In August 2023, we spoke to you about armor. The creator of writer Michael Schwartz and artist Ismael Hernandez follows “orphans stumble in a mysterious armor suit haunted by ghosts worn centuries ago.” (So, basically, when the flight of the navigator encounters the sixth sensation on the side of the glass child, you really completely encapsulate it.)
With all five issues currently occurring in the world, Schwartz and Ismael launched their second armor-centered kickstarter for a brand new hardcover graphic novel. In addition to getting the full series, the hardcover includes a 10-page bonus story that was first found in a semi-published release from the Wizard’s Podcast Guide comic (early this year). It’s even more from this generally stimulating and emotionally resonating adult saga, with more tragic action, creepy vibes, and bold adventures.
Armored Kickstarter is currently live. If you want to contribute, please see here. We recently spoke to Schwartz via email, leading up to the campaign. So we discussed the Armored reception. What worked on other topics and little things about the future of stories, new bonus stories, and armor in general?
Provided by Clover Press.
AIPT: Armor has been out for a while, so what do you think about it? Is there anything you would add or change?
Michael Schwartz: Freeing armor into the world was an absolute joy. I’m excited that the comic readers responded enthusiastically to the book. I may always tweak small things, but overall I am extremely proud of the series so far.
AIPT: Similarly, were you surprised when you received the first comics? How did that reaction have had on you?
MS: I’ve always wanted armor to find an audience, but I never imagined that would have such a big impact on the indie comic scene. It’s difficult for comic readers and reviewers to try out new indie books, but those with (including AIPT! included!) responded very positively. I’m more inspired than ever to continue the series and put it in the world. It had a huge creative impact on me.
Armor #1 art. Provided by Clover Press.
AIPT: In hindsight, what are your favorite aspects and elements of armor?
MS: There are many things I like about armor, but at the top of the list is an interior illustration by Ismael Hernandez. His art is amazing. Sometimes I just flip through the issues to praise his work, almost forgetting that I have something to do with the comics. I may be a bit biased, but I am truly proud of the story told in the first story arc. That was exactly what I wanted to convey, and Ismael’s art brought it back to life in ways I could never have imagined.
AIPT: What do you tell us about the 10-page bonus story that comes with this hardcover?
MS: The 10-page armor story included as a hardcover bonus originally appeared in the issue of Armor ½. I am the co-host of a podcast called Comics in Wizard’s Podcast Guide and publishes issues in Wizard Magazine. In fact, my co-host suggested creating an exclusive half problem that pays homage to not only the wizard itself, but also the classic half problem they were publishing. The 10-page story centers around the events of issue 5 and provides clues about the history of the armor and still expected revelation.
Armor #1 art. Provided by Clover Press.
aipt: As timeless as the story, I feel that some of it is particularly relevant. (In other words, the armor feels like an explanation about connecting with others, with the past and heroes coming from the community as well as themselves). Do you think armor is a product of that era?
MS: Armor is definitely a product of that era, especially the era I experienced. Without realizing it, I was greatly influenced by the countless hours I spent watching films from the 80s and 90s. Many readers have said that the book feels nostalgic, but that was honestly not intentional. So, in a sense, armor is a product of my generation.
But I think the armor of the story can symbolize different things for different people. For me, it was meant to always represent Andy (it) that Andy, the main character of the book, built around me. He keeps others far away and embraces hope that their missing parents will return one day. Only when he spurs that phoric armor can he really open up and embrace not only his new family but also the community around him.
We live in an increasingly isolated world. I started writing this during Covid when everyone was stuck at home and not interacting with them. And now people are less face-to-face on mobile phones and social media. Armor leanings against real-world communities and the advantage of being with others.
aipt: What’s next from the perspective of a comic project? Can we see more from the “Armorned Vessel”?
MS: Clover Press has a new project coming soon from Till Death, a Clover Press. I co-written it with Rachel Schafer, and it is currently portrayed by Gaia Cardinali. It’s another ghost story with a dark comedy twist and we look forward to sharing more details about the project in the near future.
Armor #1 art. Provided by Clover Press.
As for the armored chords, I have an infinite amount of stories that I want to explore from this world. Currently, Ismael and I are focusing on the second arc, and this kickstarter gives the fans a taste of their first problem.
AIPT: Is there anything you need to know about armor, cartoon, art, life in general, and more?
I’m really excited to get a future collectible version of MS: Armored’s First Arc. For comic fans who haven’t read the series yet, this is the perfect jump-off point!
