The Writer
Micah Metz
From a very young age I loved super heroes; as a kid, I would play with action figures for literally hours on end. When I got older I started watching the 90’s super hero cartoons. Then, in college, I started reading comic books. As time went on, my love of storytelling grew. I love hearing good storytelling no matter what media creative people find to tell stories, I eat the stuff up! My wife, Maggie, has been my biggest support and cheerleader during the book writing process.
Writer of Burdens of Draco -Graphic Novel
I have been writing Burdens of Draco, for nine years. I have been writing and re-writing, editing and tweaking, making sure the story has an impact on the reader--making sure that it is a story that not only excites the reader but moves them emotionally. With help from a few sample readers and my editor, A.J. Ellis, the story is now complete. The rough page count for the story is 280 pages, which makes for a pretty hefty graphic novel. That is why we are splitting it into 20-ish page issues. I am most excited to see how reader reacts to the twists and turns placed throughout the book and the interesting characters that they will meet.
Writer of Cloud Red -Novel
I have been working on this prose novel for 2 years. It has been challenging to think of stories in a new way of description and detail. Kateland Vernon has done a fantastic job editing this 290+ page novel into a solid first effort. I have enjoyed diving into the futuristic grungy city of Gouch and look forward to sharing Red’s story of revenge with you.
Writer of The Deadly Kids -Comic
This one-shot 16-page adrenaline rush is like nothing I have written before. It is a funny, action packed, colorful story of 2 teens looking to eat a burger amidst the a giant monster destroying the city around them. When the quakes of the destruction spills their drinks and makes their fries soggy, it’s go time! This 90’s themed over the top story is a quick read bound to fill your entertainment appetite.
Writer and Artist of Man + Bot -Graphic Novel
This 50 page graphic novel is simple in style and story. A man and a robot travel from New York to LA at the end of the world, looking for another person. It is funny and emotionally deep with themes that resonate in today’s community-hungry culture.
Burdens of Draco artist
Charissa Beukema
Hey, there! I'm an overtly passionate illustrator, concept artist, and storyteller currently residing in Houston, Texas.
I'm inspired by everything my senses touch--the movies I watch, the books I read, the music I hear, the games I play, the life I live--it all finds its way into my artwork and writing. That inspiration pours itself out with a vengeance daily. There are so many stories in my brain constantly vying for attention it can be hard to settle on just one at a time. But I look forward to setting each of them free, sharing them with more than just myself.
It might seem counterproductive, but this goal of setting stories free is exactly why I signed on with Micah. When Micah approached me about illustrating Burdens of Draco, I saw a story itching to be unleashed and a creator desperate to share it. It was a sight I couldn't help but be sympathetic toward. While Draco may not be my brain child, I'm stoked to create it, share it, and set it free.
In so doing, I might just set my own stories free, too.
Visit me at charissajbeukema.com!
The co-Writer and Archivist
Matt Henderson
I live in Ohio with my wife and three kids. Having just turned 40, I have been alive long enough to have some pretty great inspiration for writing. Any parent could write a book made up only of stories from raising kids.
However, my enjoyment of crafting stories started when I was little. I used to spend hours sketching out little worlds on paper and filling them with characters. As I grew up, I got more involved in both digital Role Playing Games as well as Pen and Paper RPGs. Both of these were pretty exceptional outlets for crafting good story.
My writing style lends more towards deep character development which is why I have enjoyed being part of the Burdens of Draco team. Micah has the world pretty well fleshed out. He has given me the freedom to fill it with interesting characters.
My primary role in BoD is to write the Archive entries. The small lore items that fill in details we couldn't cover in the comic. I am currently working on a couple larger projects we call Side Stories.
The Bandit King- Novel
The Bandit King has been a fun process for me as its my first attempt at writing from the perspective of two characters. It has been challenging to take the reader through a series of events happening in the world, but being experienced from two different points of view. Having two different narratives start separately, and then converge into one narrative has stretched me as a writer. It has forced me to pay more attention to the details included in each story. Doing this allows the reader to see the same event through the eyes of two different characters, Not only seeing how that event shapes the world, but how it affects each character.
The Deadly Kids Artist
Jessi Guilish
I’m a Hoosier currently residing (and sweating) in the hot, humid climate of Augusta, Georgia. While locked away under full blast of air conditioning I’m either drawing, playing video games, or pestering my cats. I grew up with cats and video games, but my art journey began in 2009 when I, for whatever reason, had an overwhelming need to draw fan art for my new favorite game: Kingdom Hearts. Over time, my interest in art evolved from poor tracings off the back of a video game case to creating vibrant, stylized art for video games, illustrations, and (of course) Matchstick Comics!
My art in and of itself, doesn’t contain deep meaning. But I like to think that the intent behind my art does. I want to create art that when seen by the right person at the right time, sparks that interest in them to create. I hope I can inspire a future generation of artists that draw what makes them happy. The circle of life!
Contact: artjessigulish@gmail.com or visit my shop www.etsy.com/shop/matchaMORI