Gerimi Burleigh is a Los Angeles-based writer, artist, and graphic designer whose passion for comic books has left a distinctive mark on the indie comic scene. With a career spanning toy design, animation, and self-published graphic novels, Burleigh’s work blends psychological thriller, fantasy, and horror with a cinematic flair. 

His two major works, Eye of the Gods (2009) and the Morningstar series, showcase his ability to weave compelling narratives with bold, expressive art. 

Burleigh’s love for storytelling began early, sparked by childhood toys like robots, ninjas, and alien warriors. By middle school, he was immersed in comic books, a passion that evolved into drawing and writing his own. He honed his craft at UCLA, earning a BFA in drawing and painting, which gave him a strong foundation in visual storytelling. After graduating, Burleigh navigated the volatile creative market, working various graphic design jobs before landing a stable role as a packaging and product designer in the toy industry, where he has been since 2002.

His creative ambitions extended beyond his day job. In 2005, Burleigh co-created the animated series Alien Racers for MGA Entertainment and co-wrote a 90-minute special that aired on Cartoon Network, marking his entry into professional storytelling. However, his true calling remained comics, where he could fully control the narrative and visuals.

In 2009, Burleigh self-published his debut graphic novel, Eye of the Gods, a 144-page black-and-white psychological thriller. The story follows Sean Black, an artist who undergoes experimental eye-cloning surgery to restore his failing vision. Post-surgery, he begins experiencing uncontrollable visions, including a murder that turns out to be real but is covered up as a natural death. As Sean digs deeper, he uncovers a conspiracy that unravels his life, blending high-tension paranoia akin to Enemy of the State with the eerie foreboding of The Dead Zone.

Eye of the Gods stands out for its innovative storytelling. Burleigh, handling writing, penciling, inking, and lettering, pushed the boundaries of comic narrative with cinematic flourishes and non-verbal storytelling techniques. 

Burleigh’s follow-up project, Morningstar, is an ambitious retelling of Lucifer’s fall from Heaven, reimagined as a supernatural Western. Launched as an eight-issue series, the first volume, Welcome to Heaven (issues 1-4), was released as a 160-page black-and-white graphic novel. Set at the dawn of creation, the story depicts existence as a raw, untamed frontier, with Heaven defended by seven gunfighting Archangels led by Lucifer Morningstar, the Marshal of Heaven. The narrative explores his rebellion and fall, blending mythic stakes with gritty Western action.

Issues 1 - 7 are available in the CryptoComics Marketplace as digital collectibles. 

Morningstar has been praised for its genre-blending creativity, with fans comparing it to the angel-demon dynamics of the TV series Firefly. Burleigh’s art shines in this series, with superb anatomy, expressive characters, and intense action sequences that draw readers into the cosmic Western world. 

The series, still ongoing as of Burleigh’s last updates, reflects his commitment to long-form storytelling. By 2014, he was working on issue four, indicating a meticulous creative process. Morningstar Vol. 2, Abandon All Hope, continues the saga, further exploring the consequences of Lucifer’s rebellion.

Burleigh’s work is heavily influenced by Stephen King, whose blend of horror, fantasy, and thriller resonates in both Eye of the Gods and Morningstar. In comics, he admires Warren Ellis (Transmetropolitan), Ed Brubaker (Criminal), and Will Eisner, whose visual storytelling mastery inspires Burleigh’s cinematic approach. Prose influences like Chuck Palahniuk and David Sedaris add a dark, ironic humor to his narratives.

His art, showcased in Wound: The Art of Gerimi Burleigh Volume 1 (2015), ranges from playful fantasy to darkly erotic and disturbing themes. This collection highlights his versatility, appealing to fans of contemporary comics and illustration. 

Burleigh’s self-published work reflects the challenges of breaking into the comic industry, which he compares to the NFL in terms of job scarcity. With only a handful of roles available for writers, artists, and other creatives, he spent a decade bouncing between design jobs to fund his passion projects. His persistence paid off, as Eye of the Gods and Morningstar have garnered a dedicated following, particularly among indie comic fans who appreciate his independent spirit.

Operating outside the mainstream superhero genre, Burleigh carves a niche with stories that defy convention. His ability to handle all aspects of comic creation—writing, drawing, inking, and lettering—sets him apart, though it also underscores the labor-intensive nature of his work. 

Gerimi Burleigh remains a compelling figure in indie comics, balancing a demanding day job with his creative pursuits. His Morningstar series, with its bold reimagining of biblical myth, continues to captivate readers, while Eye of the Gods established him as a creator unafraid to tackle complex themes. As he refines his craft, fans eagerly await the completion of Morningstar and future projects that will further showcase his unique voice.

For those new to Burleigh’s work, start with Eye of the Gods for a gripping sci-fi thriller, then dive into Morningstar for a mythic Western adventure. Both are available here on CryptoComics as digital collectibles, or through Gerimi's website.

Follow his journey on social media platforms like YouTube or Patreon to see his process and support his art. Gerimi Burleigh is proof that with passion and perseverance, indie creators can leave a lasting impact on the comic book world.