Welcome, my CryptoComics Compatriots! Guess what, it turns out that the wizards (hint at an upcoming article) behind the scenes at CryptoComics are actually real people and not just magical comic-loving machines. 

Today, we're going to sneak a peek at another one of these mystical creatures—David, our master web developer and programmer. Yes, he actually exists and no, he doesn't just communicate in binary. Buckle up, because it's about to get all kinds of geeky in here!

I first met David on a Skype call years ago and thought “There is no way this guy is real. He’s way too smart.” Normally when I would run into a problem with anything development related, I had to call the developer, wait 24-48 hours to hear back from them, and be told that what I’m asking for is impossible.

Not David. The first time I had an issue, I reached out to him and within a few minutes, BAM! He had already implemented a solution and was reaching out to me to let me know that the problem was now fixed. 

I can’t tell you how much I love working with him. He can write code for days, but ask him to give me some insights into his mind, and he clams up worse than a mafioso when asked to turn State’s Evidence. 

This is a rare glimpse into his inner thoughts, so let's get into it.

What is your position at Crypto Comics and what literary character best showcases your job?

I am one of the two primary developers on CryptoComics.  I do the database and Web development while Joe handles the core blockchain contracts.  So I sometimes feel like Samwise Gamgee to Joe's Frodo.  I'm also decent at gardening. (He forgets that Samwise was the true hero in the Lord of the Rings trilogy.)

If you could have any superpower to help you with your work at CryptoComics, what would it be and how would you use it?

The ability to work with no sleep.  I would use it to get more done.  I'd also use it to play video games, but mostly to get more done.

What is your favorite comic book series, and how does it inspire your work at CryptoComics?

I first got into comics during the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles craze of the late 80s.  I liked the scruffy rawness of those independent black and white comics, and I still have a soft spot for them.  I think that's why I'm most excited about the potential for indie comics on CryptoComics.

What's the one fictional character that has influenced you the most, and how does it inspire your work at CryptoComics?

Aloysius Pendergast from the Pendergast series by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child.  He's a brilliant, eccentric, and somewhat mysterious character who always seems to be one step ahead of everyone else.  I try to be brilliant, eccentric, and somewhat mysterious, but I'm usually just eccentric.

What song best represents your journey in the crypto and comic book world so far?

Don't Stop Believin' (Thank God, I thought he was going to say something like Justin Bieber’s Baby).

If you could be any fictional character while working at CryptoComics, who would you be and why?

Buckaroo Banzai.  He's a neurosurgeon, a rock star, and a test pilot; I'm a developer, a musician, and I took a piloting class once.  Close enough.  Also, he's a comic book character.

Which fictional character do you think most resembles your personality at work and why?

Tim McGee from NCIS.  He's a computer geek who's always trying to do the right thing.  I'm a computer geek who's always trying to do the right thing.  (I can also see Frey as Tony DiNozzo.) 

Share a moment when you completely geeked out at work. What was it about?

Metalcult Comix.  I know they're not for everybody, but they make me giggle.

Check out what David (and the rest of the team) is so hyped for by clicking any of the covers below.

Metalcult Comix #1: Everybody Must Get Stoned

The First Fantastic Issue! Starring Dionysis Metalcult and his merry band of metalheads on their first published adventure. Also introducing the diabolical KILL GRRL!!! Featuring the music of Cult of Dionysis, form your own virtual moshpit to HAMMER OF THOR!

MetalCult Comix Enhanced Edition 2022 #8: Metalcult Comix Enhanced

A CryptoComic enhanced collection of creative art, music, videos, and comics by the one and only Spectacular Stache! Featuring the music of Play War, Cryptameria, Circle of Stone, and Cult of Dionysis: "HEAVY QUESTION" by Cryptameria "CIRCLE OF STONE" by Circle of Stone "7 DOORS" by Cult of Dionysis "HAMMER OF THOR" by Cult of Dionysis "ACID HOUSE" by Play War "WICKED WITCH" by Play War

Metalcult Comix Special #1: Riffomaximus And The Soldiers Of Fortune!

A Heavy Metal Guitarist - A Combat weapons specialist - AND An American Antiques Expert! Three brothers united in an unlikely alliance as Adventurers and Freedom fighters! Along with their friends and family, these anonymous heroes of justice travel the globe to battle the forces of evil and collect super cool stuff! Agents of destruction beware! Planet earth is under the protection of...RIFFOMAXIMUS AND THE SOLDIERS OF FORTUNE! Featuring the music of Cult of Dionysis, get your blood flowing and your fists pumping to REIGN OF THE FLAME!

Metalcult Comix Special #2: Thundrazoid And The Planet Of Beer!

By Day - He's a construction worker, building your bridges, roads, and highways! By Night - he's a heavy metal warrior, rocking the world with the Metalcult! He's a bass guitarist! He's a Lead Vocalist! He's Super strong, and he loves Beer! He's...THUNDRAZOID! Featuring the music of Cult of Dionysis, bang your head against the wall to A CERTAIN KIND OF PAIN!

Giant-Size Metalcult Comix #1: An Omnibus Of The World's Greatest Heavy Metal Comic Book

This 116 monster graphic novel collects the first six consecutive issues of the Metalcult Comix series. Included here are all the early adventures of the hard rocking adventurers Metalcult aka Cult of Dionysis! Collects Metalcult Comix #1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and Metalcult Comix Special #1 all in one volume! Featuring the music of Cult of Dionysis, your very own live concert, in fact! Enjoy a very raw, very rare, and very live recording of the band performing GLORIOUS DESTRUCTION and DOTME at Independence, VA on April 4th, 2011.

Cult of Dionysis music, physical copies of Metalcult Comix, and other killer stuff available at: www.metalcult.net and now…back to the interview.

What's one behind-the-scenes aspect of working at CryptoComics that would surprise fans?

Underneath all the fancy blockchain tech and complex website, we really only have one main goal -- help indie creators get their work into the hands of more fans.

Imagine having an AI companion inspired by any fictional character. Who would it be, and how would they assist you in your daily tasks or work?

I use Copilot, an AI that helps me write code.  It specializes at suggesting the somewhat obvious so I don't have to type it all out myself.  Very very rarely, but sometimes, it even suggests something I hadn't thought of.  It would be great if Copilot was like Alfred Pennyworth from Batman:  "I've taken the liberty of writing that code for you, sir."  But it's more like C-3PO:  "I've found over six million completions for this particular code.  Would you like to see them?"

Imagine creating the ultimate CryptoComics comic book crossover event. Which characters or universes would you bring together and why?

I'm waiting for the Star Wars / Alien crossover.  Disney owns them both now, so it's only a matter of time. (Now I can’t stop thinking about Anakin fighting a Xenomorph. I didn’t know that I needed this.)

How do you imagine a comic convention in the future, where virtual reality, augmented reality, and blockchain technology are fully integrated? What would be the highlights?

There's nothing like meeting your favorite creator in person.  But what if you can't afford to travel, or are disabled and can't physically attend?  With immersive virtual and augmented reality, you could attend any comic convention you're interested in, regardless of its geographical location.  

You could browse the booths and attend the panels.  You could even cosplay as your favorite character and interact in real time with other attendees.  You could also buy comics and other merchandise with cryptocurrency, and blockchain tech would ensure that the creators get paid fairly and instantly

What's your go-to snack or beverage while enjoying your favorite book or working on CryptoComics projects?

Coffee and water are my beverages of choice.  I don't snack much, but if I do, it's usually something salty like chips or pretzels.  Sometimes a Twinkie. (Someone get this man a Twinkie, he’s earned it!)

How do you envision the workspace of the future, considering advances in technology such as augmented reality, AI, and remote collaboration tools? Describe a typical day.

We're already halfway there.  The CryptoComics team is spread out all over America, and we collaborate remotely every day.  I can't wait for the day when we can all put on our VR headsets and meet in a virtual office.  I'll be the alligator with a top hat, monocle and cigar.

After blockchain technology and AI, what is the next major step forward in the tech field that could change the world?

Getting off this rock!  Space exploration has always been a dream of mine.

Beyond its financial applications, how do you envision blockchain technology impacting other aspects of our lives in the future?

Creative teams quietly working on practical applications of blockchain technology will eventually change the way blockchain is perceived by the general public.  It will no longer be seen as a vehicle for speculation, but as a tool for solving real-world problems.  That's when the real revolution will begin.

To Be Continued

We aren’t done just yet. There are still more team members that you need to hear from. Getting all of them to answer these questions is like pulling teeth, so it might be a little bit before I can finish this series. I truthfully didn’t think it would take this long. 

Until then, you should really go back and check out those absolutely amazing MetalCult series from the Spectacular Stache. You will love them! Check back next week while I dive deep into the Rise and Fall of Wizard Magazine (you all remember those absolute gems from the 90’s). 

Until next week, take care and remember to read more comics!