FAITHSTAR

Rick Madison: We are looking into going into some Christian Family book store on the East Coast, but right will be selling books online through Comicworks.com.

Cosmic Book News: Rick, thank you so much! This was a lot of fun!

Rick Madison: Thank you. 

For more information, keep an eye on Faith Star’s web site at www.faithstarnation.com.