Talking With Ronny Creates

For nearly a decade, Ronny Creates has been crafting the world of ALL-STAR, a character that embodies justice, resilience, and the spirit of independent storytelling. As an indie comic creator, Ronny has navigated the highs and lows of self-publishing, eventually founding his own publishing house, Radical Komics. We sat down with him to discuss the challenges of being an independent creator, his approach to storytelling, and the future of his growing comic universe.

Interviewee: Ronny Creates 

Interviewer: Anthony Andujar Jr 

Q1: You’ve been working on your creator-owned character ALL-STAR for almost a decade. As a young comic creator, what are the hurdles that you’ve faced when publishing your creations and stories?

RC: I would say the biggest challenge has been visibility. As an indie creator, you just don’t have the marketing machine that bigger publishers do, so getting your work in front of people is a constant uphill battle. Funding is another hurdle everything from printing to promotion comes out of pocket. But despite those challenges, it’s been rewarding to have complete creative freedom and build something that truly represents my vision.

Q2: In addition to creating ALL-STAR, you’ve embarked on creating your publisher, Radical Komics. When creating your publication, what are some of the challenges as an indie creator and publisher that differ from solely being an indie creator? How many hats do you switch between to maintain the business side along with the creative side?

RC: Running Radical Komics means wearing every hat—writer, artist, editor, marketer, and even accountant. The biggest difference between being an indie creator and running a publisher is that now I’m not just thinking about my own stories, but also the business side of things—distribution, branding, and building a platform for future projects. It’s a balancing act, but it’s worth it to have full control over my work and support other indie creators down the line.

Q3: Recently, there’ve been discussions about legacy characters and the pros and cons of them. What is your opinion on the topic? Where does ALL-STAR fit in the discussion, and what does ALL-STAR represent for you as an indie creator in this space?

RC: Legacy characters are important because they allow stories and ideas to evolve, but they can also feel limiting when they don’t allow for new voices or perspectives. ALL-STAR was created to be something fresh—a hero who represents justice in a world where injustice is often overlooked. He embodies hope and resilience, especially for marginalized communities. For me, he’s not just a character; he’s a statement that indie creators can tell powerful stories without needing the backing of a big publisher.

Q4: As a creative, how do you craft stories? Do you craft a script? Or do you craft stories from thumbnails to illustrations and build a script around them? What is your method to your madness?

RC: My writing technique is a little different. I don’t always start with a full script—I write as I draw, letting the visuals shape the story. I also jot down random dialogue and put it in my notes, then piece everything together later. Sometimes, I start with thumbnails to get a feel for pacing, and other times, a single line of dialogue sparks an entire scene. This approach keeps the process organic and allows the characters to develop naturally.

Q5: As a creator, how do you manage productivity and avoid burnout?

RC: Burnout is real, I rarely experience it because I’m constantly feeding my creativity whenever I watch and read from my favorite creators. I’ve learned to pace myself, take breaks when needed, and switch between projects to keep things fresh. I also remind myself why I started which helps keep the fire going, telling stories that matter. That passion keeps me going, even when things get overwhelming.

Q6: You’ve recently branched out from solely crafting ALL-STAR stories and made additional characters such as Wolf Shinobi. What were the inspirations behind that character, where does he fit within the world of ALL-STAR, and what do you intend to build in the long run with these two characters’ journeys?

RC: Wolf Shinobi was inspired by my love for Japanese mythology, Werewolves, ninja stories, and dark anti-hero narratives. He’s very different from ALL-STAR—where ALL-STAR is a symbol of hope, Wolf Shinobi walks a darker path, operating in the shadows. While they exist in separate universes, for now, both characters explore themes of justice, revenge, and redemption in their ways. Over time, I want to build a larger universe where stories like these can connect in unexpected ways.

Q7: A lot of the stories you tend to make dabble with real-world issues. How do you navigate the tightrope of telling an authentic story without the risk of falling short of poor writing? What’s important to you when crafting a story as a comic creator that keeps the fire aflame?

RC: I have a strong passion for writing stories with deeper messages, but I always make sure they serve the characters and the narrative first. I don’t want the themes to feel forced—I want them to complement the world I’m building. If the story and characters feel real, the message will resonate naturally with readers.

Q8: As an illustrator, what have you been studying that helps to enhance your pursuits creatively?

RC: I’ve always studied anatomy and other works from some of my favorite artists and implemented different things that I like from them. Artists such as Bruce Timm, Dave Stevens, Todd McFarlane, and many more to improve my work. I also look at storytelling techniques from comics, animation, and film. Studying artists from different mediums helps me think outside the box and push my art further.

Q9: What is the plan for ALL-STAR in 2025? Is there more in store for Radical Komics that readers should keep an eye out for?

RC: 2025 is going to be big for ALL-STAR. I’m working on a re-release for the character and on new stories that expand his universe, introduce new characters, and challenge him in ways we haven’t seen before. Radical Komics is also growing, and I have more projects on the way—including more from Wolf Shinobi. Stay tuned!

Q10: Where can readers follow your work?
RC: You can follow Radical Komics on Instagram at @radicalkomics and check out our work at radicalkomics.com. I also post updates and artwork on my personal Instagram, @ronnycreates.