16-year-old Walker Young released his first comic at Comic-Con this year, and already, he’s a writer to watch. The son of writer/publisher Larry Young (AIT/Planet Lar Comics), Walker has the pedigree, but the talent has to be all his own.
Untitled Walker Young Project #1 features two stories in different styles.
The second story, “The Missing,” introduces a character you might expect him to create – Jack Fry, a private eye whose investigations always end up with a paranormal solution. It’s less X Files and more Y Me Files, but a decent riff on hard-boiled fiction, illustrated by Brazilian artist Daniel Caval. The art makes the story breezier than the writing implies, but it’s fun enough and the character of Jack Fry holds promise. Which is good, because it’s clear Young wants to go forward with him. It just would be interesting to see if a more atmospheric, spooky take would give it more heft. Or maybe that’s Young’s preference – a style that belies the weirdness of the subject. I’m not putting it past him – it’s clear he has a vision and a voice.
How clear? It’s the first story that shows his real chops. Illustrated by the Fillbach Brothers (more on them later), “Going Dark” would fit in easily if war books came back into fashion. It’s a moody, emotional story of two World War II soldiers trying to get back to their platoon. One has been blinded by an explosion.
It’s not action-filled, but the drama has weight and understanding of the camaraderie built by battle. The Fillbach Brothers can draw goofily on purpose, and none of that is here. Panel borders are dark, reflecting the blind soldier Tommy’s view, contrasted with the snow-filled forest they’re trying to get through. There’s more to it, but you’re seeing two artists at the top of their game working with a new writer to create a just about perfect 8-page war story.
Before actually reading the book, I had a brief chat with Young, which I’ve edited for clarity and to avoid my own repetition.
Derek McCaw: Your father has been a long-time veteran of comics. Is it just in your DNA?
Walker Young: Over the pandemic, there was a lot of free time on all of our hands. We spent that time watching movies and reading comics. We were absorbing it all. Or I was definitely absorbing it and being passed down knowledge. DNA has some stuff to do with it, but attaining knowledge over that period of time – I felt like I was learning in a class for two years.
Derek McCaw: Both nature and nurture.
Walker Young: Yes it is.
Derek McCaw: What do you hope to achieve with your comics career?
Walker Young: To bring joy to people. That’s a lot of why I do it. I like writing and people reading it, just sharing my ideas with other people. A lot of it is I want to turn it into something, and for people to say, oh, Walker Young, that was pretty good.
Derek McCaw: What’s your favorite comic?
Walker Young: That’s a good question.
Derek McCaw: Name one of ten. It’s easier that way.
Walker Young: I’m reading Invincible Iron Man by Gerry Dugan, which is an ongoing series. It’s an awesome read.
Derek McCaw: Shout out to Gerry!
With that, we shook hands and I moved over to two of his artists, the Fillbach Brothers. To match their look, Walker had a baseball cap that said “Cowboy Hat,” and I want one.
I’d also love to point you in a direction to pick up this book, but at the moment, I can’t find a way. I have a suspicion that if you’re in the San Francisco Bay Area, you could find it at Comix Experience or Mission: Comics and Art.
