Our Interview with Ryan Ladner, creator of Memphis vs Zombies and founder of Thrill Comics.
Why Memphis? What inspired you to set a post-apocalyptic story in this iconic city, and how does Memphis play a role in the narrative?
I absolutely love Memphis, for all that it is. I moved here in 2014, but I grew up on Stax/Volt records, Elvis, and blues albums. So, in a way, the soul of the city has always been in my DNA, even before I lived here. Memphis has this rich, vibrant history and culture that I don’t think has been fully explored in this type of genre – especially not in comic books. Setting Memphis vs. Zombies here lets me showcase the city’s spirit and resilience, all while putting a fresh spin on the zombie apocalypse. The city itself becomes a character, and the landmarks and neighborhoods add a unique flavor to the story that should have appeal beyond Grind City.
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What was the inspiration behind Memphis vs. Zombies? Can you share the origins of the story and what sparked the idea for combining zombies, Memphis, and supernatural elements?
The idea for Memphis vs. Zombies actually sparked (I think) during my first visit to Cooper-Young Fest. I was in a crowd that had stopped to watch the Beale Street Flippers and I thought, “How cool would it be to put all these people in a comic book?”
From there, I started imagining how Memphis, with its personality, would handle something as extreme as a zombie invasion. I’ve always been fascinated by supernatural stories, so I wanted to push the zombie genre in a direction that wasn’t just about survival, but also about the deeper, more mysterious aspects of the city—curses, ancient forces, things that have been lurking under the surface. I wanted the supernatural elements to bring in that eerie, almost magical feel, much like Marvel’s Man-Thing or DC’s Swamp Thing, which are characters I love.
At its core, Memphis vs. Zombies is a love letter to the city, but wrapped in a thrilling, fun and humorous story where the culture is woven into the story. It’s a blend of the supernatural and survival, with a superhero vibe that makes it stand out in the zombie genre.
How did you come up with the unique characters in the series? From a high school hero like Walter to B.B. the cat, what inspired these characters and how do they reflect the spirit of the story?
I wanted the characters to reflect the real people I’ve met here in Memphis – those who have a strong sense of individuality but are also deeply connected to their community. In some cases, they’re analogs or amalgamations of people I know. I wanted to write characters who could act as a team, but also stand on their own, each with their own perspective and way of handling the chaos. They’re not just trying to survive; they’re fighting to save their city, which I think is a big part of what makes Memphis unique.
B.B. the cat, who’s obviously named after the King of the Blues, was actually a product of my love for Aquaman comics. Aquaman always had pets like Topo, Storm, and Tusky, and they were often integral to the story. I thought it would be fun to have a cat as a kind of sidekick with his own role in the narrative.
What’s crazy is that seven years after I created B.B. for the comic, I ended up bringing home a real-life B.B. – a black cat someone abandoned at a car wash! So now B.B. isn’t just part of the story, but part of my life.
What were some of the challenges in creating Memphis vs. Zombies? Whether creatively or logistically, what hurdles did you have to overcome in getting this series off the ground?
As I mentioned, I first came up with the idea and began plotting the story almost 10 years ago. I started writing, doing character concept art, and really diving into the story, but over time, life has a way of giving you reasons not to follow through. Whether it was a lack of time, self-doubt, or just feeling overwhelmed, I kept shelving the project.
When my wife and I found out she was pregnant last year, it really shifted my perspective. I started thinking about the kind of example I wanted to set as a father. One of the biggest lessons I want to pass on to my daughter is this: “Chase your dreams and aspirations. It probably won’t be easy, but you’ll be happier for it.” That realization pushed me to start taking action. I began researching independent comic publishing, developing a plan, working on new artwork, and finishing the issues I had left incomplete. It wasn’t easy, but knowing I was working toward something bigger made it all worth it. I did learn pretty quickly that my family time is precious and I want to make the most of it (and that sequential art is not necessarily my forte). Thankfully, I was able to connect with artists Guilherme and Aline who are doing amazing work to create the look of Memphis vs Zombies.
Can you tell us about the founding of Thrill Comics? What motivated you to start your own publishing company, and what does Thrill Comics represent to you as a creator?
Sure! The idea for Thrill Comics actually started back in 2018 when the AAF football league announced they were bringing professional football back to Memphis and were taking pitches for team names. My suggestion, “Memphis Thrill,” with a logo featuring a flaming guitar, wasn’t chosen, but I loved the concept so much that I knew I’d bring it back someday.
When I decided to launch my comic book, it made sense to start an LLC here in Memphis. (Forming an LLC provides legal protection, tax advantages, and allows me to manage the business side of independent publishing with more structure and professionalism.) As soon as I knew I was starting my own publishing company, I pulled that Memphis Thrill idea from my memory banks and turned it into Thrill Entertainment LLC, or Thrill Comics.
The logo now features Crestwood Blues, a skeletal bluesman who embodies the spirit of Thrill Comics. Thrill represents my commitment to the future – not just for Memphis vs. Zombies, but for all the stories I’m passionate about bringing to life, whether they’re my creations or collaborations. I’m already developing a MvZ tabletop game and have plans for additional comic book series. For me, Thrill Comics is about creating a platform for storytelling – a space where creativity can thrive, and I can pursue and build on all these exciting ideas.
How does the culture and history of Memphis influence the story? What aspects of the city’s rich history, music, and culture have found their way into the comic, and how do they shape the world of Memphis vs. Zombies?
I think the culture and history of Memphis have everything to do with the story. Readers won’t necessarily be bombarded with constant references or landmarks, but the influence is there. For instance, the first issue kicks off with a 5K race full of Elvis impersonators, which becomes the catalyst for everything that follows. My personal love for blues, soul music, and Memphis rap will definitely come through at times – shout out to Gangsta Blac!
MvZ is fairly light-hearted and optimistic, but I put a lot of effort into researching and representing the people of Memphis in a way that feels authentic to their experiences and helps move the story forward. Memphis is such a diverse and vibrant city, and it’s important to me that MvZ reflects that diversity. The city’s spirit is always at the heart of the story, even if it’s not always front and center.
What can fans expect from the future of Memphis vs. Zombies? Do you have any exciting plans or story arcs on the horizon? Can you share any insights into where the series is headed?
I’m really excited about what’s coming next for Memphis vs. Zombies! For one thing, fans can expect some incredible collisions between magic, mad science, and technology. We’re also going to explore some flashback issues that dive into the past. Here’s a little nugget I’ve kept to myself, but I think it offers some insight into the future of the story and its tone – zombies aren’t the only threat Memphis will face. Eventually, the title will change to Memphis vs. (No Spoilers!), so there’s a lot more to come beyond just zombies!
We’ve also got some new characters debuting in upcoming issues. For instance, in issue #2, we’ll introduce Etta Fitzgerald, a gun-toting, sassy soul diva. You may notice that a lot of the character names are nods to great musicians, and Etta is no exception. So, there’s a lot of exciting content on the horizon, and I can’t wait to share it with everyone!
What has been the most rewarding part of creating Memphis vs. Zombies? From the writing process to fan reactions, what has been the most fulfilling aspect of bringing this world to life?
Honestly, the most rewarding part has been sharing this journey with my family. My wife Maya has been incredibly supportive, and getting to experience this with her and our baby girl is just amazing. I’m working to build a legacy and set an example for my daughter – chasing my dreams, even when the path isn’t easy.
It’s also been great seeing the positive feedback on the artwork – whether it’s concept art, covers, or interior pages we’ve shared online. People who’ve read the scripts have had fantastic things to say, too. I wanted to keep the art somewhat simple, almost as a throwback to the comics I grew up reading, and it seems like that approach is really resonating with people.
Seeing how much people love the idea behind Memphis vs. Zombies, even in this pre-launch phase, has been incredibly fulfilling. This whole process has also led to new friendships within the local creative community and with creators around the world, which I’m very thankful for. As Thrill Comics and MvZ continue to grow, I’m excited to keep building a fanbase and audience who are just as passionate about this world as I am.
What advice would you give to aspiring comic book creators? As someone who started their own series and publishing company, what key lessons have you learned, and what tips would you offer to those looking to break into the comic book industry?
I’m still pretty new to this myself and just working to get my legs under me, but from my limited experience, I’d say this: There will definitely be challenges, but you can overcome them. Planning is crucial, whether it’s plotting your stories, sketching thumbnails, or mapping out the business side of things. Taking the time to plan keeps you focused, and anticipating potential challenges – whether they’re financial, personal, or related to time management – will help you prepare for the inevitable bumps in the road.
It’s also easy to get discouraged when you’re competing for attention and promotion against social media algorithms and search engines. I think every creator can relate to this. I have a strong background in marketing, and even with that experience, it’s been tough at times. But if you’re proud of the work you’re doing, that’s what matters. In the end, you’ll be happy you pushed through and brought your vision to life. Keep going, stay committed, and don’t lose sight of why you started. The passion that drives you will carry you through the tough moments.
Where can people find more information about Memphis vs. Zombies and support the project?
You can learn more about Thrill Comics and stay updated on all things Memphis vs. Zombies by visiting our website at www.thrillcomics.com. We’re also launching a Kickstarter campaign on October 1st, where you can support the comic and get your hands on exclusive content and rewards. MvZ should be in print by the end of December or early next year, depending on how the Kickstarter campaign goes. You can also find Memphis vs. Zombies and Thrill Comics on Facebook and Instagram.
