Finger Guns

Finger Guns launched at Vault Comics in February 2020, delivering a raw and emotionally complex take on the superhero premise. The series ran for four single issues before being collected into a trade paperback in October 2020.

At its core, the story follows two teenagers who discover they can manipulate emotions through the act of firing finger guns—sending feelings like joy, anger, fear, and sadness directly into their targets. What begins as an intriguing superpower setup evolves into a nuanced exploration of how we externalize and internalize our emotional struggles.

The series excels in its authentic portrayal of adolescent trauma. Rather than romanticizing or simplified the teenage experience, writer Justin Richards presents characters whose coping mechanisms are as destructive as they are understandable. The finger guns become a metaphor for how we “shoot” our emotions at others—or turn them inward on ourselves.

Artist Val Halvorson complements this emotional complexity with expressive linework that captures both the comedic and dramatic beats. Colorist Rebecca Nalty adds atmospheric depth, while Taylor Esposito’s lettering keeps the dialogue flowing naturally.

Critical reception was notably positive. Comics Bookcase called it “a mesmerizing and potent story,” while Geekd-Out praised its emotional resonance. The series was featured in an exclusive free preview by The Beat during the pandemic return of comics in 2020.

Perfect for fans of character-driven stories that blend humor with genuine emotional weight, Finger Guns represents a bold creator-owned vision that proves indie comics can explore complex themes with both heart and accessibility.