“Pants Optional” is PopCultHQ’s Zoom video interview feature where we connect with individuals within the comic book community. It’s a way to see/hear what creators have been doing during the pandemic, projects which may be in motion, and noteworthy events and happenings taking place in lieu of conventions, appearances, and the weekly NCBD grind.
For Episode XLVI, I spoke with creator/writer JD Boucher. His latest project is entitled SHUFFLE and is being made available through Zoop – a crowdfunding platform that is redefining crowdfunding for comic readers, creators, and publishers.
Shuffle is an action-filled all-ages superhero graphic novel. It’s got some wild superhero action, stylish dynamic artwork, a character-driven story, and the taco incident. This is also the only comic that has 1) a soundtrack featuring amazing musical artists of all genres from around the world and 2) builds the superpowers of the main character based on those songs!
SHUFFLE #1
Written by JD Boucher
Art/Colors by George Kambadais
Letters by Jodie Troutman
Edits by Chuck Pineau
After a cosmic incursion, David gets a different superpower for every song his suit plays! Too bad it’s stuck on shuffle, and the powers end when the song does… Add in living doodles causing havoc around town, and David is in for a wild summer vacation.
Take the wacky action of Ben 10, some character drama of My Hero Academia, some cosmic nonsense from Spider-Man: Enter The Spider-verse, and filter it through the prism of someone who has spent way too much time making action scenes in their head to songs, and you got Shuffle.
PREVIEW OF SHUFFLE #1
So sit back and hear our conversation about the origins of the character, the creative team working alongside JD to bring SHUFFLE to life, and how the writer came to partner with Arledge Comics!
Special thanks to JD Boucher for taking the time to speak with us at PopCultHQ. Be sure to follow him & the entire SHUFFLE creative team online (links below). And do yourself a favor and immerse yourselves into this exciting superhero romp!
JD Boucher – Writer
JD Boucher is a comic book writer and media expert located in Billings, MT. He’s written for anthologies such as Cthulhu is Hard to Spell, My Kingdom For a Panel, and Screams Heard ‘Round the World. He is also the co-creator of the all-ages comic Moonlighters.
Follow JD Boucher Online:
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George Kambadais – Illustrator
George Kambadais is a Ringo award-nominated comic book artist and illustrator, currently living in Athens, GR. George has worked with DC, IDW, IMAGE, DARK HORSE, BOOM, ONI, VAULT, and more.
Follow George Kambadais Online:
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Jodie Troutman – Letterer
With over twenty years of comic creation under her stylish leather belt, Jodie Troutman has amassed a portfolio of self-published efforts, many of which have eroded into dust like the Ozymandias statues of old. Still maintaining those vast and trunkless legs of stone when she can, Jodie continues to crank out new comics like The Gospel of Carol, Lit Brick, and Virginny. She currently lives in Phoenix, Arizona for reasons beyond understanding.
Follow Jodie Troutman Online:
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Chuck Pineau – Editor
Chuck Pineau is a writer/editor, having co-created such works as Welcome to the Void, Belial, and Essence House. His vast editing history includes such treasures as Dulce, Swords and Sorrows, and Appalachian Assassin.
Follow Chuck Pineau Online:
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Arledge Comics – Publisher
Founded in 2016 by Chickasaw siblings, Arledge Comics started as a hobby and became the home of the critically acclaimed ALEX PRIEST. Since its inception, Arledge Comics has grown to include a number of anthologies, – including TRIAL RUN, MY KINGDOM FOR A PANEL, and STRANGE WATERS – and creator owned comics (like CREAM MAID and NO GOING BACK). Native founded, queer owned and operated: our mission is to create inclusive comics for the whole family to enjoy.
Follow Arledge Comics Online:
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Zoop:
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