“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 XXXIX, I spoke with Justin RIchards. The creator & writer of the acclaimed Vault Comics series FINGER GUNS has taken to Kickstarter for his latest project, I ONLY HAVE EYES FOR YOU, an original take on the superhero genre. Justin and his creative team are delivering a full, diverse cast of new heroes and villains with a wide array of unique powers in an epic 100+ page book. From the images in the campaign, this looks to be high-energy with stunning illustrations paired with an exciting concept! You’re not going to want to miss backing this campaign!
I ONLY HAVE EYES FOR YOU
Written by Justin RIchards
Art by Jimmy Kucaj
Colors by Àlex Santaló
Letters by Toben Racicot
Lincoln “Linc” Little has dreamed of being a superhero and fighting evil since he can remember. He grew up as an aspiring super fan of his world’s greatest heroes, The Paladin Pals! Throughout his life, Linc has displayed potential, with outbursts of various superpowers, but he has never been able to control or replicate them.
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As an adult: years of struggling with the mental health strains of failing to replicate or explain his powers has led to Linc mostly setting aside those dreams and settling into an average, depressive state. He works a job he hates and spends most nights wondering what his life would be if he could only live up to the hero he dreamed of being.
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After years of nothing, revelations will be made as a particular villain (who Linc’s powers are unknowingly tied to) begins her final preparations toward becoming this world’s greatest threat. On the surface, Jade Tempest is your typical billionaire, genius, big tech owner. She makes her money building technology to help superheroes become better at their jobs, of which she thinks they are not good at. However, just below that same surface, she is scarred by incidents from her childhood and has always struggled with a need to prove that her genius is as good as, or better than, any superpower. This has culminated in Jade developing a plan to show the world that she can overcome any superpower, even Linc’s.
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While Linc blocked much of its existence as a child, he will seek answers from the only common link (pun not intended) that has been present every time he’s manifested powers; a mysterious entity that Linc refers to as The Passenger. Who or what is this unknown being? Are they the source of Linc’s powers or a warning against their dangers? Are they an alien parasite or a powerful spirit? Are they a figment of Linc’s imagination or a giant metaphor for Justin’s depression (most likely)? Will he figure any of this out in time to stop Jade before she can enact her evil plans?
So sit back and hear Justin and I chat about his latest project, talk about the creative team on I ONLY HAVE EYES FOR YOU, all the tiers he’s offering for backers to pledge, and plans he has for the future of his original concept!
Special thanks to Justin Richards for taking the time to speak with us at PopCultHQ. Be sure to follow him online (links below). And be sure to back I ONLY HAVE EYES FOR YOU, which is live on Kickstarter through December 4th!
Writer Justin Richards:
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