Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan Ladner
Hi Ryan, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always been passionate about storytelling and creativity, which led me to explore various forms of expression throughout my life. Growing up, I was an athlete and also participated in local theatre, which allowed me to develop a strong sense of discipline, teamwork, and creativity. My journey began with a deep love for comic books, sparked by the first comic book I ever read: Fantastic Four vs. X-Men. This book ignited my imagination and inspired me to create my own stories and characters. This passion eventually led me to pursue a degree in marketing, where I could combine my creativity with strategic thinking.
In 2014, I moved to Memphis and instantly fell in love with the city. The soul and blues music that permeates the culture, which had already been a significant part of my life, resonated deeply with me. I remember listening to The Staples Singers and Otis Redding on my dad’s record player. Memphis has influenced much of my creative work and it’s where I’ve built a life. Here, I met my amazing wife, Maya, and we are excited to be raising our new baby girl, Mavis, in this vibrant city. We also have a cat named B.B. and a dog named Flint, who are part of our loving family.
Over the years, I’ve honed my skills in marketing and communications, gaining valuable experience and insights along the way. My roles in Sports Marketing after college and as a Marketing Director here locally have allowed me to leverage my creativity to develop effective marketing campaigns and connect with audiences in meaningful ways.
Parallel to my professional career, I’ve also been working on personal projects, one of the most significant being the creation of “Memphis vs Zombies.” This year, I launched my company, Thrill Comics, and will be publishing “Memphis vs. Zombies” as our first title. My work on the comic book has been a fulfilling endeavor, allowing me to explore Memphis in fun new ways and connect with a wider audience. Throughout this journey, I’ve learned the importance of perseverance, collaboration, and staying true to one’s creative vision.
My journey has been a blend of professional growth and personal fulfillment through creative projects, and I’m excited to continue exploring new avenues and sharing my stories with the world.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Certainly, there have been some struggles. Ask any artist and they might tell you it’s all a struggle. Sometimes the necessity for a steady income and the demands of your career are things you have to prioritize. Familial demands always take precedence. Balancing these responsibilities while pursuing my creative passions has been challenging.
One of the main struggles has been finding the time and energy to work on my creative projects after fulfilling my professional and personal obligations. It’s not typically easy to carve out time to bring my ideas to life. There have been moments of self-doubt and creative blocks, but pushing through those difficult times has been incredibly rewarding.
Another challenge has been the logistical and financial aspects of launching a new company and publishing a comic book. There’s a steep learning curve involved in understanding the business side of things, from marketing and distribution to managing budgets and launching crowdfunding campaigns. However, these challenges have also been opportunities for growth and learning.
Despite these struggles, the support of my family, especially my wife Maya, has been invaluable. Their encouragement keeps me going and reminds me of why I started this journey in the first place. Each hurdle overcome has made me more resilient and driven to succeed in bringing my creative visions to life.
We’ve been impressed with Thrill Comics (Thrill Entertainment LLC), but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Thrill Comics (www.thrillcomics.com) is a company born out of a deep passion for storytelling and a love for the comic book medium. We specialize in creating immersive and engaging narratives that captivate readers and transport them to new worlds. Our mission is to bring unique and exciting stories to life, combining high-quality art with compelling writing to create unforgettable experiences.
At Thrill Comics, we will focus on publishing original comic book titles that span a variety of genres, from action and adventure to horror and fantasy. Our flagship project, Memphis vs. Zombies, is a perfect example of our dedication to innovative storytelling and dynamic artwork. This series blends the rich cultural backdrop of Memphis with thrilling, zombie-fighting action, offering readers a fresh and exciting narrative.
What sets Thrill Comics apart is our commitment to authenticity and creativity. We are deeply inspired by the cultural and musical heritage of Memphis, which influences our stories and characters. Our work stands out for its unique blend of local flavor and universal appeal, making our comics relatable yet distinctive. Additionally, our collaboration with talented artists like Guilherme Raffide ensures that our visual storytelling is as captivating as the narratives themselves.
We are incredibly proud of our brand’s ability to merge creativity with quality. Our meticulous attention to detail, from the initial concept to the final printed page, reflects our dedication to excellence. Launching Memphis vs. Zombies as our first title is a testament to our commitment to delivering top-notch content that resonates with readers.
Thrill Comics aims to be more than just a publisher; we want to build a community of storytellers and artists passionate about bringing new, exciting stories to life. Our offerings will include not only comic books, but also table-top and role-playing games, merchandise, and more.
We invite readers to visit www.thrillcomics.com explore our upcoming work, join us on this journey, and become part of the Thrill Comics community. Whether you’re a long-time comic book fan or new to the genre, we promise to deliver stories that will entertain, inspire, and thrill you.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, I was a kid with a boundless curiosity and a passion for storytelling. I loved comic books and would pick them up wherever I could—yard sales, gas stations, flea markets—you name it. My fascination with comics wasn’t just about reading; I filled pages with my own stories and comic book creations, drawing inspiration from the vivid worlds I encountered in those books.
I was always eager to try everything. I played every sport available, though basketball was where I truly excelled. My dad, a great basketball player himself, coached all my youth league teams, providing endless support and guidance. His influence not only honed my skills on the court but also taught me the importance of dedication and teamwork.
Outside of sports, I was equally passionate about the arts. My parents were incredibly supportive of all my interests. My mom, a talented artist, spent countless hours drawing and creating with me, fostering my love for visual storytelling. I also acted in plays and played the French horn in the band, exploring every avenue of creative expression available to me.
My parents instilled in me the value of hard work and the importance of pursuing my dreams. Their unwavering support allowed me to embrace my diverse interests, from athletics to the arts, shaping me into a well-rounded individual with a deep appreciation for creativity and perseverance.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thrillcomics.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrillcomics901/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558503063817
- Twitter: https://x.com/ThrillComics901
- Other: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/thrillcomics/memphis-vs-zombies-1-0
