by Matthew Russell - Posted 3 months ago
This week, we're putting the spotlight on TidalWave Productions, the powerhouse indie publisher responsible for a wealth of incredible stories—from mythology and superheroes to sci-fi and horror. At the helm of it all is Darren Davis, the face and creative mind behind TidalWave. We’ve had the pleasure of chatting with Darren in multiple interviews, and let me tell you, he’s not only hilarious but also a visionary who has shaped the indie comic world in ways few others have.
TidalWave isn’t just a publisher; it’s a creative force driven by talented teams of writers, pencilers, inkers, colorists, and editors. And while Darren is often the public face, bringing his signature energy and humor to the brand, it's important to recognize the incredible people behind each book. Every title that comes out of TidalWave is a collaborative effort, and today, we’re diving into some of their most iconic works.
Darren G. Davis started it back in the early 2000s (it was called Bluewater Productions back then), and he had this wild idea to mix pop culture, mythology, and real-life stories into comics. And it worked! People went crazy for titles like Female Force and Political Power. Those comics turned biographies of celebrities and politicians into really cool graphic novels that were fun to read and not boring at all.
But that was just the beginning. In 2015, Darren rebranded the company as TidalWave Productions and everything got even bigger and better. They didn’t just stick with one kind of story—they dove into horror, sci-fi, and even some epic mythology. They worked with legends like Ray Harryhausen and adapted creepy novels from authors like John Saul. Basically, they proved they could do anything.
We’ve talked a lot about Female Force and Political Power in the past, but TidalWave has way more awesome stuff, like Wrath of the Titans, Black Scorpion, and, of course, 10th Muse. TidalWave is all about pushing boundaries and trying new things, and honestly, that’s why they’re still so relevant today.
The 10th Muse: The Comic That Started It All
At the heart of TidalWave is their flagship series, 10th Muse. Darren Davis brought this title to life in 2000, introducing us to Emma Sonnet, a young woman imbued with the powers of a forgotten Greek Muse. This series, co-written by Davis and artists like Ken Lashley (penciler) and Barbara Kaalberg (inker), took the indie comic scene by storm with its unique blend of mythology, superhero action, and a strong female lead. With colors by Darren G. Davis and James Brown, and David Hedgecock as editor, 10th Muse became the title that launched TidalWave into the spotlight.
One of TidalWave’s most gripping titles, Wrath of the Titans, picks up where the Greek myth of Perseus left off. With Scott Davis (writer), Nadir Balan (penciler), and J.C. Buelna (colorist) on board, this issue hits hard with action-packed storytelling and stunning visuals. The editorial work of Darren G. Davis ensures that the blend of modern and mythological elements stays true to the original while feeling fresh and exciting. This is a book that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
Black Scorpion takes us deep into the world of crime-fighting with Detective Darcy Walker. Created by Roger Corman and adapted to comics by Paul Salamoff (writer), this series is brought to life by the art team of Nadir Balan (penciler) and J.C. Buelna (colorist), with editing by Darren Davis. The noir-inspired tones give the series a gritty feel, while the intense, fast-paced action keeps readers hooked. If you’re into dark, street-level heroes, this series is a perfect fit.
One of the standout series from TidalWave is Legend of Isis, where we see the ancient Egyptian goddess Isis trying to navigate a world that has long forgotten her. Written by Darren Davis and Ryan Scott Ottney, with pencils by Ruben Martinez, this series combines ancient mythology with modern-day struggles. Carlos Silva’s inking and Andrew Dalhouse’s vibrant colors bring the magic to life. The editorial touch of Darren G. Davis makes this one of the most well-rounded mythological series out there.
This book is a love letter to 1950s sci-fi and the legendary filmmaker Ray Harryhausen. Written by Ryan Burton, with pencils by Alan Brooks and colors by Sherwin Schwartzrock, this comic takes readers on an extraterrestrial adventure like no other. Darren Davis' editorial oversight ensured that the homage to old-school sci-fi stayed intact while updating the storytelling to captivate modern readers.
In collaboration with horror novelist John Saul, TidalWave brought the chilling atmosphere of The Blackstone Chronicles to the comic world. Written by Darren G. Davis and Scott Davis, with pencils by Frazer Irving and colors by James Brown, this book masterfully adapts Saul’s terrifying tale of an old asylum haunted by dark secrets. The intense pacing and atmosphere created by the art team, along with Davis’ sharp editing, makes this one of the standout horror titles from TidalWave.
Switching gears, Rain showcases the more introspective side of TidalWave. Written by Nick Lyons and brought to life by the art of Sean Murphy, this graphic novel tells the story of love, loss, and healing. Darren Davis, as editor, helped shape this beautiful tale, which proves that TidalWave isn’t just about action and superheroes. The art direction and emotional depth make Rain a touching, must-read graphic novel for anyone looking for something a little more heartfelt.
At the end of the day, while TidalWave is a collaborative effort from an impressive roster of creators, it’s Darren Davis who continues to push the boundaries of indie comics. His passion, creativity, and energy keep the company thriving and fans coming back for more. Whether he’s writing, editing, or leading the charge, Darren’s commitment to storytelling is what has made TidalWave a powerhouse in the comic industry.
TidalWave Productions is just one example of the incredible creativity fueling the indie comic world, and Darren Davis and his talented team continue to push boundaries with every new story. From mythology to superheroes, horror, and beyond, TidalWave’s lineup is packed with stories that have something for everyone.
But this is only the beginning! I’ll be back soon with more Featured Creators to help you discover the brilliant minds behind the indie comic scene. There are so many powerhouses out there shaping the future of comics, and you won’t want to miss getting to know them. Stay tuned—there’s much more to come!
