Brian Clevinger

Brian Clevinger built one of the webcomic medium’s most remarkable success stories. What started as a class project in 2001 became 8-Bit Theater, a sprite-based saga that retold Final Fantasy I through pixel art characters and ran for over 1,200 episodes. The comic attracted a devoted readership of over 100,000 daily visitors and established Clevinger as one of the pioneering voices in online comics.

Beyond 8-Bit Theater, Clevinger authored the self-published novel Nuklear Age, a comedic superhero parody featuring “Nuklear Man” and his sidekick Atomik Lad. The novel’s extended universe of rogue military weapons, evolved civilizations, and megalomaniacal villains showcased Clevinger’s signature blend of absurdist humor and action.

In 2007, Clevinger partnered with artist Scott Wegener to launch Atomic Robo through Red 5 Comics. The series, about a robot created by Nikola Tesla in 1923 who investigates paranormal and scientific emergencies, was nominated for Best Limited Series at the 2008 Eisner Awards. Colorist Ronda Pattison was also nominated for Best Coloring. The series has continued for over 10 volumes, with later issues released as free webcomics after Clevinger and Wegener let their Red 5 contract expire in 2015. IDW Publishing took over physical print duties later that year.

Clevinger has also worked for major publishers, including writing for Marvel Comics’ all-ages line and contributing to the World War Hulks: Wolverine vs. Captain America event. He remains active on Twitter at @bclevinger and maintains his empire from nuklearpower.com, where he’s also serialized new chapters of his work.

Perfect for fans of adventure comedy in the pulp tradition, similar to Hellboy’s lighter moments or Madman’s whimsical action.

Explore Brian Clevinger’s comic: Atomic Robo.