Navy veteran inspired to create comic book series after graduating from HFC
Cardell S. Cole II always dreamed of writing and drawing his own comic book series – and HFC allowed him to realize that dream.
“It fell off at times, but I picked it up again when I went to HFC. In fact, one of the reasons I started doing my comic book series is because Mr. White kept bugging me about it,” said Cole, of Las Vegas, referring to former HFC adjunct graphic design instructor Lamond White.
The result is his comic book series Top 2. The first issue has been published and is currently on sale through his website. Cole is hard at work on the second issue, writing, illustrating, coloring, and lettering it. As of now, it is tentatively scheduled to be released by the end of 2018.
Top 2: a complete world
Top 2 occurs on the world called Sol, specifically in the country called Grand Reagalious. The country’s military structure is composed of a ranking system called the Guardian Branches. There are 20 branches total, each overseeing its own province. The leaders of each branch are called Grand Masters. The two highest-ranking Guardian Branches are Dragon and Orthros.
Ko Stone, the Grand Master of Orthros, receives confidential information about government corruption and launches an investigation. His investigation doesn’t go unnoticed by the corrupt masterminds, who frame him for a crime he didn’t commit. On the run, he turns to his friend Michael Orion, the Grand Master of Dragon, for help. The two find themselves battling the country’s 18 remaining Guardian Branches as they root out the corrupt elements.
“I always end up impressing myself when I see the issue completed,” said Cole. “I can look back at my work and always be amazed.”
“Cardell’s work is impressive,” said HFC graphic design instructor Victoria Shepherd. “He begins with the conceptual phase, allowing characters to slowly develop through the process. For every character Cardell creates, he begins with several views of the character in action, as well as in a stance position, several facial expressions, and different outfits. It’s this kind of commitment to the process that helps develop rich storytelling.”
Manga influences
A native of Detroit, Cole grew up reading Manga (Japanese comics), which made a strong impression on him. He’s also greatly influenced by Joe Madureira, who is best known for his artistry on Marvel’s X-Men in the mid-1990s. Madureira’s art style introduced aspects of Japanese Manga to the American comic book industry.
“I’ve been drawing since I was little, and always dreamed of doing my comic book series,” said Cole. “I would copy a lot of the poses and action sequences in these comics and draw my own characters.”
A 2002 alumnus of Detroit Central High School, Cole enlisted in the Navy after graduation. He served six years. He enrolled in HFC in 2013 upon the recommendation of his mother, Martina Cole, a 2005 alumna. In 2015, he earned his associate degree in graphic design. In 2016, he earned his associate degree in general business.
“Both programs were excellent. I really enjoyed the graphic design program because I had some really great teachers,” he said. “I got my business degree because I wanted to know how to conduct business as an artist, especially when I get to the point where I’m selling my comics.”
Visit Cole at www.top2bycsc2.com.
