Josh Blaylock is a master of reviving the past while forging bold new paths. As a renowned comic book creator, he’s brought iconic 1980s franchises like G.I. Joe back into the spotlight and his original creation, Mercy Sparx, is set to leap from the comic pages to the big screen. With a passion that spans historical thrillers, political satire and sci-fi adventures, Blaylock’s work continues to captivate audiences and inspire new generations of creators
For comic book creator Josh Blaylock, the past isn’t just a place to revisit; it’s a treasure trove waiting to be reimagined. Known for bringing iconic 1980s franchises like G.I. Joe back into the cultural spotlight, he has a keen understanding of the power of nostalgia. “Originally, the huge resurgence of the 1980s was simply due to the fact that it had not been done yet,” he explains. “My company was the first (in comics) to bring back such a brand from the 1980s and everyone was now an adult, in their 20s and they wanted to see it come back the way they remembered it—in their head, not in reality—and a little more edgy.”
The appeal wasn’t just in the characters or stories but in the era itself. “It was the first time that a generation had grown up with this huge amalgamation of cartoons, comics, toys, lunch boxes, pajamas, McDonald’s Happy Meals and so much other collectible merchandise,” says Josh. “The older generation did not understand how powerful this nostalgia would be.”
Today, the allure of 1980s culture endures, driven by an older fan base and younger audiences alike. While Generation X continues to embrace the era that defined their childhoods, he believes younger fans are drawn to its pre-internet charm. “I can’t help but think there is a romanticisation about it in part because it is as close as we will ever get to modern society before the internet changed everything.”
Beyond reviving past favourites, his original creation, Mercy Sparx, is poised to leap from the comic pages to the big screen with MGM. The character—a devil-girl working for Heaven to hunt rogue angels—comes with her own set of challenges in adaptation. “One of the core elements of the Mercy Sparx story is that she herself does not evolve,” he notes. “Whenever she is given the chance to move forward, she sabotages her own success.”
Still, he insists that certain aspects of the character must remain intact. “It’s important that they keep the main ‘hook’ of the story—a devil that works for Heaven. She must also be a counterculture, genuinely reluctant character who is forced into the job against her will and has a snarky attitude about the whole thing.” Maintaining her punk-rock roots and subcultural aesthetic poses another challenge. “There are very specific nuances, like her style and the comic books’ influences from certain music subculture aesthetics—punk, goth, metal, etc.—that are hard to keep in sync with film elements, but I do my best to exert influence where I can.”
With one foot in the past and another in bold new worlds, his creative journey proves that great stories—whether nostalgic or original—never truly go out of style.
For him, the comic book medium is more than just a vehicle for entertainment—it’s a powerful tool for education, reflection, and cultural dialogue. From addressing historical tragedies to exploring the future of technology, his diverse body of work showcases the versatility of comics to tackle complex topics with nuance and impact.
In his graphic novel Operation Nemesis, he delves into the Armenian Genocide through the lens of Soghomon Tehlirian, the man who assassinated Talaat Pasha, the architect of the genocide. “I was approached by two Armenian cousins who wanted this story told from an outsider’s perspective,” he shares. The project, marking the 100th anniversary of the genocide, proved both an emotional and rewarding endeavor.
To accurately portray the events, he immersed himself in research, including a treasure trove of early 20th-century New York Times articles chronicling the genocide and its aftermath. “The critical moment was when I found the actual court hearing from the German court system,” he says. This document, alongside interviews with historians and accounts from Tehlirian’s family, revealed a narrative of tragedy, espionage, and justice. “It all combines to make an incredible tale of tragedy, triumphs, espionage, and drama,” he reflects.
With Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and the Freshman Force, he tackled the polarised world of modern politics through a mix of satire and tribute. “The key is to embrace different styles and perspectives from several creators,” he explains. The result was a time capsule of the political zeitgeist, designed to entertain and educate while capturing the essence of a transformative moment in U.S. history. “Should someone read it twenty, or even fifty years later, it would represent a true snapshot of that era,” he adds.
His fascination with Bitcoin led to the creation of The Bitcoin Comic Handbook, a project that simplifies complex concepts of cryptocurrency through visual storytelling. “Comics allow you to communicate visuals and words in a way that no other medium does,” he says. Part comic, part illustrated prose, the book demystifies Bitcoin beyond its financial implications, earning accolades from the tech community.
For him, comics remain his go-to medium for exploring passions, whether historical, political, or technological. “It’s in my DNA,” he says. “When I get passionate about something, I need an outlet and “Comics are something all their own,” he says. And under Blaylock’s deft hand, they continue to expand their boundaries, proving that no topic is too heavy—or too complex—for this unique art form. He is celebrated for his work across diverse genres, balancing crafting immersive fictional worlds and dissecting real-world complexities. As a veteran in the comic industry, he continues to innovate while championing the evolution of the medium.
“In reality, it’s about digging into the information and deciding what’s most important to share,” he explains. The process forces him to deeply evaluate his own beliefs, making it an introspective exercise.
Conversely, creating fictional worlds means defining their rules and letting characters flourish within them. “People love to create lore, but the hard part is crafting living, breathing characters that connect emotionally with readers,” he says. A relatable character serves as a guide, making even the most fantastical stories accessible.
Reflecting on the role of comics in today’s world, Baylock wishes the medium had greater cultural influence, especially beyond superhero narratives. “Comics are the source of so much entertainment, but many don’t realise how much of what they consume started in comics,” he says. Beyond entertainment, comics have proven effective educational tools, even adopted by the military to explain complex concepts.
As a pioneer in self-publishing with Devil’s Due Comics, Baylock offers practical advice for aspiring creators. His forthcoming guide, Breaking Into Comics: No More Rules, emphasises the importance of simply starting. “No one is waiting to give you permission to call yourself a comic book creator,” he asserts. While early attempts may fail, they offer invaluable lessons that fuel growth.
He highlights the enduring power of direct audience connections, particularly in an age of AI-assisted art.
Having witnessed the industry’s transformation, Blaylock acknowledges significant progress in diversity. “When I started, comic cons were over 90% male, and most characters were white,” he recalls. The rise of manga in the early 2000s marked a turning point, bringing in younger, more diverse readers and creators.
Today, conventions often attract a female-majority audience and indie comics continue to expand storytelling horizons. “The melting pot is growing,” he says. Blaylock is optimistic about the medium’s future, fuelled by a new generation of readers and creators inspired by manga and innovative storytelling.
From delving into historical narratives to imagining alternate ancient worlds, his work highlights the limitless potential of comics. As the medium evolves, he remains a passionate advocate for its ability to entertain, educate and connect with audiences on a deeply human level.
For him, the path to becoming a comic creator seemed inevitable. “I was born wanting to draw and write stories,” he shares, recalling how even as a toddler, he was constantly sketching. Early encounters with influential comics cemented his passion, beginning with his discovery of G.I. Joe. “The first issue I found in a store blew my mind; it felt so grown-up and became the first series I collected monthly.”
Key moments followed rapidly: the debut of the 1989 Batman movie introduced him to The Dark Knight Returns and The Killing Joke. “I had no business reading those at 12, but fortunately, my mom didn’t know,” he jokes. The realisation that the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles started as an edgy, indie comic further expanded his perspective, leading him to the black-and-white indie scene. With the formation of Image Comics, he was “all in on comics all day, every day.”
His enthusiasm hasn’t waned. “I’m still constantly influenced and excited by new comics and art—it never stops.”
