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PrintEquinox Comics draws comic relief
In the comic book universe, it would be comparable to two superheroes joining forces. In this case, the superheroes were Aaron Ballinger and Timothy Lackey, then-fifth-graders at Kiefer Elementary School. Lackey was busy doodling images of Captain America and Thor when Ballinger walked by. Wanting to learn how to create the characters himself, Ballinger struck up a friendship.
Under the name Equinox Comics, they began devising characters and universes, hoping to one day create a comic book of their own.
Now, Equinox Comics consists of not only Ballinger and Lackey but also writers Eric Factor, Shawn Cowan and Tommy Brownell and artists Ben Soto, Jamario Beard, Jason Coody, Johnnie Johnson, Kent Clark, Sean Eddingfield and Trevor Thomas. Formed officially in 2008, the company debuted at its first comic book convention, Defcon, in August 2008 and presented at the Tulsa Comic & Anime Expo in September. In January, Equinox will release its first original comic book, “Equinox.”
“Equinox” consists of a primary story, “Genesis,” and a secondary story, “Hellrazer.” “Genesis” describes the battle between Ebon, a Superman analog, and Ooze, who received evil powers from the dark god Uteth.
Ballinger says that while he and Lackey originally conceived the Equiverse universe portrayed in “Genesis,” other Equinox staff contributed their thoughts and ideas as well.
Ballinger says this dedication to teamwork is what makes Equinox unique.
“I think the mistake a lot of people make when they start up a little comic book company is usually there are a couple guys … that get together and they overwhelm themselves,” he says. “I thought, reaching out, looking out for more people and drawing them in … we feed off each other’s energy; we feed off each other’s ideas and concepts.”
While, now, the Equinox artists and writers volunteer their time, and they do not yet have a headquarters, Ballinger has big plans for the future, all while keeping Equinox firmly rooted in Oklahoma.
“We’ve really got a talented group of people,” he says. “There’s a ton of talent in this state ... We want to prove that you can do it without leaving Oklahoma.”
Brownell says he appreciates the opportunity to create original comics and hopes to one day devote a career to it.
“Writing is the greatest pure thrill I have experienced, so if I can make a modest living doing that, I’ll be ecstatic,” he says.
Editor’s note: “Equinox” will be available this month at Wizard’s Asylum, 7165 S. Mingo Road, and online at www.comicsmonkey.com.
Below, photos courtesy of the men behind the self-portrait sketch.
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