The Intersection of Acting and Comic Book Writing
Starring in comic book movies or TV shows has become a rite of passage for actors aiming to reach A-list celebrity status. However, many of these actors have taken their passion for the source material a step further by contributing to the very medium that brought them fame. From reimagining classic characters to creating original stories, several actors have expanded their careers into the realm of comic book writing.
Kevin Smith: A Multifaceted Creator
While Kevin Smith is primarily known as a writer and director, he has also played a significant role in the comic book world. His character Silent Bob, along with his “hetero life mate” Jay (Jason Mewes), inspired the fictional comic book hero duo Bluntman & Chronic. This was just the beginning of Smith’s involvement in the comic book industry.
Smith has written multiple stories featuring Batman, including the controversial Batman: Cacophony and its follow-up, The Widening Gyre. He has also contributed to Daredevil comics for Marvel and worked on releases such as The Bionic Man and The Green Hornet with Dynamite. Additionally, he has created content within his View Askewniverse, including a continuation of Clerks and a crossover between Archie and Jay and Silent Bob.
Keanu Reeves: The Creator Behind BZRKR
Keanu Reeves has not only starred in comic book adaptations like The Matrix and the Bill and Ted franchise but has also created his own comic book character. The protagonist of Boom! Studios’ 2021 limited series BZRKR, B, is based on Reeves’ likeness. Co-written with Matt Kindt and illustrated by Ron Garney, the comic features an immortal, super-powered hero. Reeves has since released more comics set in this world, showcasing his creative versatility.
Rashida Jones: A Spy Genre Twist
Rashida Jones, best known for her roles in Parks and Recreation and I Love You, Man, has also ventured into comic book writing. She co-wrote Frenemy of the State with Nunzio DeFilippis and Christina Weir. The graphic novel follows Ariana Von Holmberg, a wealthy socialite turned CIA operative. Universal Pictures had previously optioned the rights for a film adaptation, which Jones would write, though it has yet to be realized.
Samuel L. Jackson: A Cosmic Odyssey
Samuel L. Jackson, whose career has been heavily influenced by comic book adaptations, also took on the challenge of creating his own comic. In 2010, he collaborated with Eric Calderon and Jeremy Rock to write Cold Space, a sci-fi reimagining of Akira Kurosawa’s Yojimbo. The story follows an outlaw who crash-lands on a distant planet and takes advantage of a brewing conflict. Jackson’s likeness is used for the protagonist, making him a natural fit for any potential film adaptation.
Thomas Jane: A Sci-Fi Comic Collaboration
Thomas Jane, known for his portrayal of Frank Castle in The Punisher, has also ventured into comic book writing. After befriending artist Tim Bradstreet, he pitched the idea for Bad Planet, a sci-fi comic about an extraterrestrial warrior protecting Earth from malevolent creatures. Co-written with Steve Niles, the series has run under Image’s Raw Comics imprint since 2005, though only eight of the 12 envisioned issues have been published.
Mark Hamill: The Black Pearl
Mark Hamill, famous for his role as Luke Skywalker in Star Wars and his iconic portrayal of The Joker in animated form, also contributed to the comic book world. In the mid-1990s, he and his cousin Eric Johnson created The Black Pearl, a five-issue comic published by Dark Horse. The story follows Luther Drake, a man mistakenly branded as a costumed hero by the media, offering a satirical take on sensationalist journalism.
Brian Posehn: A Deadpool Writer
Brian Posehn, recognized for his work on Just Shoot Me! and The Wedding Singer, has also made a name for himself in the comic book world. He co-created the Image title The Last Christmas and became a notable writer for Marvel, particularly for Deadpool. From 2012 to 2015, he and Gerry Duggan were the main writers behind the Merc with a Mouth’s adventures, including The Wedding of Deadpool, which broke a world record for most comic book characters on a single cover.
John Barrowman: Reviving Torchwood
John Barrowman, known for his role as Capt. Jack Harkness in Torchwood, helped revive the canceled TV series as a comic book. Collaborating with his sister Carol E. Barrowman, Barrowman co-wrote the series for Titan Comics, bringing back the beloved character for fans of the British sci-fi series.
Rosario Dawson: Occult Crimes Taskforce
Rosario Dawson, a prominent figure in comic book adaptations, also created her own comic series. Occult Crimes Taskforce, co-written with David Atchison and illustrated by Tony Shasteen, follows Investigator Sophia Ortiz as she investigates mystical activity in New York City. Dawson served as the visual inspiration for the central hero, showcasing her creative vision.
Patton Oswalt: A Prolific Comic Book Writer
Patton Oswalt, known for his stand-up comedy and voice work, has also made a mark in the comic book world. He has written for DC, Dark Horse, and even a Bongo release inspired by The Simpsons. He co-created Minor Threats, a miniseries about C-list supervillains, published by Dark Horse in 2022. His diverse contributions highlight his versatility as a writer.
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