James Maddox
Prolific indie writer behind Dead Legends and Metaphorical Her, blending martial arts, horror, and character drama.
James Maddox writes comics that hit like a roundhouse kick and stick like a good story should. Based in Huntington, West Virginia, the prolific creator has built a career defined by versatility—moving between martial arts epics, horror, sci-fi, and character-driven drama with equal confidence and an instinct for emotional punch.
Maddox’s signature work is Dead Legends (A Wave Blue World), a martial arts saga co-created with artist Gavin Smith. Described as “a sprawling love letter to martial arts film history,” the series follows Yan, a young woman trained by her grandfather—one of the deadliest martial artists in existence—through a world of tournament fighters, shadow governments, and found families. The first volume debuted in 2019, and Dead Legends II launched in 2021. As Maddox told AIPT Comics: “This comic is ultimately a challenge in balancing emotional storytelling with the action of classic martial arts movies and Kung Fu comics.”
His other notable works include Metaphorical Her (Rocketship Entertainment), a slice-of-life series that trades kicks for quiet moments of connection, The Dead, Clown, and Eccentrix. He has contributed short stories to Spread (Image Comics), Colonial Comics Vol. 2, The 27 Anthology, and All We Ever Wanted: Stories of a Better World from A Wave Blue World.
Beyond comics, Maddox is a co-founder of the Tri-State Comic Con in Huntington, WV, and the bass player for the rock band Qiet. He lives in Huntington, West Virginia.
Perfect for fans of martial arts comics, grindhouse cinema, and creators like Ed Brubaker and Gerry Duggan who blend genre thrills with genuine character depth. Maddox’s work rewards readers who want their action served with emotional stakes.
