Need a Hero?: AceBlade
The Creative Team Behind the Hero
Story by: Lydia Dodson Photos Courtsey of: Danny Quick
We never know when God will kick us with a little inspiration. That kick might catch us downright unaware, but if we don’t follow it the regret will inevitably kick us harder. Danny Quick got just such a thrust sending him in a surprising direction which would prove to change his life forever.
From left to right Christoph Hollers - Creator of AceBlade Joe Staton - Co-creator of Kilowog Danny Qick - Lead writer of Ace Blade
Danny Quick with Stan Lee co-created Spider-Man, the Hulk, the X-Men, the Fantastic Four, Iron Man, Thor, and many other fictional characters.
Danny Quick with his lovely Wife
ca for greed and corruption whose citizens’ only focus is on money and power without a second thought about who they step on in their pursuit. Terrell Durham seeks to expose and destroy this corruption, and his It all started when he met Christoph Shortly thereafter Danny was dealter ego Aceblade is born. Aceblade Hollers in 2008. He and Danny ployed to Iraq, but he didn’t let that does not have any superpowers. shared similar interest in movies hinder his creativity. He spent most Trained in the martial arts, his skill and a love for comic books. From of his free time overseas developing is using whatever he has access to. there Christoph told Danny about a the character of Aceblade, fashioning “Anything with a sharp edge he can comic book character that he created new characters to give him purpose use,” swords serving as his weapon in high school. That character was and creating story lines. Danny of choice. Danny has affectionately Terrell Durham, a simple man who, remembers, “It became a lot more dubbed Aceblade “a broke batman,” tired of greed and violence flourishthan I originally thought it was going in lieu of fancy gadgets and cars he ing in his city, becomes Aceblade a to be.” Danny followed wherever his resourcefully uses his wit and ingevigilante hero. Aceblade was God’s ideas took him and five years later nuity to protect the city. kick to Danny, “That night when I The Aceblade, both chapter novel went home I couldn’t get it off my and multi-series comic book, has Why choose an everyday man turned mind. I just started writing and then come to life. vigilante over an enhanced superone thing turned into another thing.” hero? “We wanted to show that you Christoph gave Danny permission to The story is set in Vegas City, a mec- don’t need to be superhuman, you
delve into the story of Aceblade and explore the life and experiences of Terrell Durham. Having no real writing experience, once Danny started, he couldn’t stop.
don’t have to have powers or super strength or be able to fly to be able to do what you think is right,” Danny explains. “He doesn’t follow the rules that everyone says he should follow, he does what he thinks is right. He always does what his heart tells him is the right thing to do. And I think that is an important thing in our society. Yes we all need to follow the laws, but we all need to have our own goals and our ideals that we stick to.” This good vs. evil premise emerges as the main theme of The Aceblade, in an effort to highlight the capability within each person to join in the fight against evil. With the creation of both a novel and a comic book, Danny hopes his message will reach more demographics, both novel readers and comic book lovers alike. The novel is focused on content, to give Aceblade depth and uncover his backstory. The comic book supplements the novel with vivid colorful images, giving readers a visual emotional connection to the characters. The first comic book will be a 4 to 5 part series that will coincide with only the first chapter of the novel. This use of two mediums highlights the cleverness of The Aceblade’s
creators, ensuring nothing but success for the new hero. Danny credits all of his success to God. “God gave me this talent and this opportunity for a reason. God makes everything fall into place.” With God’s help, Danny assembled the perfect team of artists to help turn his visions into reality. He hopes to have books printed in time for the North Carolina Comic Convention in November. Danny’s last word’s to aspiring artists, “Consistently just keep doing it. Whatever you are passionate about, keep doing it and it will develop. If just a couple people enjoy it, then it was worthwhile. God gave me the gift of writing stories so they could help people in some way.” God is leading you in the direction you are meant to go. When that kick comes, run in the direction it hurled you.
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