Back in 2024, Armored was a surprise hit from writer Michael Schwartz and artist Ismael Hernandez. And now the book is back on Kickstarter, collected as an OGN from Clover Press. Featuring a new cover, and a previously little-seen story, the book’s critical and fan acclaim is as much of a shock to Schwartz as it was to everyone else.
“I’m just as surprised as anyone by the success Armored has had,” Schwartz told Comic Book Club over email. “I’ve been fortunate that the book benefited from strong word of mouth early on. Whenever I had the chance, I encouraged people to read the first issue. In the beginning, I spent a lot of time trying to convince both comic fans and professionals to give it a shot. I really believe in the story, and felt that if people took the time to read the first issue, they would want to continue the story. I think that effort paid off.”
To find out more from Schwartz, including what to expect from the Kickstarter, read on.
Comic Book Club: You got praise for this book from Dan Aykroyd and R.L. Stine… Choose one: Goosebumps or Ghostbusters?
Michael Schwartz: That’s a cruel question to ask a fan, but if I have to choose… I’ve got to go with Ghostbusters. I grew up watching that movie on repeat, to the point where I could recite most of it line by line. BUT… I probably wouldn’t have been inspired to write without R.L. Stine and Goosebumps! He’s a true master of the horror genre.
More seriously, Armored was a surprise success — what do you think contributed to it breaking out?
I’m just as surprised as anyone by the success Armored has had. I’ve been fortunate that the book benefited from strong word of mouth early on. Whenever I had the chance, I encouraged people to read the first issue. In the beginning, I spent a lot of time trying to convince both comic fans and professionals to give it a shot. I really believe in the story, and felt that if people took the time to read the first issue, they would want to continue the story. I think that effort paid off.
What’s your take on ghost stories in general? What ingredient do they need to make them work?
Ghost stories are some of my favorite stories – both fiction and non-fiction. There’s something about them that feels plausible, even to the biggest skeptics. We’ve all had moments alone where we felt like we weren’t the only ones in the room… at least, I think we’ve all had those moments. I know I definitely have. I think the ghost story sub-genre is broad and varied, so it’s hard to pinpoint a single ingredient that makes them work. But for me, the key is having clear rules for the ghostly realm. Without that, the story can easily fall apart.
Why a Kickstarter for a book that came out a year ago?
Armored began as a Kickstarter project when Clover Press launched the first two issues nearly two years ago. That’s been their business model for all of their graphic novels and art books. It’s a great way to connect directly with fans and give them an opportunity to make a pledge for items that are exclusive to the campaign. Now Clover is collecting the five issues into a hardcover graphic novel so everyone can read the whole story.
What can folks expect from the new edition?
This collected edition will be a hardcover featuring brand-new cover art by Francesco Tomaselli. It also includes a 10-page story that was originally exclusive to a special half issue published by Wizards the Podcast Guide to Comics, a cover gallery featuring all of the popular variant covers, and tons of behind-the-scenes material exploring the making of the series.
This was your debut novel, so other than the Kickstarter, what’s next? More Armored? Another book?
Beyond this Kickstarter, the next book I have coming out is another ghost story called Till Death. Can you tell I have a theme going here? I co-wrote it with Rachael Schaefer, and it’s currently being illustrated by Gaia Cardinali. We’re excited to share more details about it soon! As for Armored, there are still so many stories left to tell. We’re already deep into the second arc, with Ismael gearing up to start pencilling issue 7. This Kickstarter gives fans the chance to pick up issue 6 and get an exciting first look at what’s to come for the characters.
Armored is on Kickstarter now.
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