Meet the Author: Al Nickerson
This week in our ongoing "Meet the Author" series, we spoke with Al Nickerson, author of The Sword of Eden.
Al Nickerson was a comic book artist for DC Comics and Archie Comic Publications, and also worked for Marvel Comics and Warp Graphics. He has been a designer and animator for Sesame Street, MTV Animation, and Nickelodeon. He recently self-published The Sword of Eden graphic novel series.
Describe your book, The Sword of Eden.
The Sword of Eden introduces Rebecca Stern as she begins her career as a superhero. What will happen when our young heroine joins forces with Nemesh-Man, Kid-Cockroach, and Professor Jack in retrieving the Sword of Eden (the legendary sword used by angels to keep Adam and Eve out of the Garden of Eden)? In their adventures, our heroes battle demons, zombies, a bunch of ninja, and other supervillains. And how will these superheroes cope when they must combat mythological villains such as Count Orlok or the Green Knight? If that ain’t enough, will our heroes be capable of locating Noah’s Ark?
What inspired you to write this book?
Comics, Sequential Art, is a powerful literary artform. It has the potential to tell important stories and ideas. It’s a wonderful medium in which to share the Gospel. Also, The Sword of Eden graphic novel allows me the opportunity to create Christian comics that Christian readers can enjoy without feeling insulted or feel as if they are compromising God’s principles.
Tell us a little about the book writing process.
The idea of The Sword of Eden started when I was still drawing for DC Comics and Archie Comics. Back then, in my spare time, I would just sketch things out or write some ideas down in a notebook.
What do you do for fun when you're not writing?
I read a lot on the history of comics. And I enjoy spending time with my church family.
What's the next project you're working on?
I'm working on the sequel to The Sword of Eden, which is The Sword of Eden: Shinobi. I suppose the idea of dying is scary to some folks. The themes of Shinobi focus on death, idolatry, and seeking eternal life without the one who came to give us eternal life. Many turn to things like dead religion in hopes of salvation. They turn away from the Messiah and by doing so, they turn to things that can’t save anyone. This is what Shinobi is all about… plus, it’s chocked full of clobbering between our heroes and a bunch of ninja.
What advice would you give to an aspiring author?
Keep writing (and drawing). Be persistent. And self-publish. It became clear that self-publishing The Sword of Eden was the way to go. With self-publishing I retain complete ownership, have control of content, and control of distribution. I don’t have a publisher taking money from me. I don’t have an editor telling me what I can or can not do with my intellectual property.
What are you currently reading?
I am rereading Eisner/Miller from Dark Horse. And I'm always reading the Bible.
Tell us about one of your favorite books or a book that changed your life:
True Believer: The Rise and Fall of Stan Lee by Abraham Riesman is fantastic! And there's the Bible.
Do you have a favorite quote from a book?
Psalm 116:12-14 (English Standard Version): 12 What shall I render to the Lord for all his benefits to me? 13 I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord, 14 I will pay my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people.
Who are some of your favorite authors?
I don't know if I have a current favorite author. I used to be a huge fan of the writings of C.S. Lewis, Anne Rice, Michael Moorcock, and J. R. R. Tolkien.
If you enjoyed this interview and would like to learn more about Al Nickerson and his work, you can find him online at www.theswordofeden.com, or follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and Truth Social.
His book, The Sword of Eden, is currently available in store.