Sometimes an entire creative universe begins with a much smaller idea.
For Mascot Comics, it started with a comic book story that was supposed to be ten pages long.
Inspired by the classic short-form comic adventures he had loved since childhood, writer and publisher Matthew Solberg set out with artist Travis Hanson to create another story featuring The Adventures of Sunset and Meteor. The goal was something fun, adventurous, humorous, and heartfelt—a story that could capture some of the same excitement Matthew remembered feeling when discovering comic books as a young reader.
Ten pages soon became twenty.
Then sixty-four.
Then seventy.
Then eighty.
Eventually, it became clear that Sunset and Meteor—and the growing cast of characters surrounding them—were becoming something much bigger.
Mascot Comics was born.
Based in Phoenix, Mascot Comics is an independent comic book company focused on original characters and stories built around imagination, personality, humor, and heart. Its creative philosophy draws inspiration from classic comic book traditions while embracing fresh visual storytelling and the freedom that comes with creating independently.
At the center of the company is a belief that characters come first. Whether the adventure travels through cosmic worlds or dusty mining towns, Mascot Comics aims to create memorable personalities and stories that invite readers into worlds filled with wonder, emotion, and just the right amount of chaos.
The company brings together the creative work of writer Matthew Solberg and artists including Travis Hanson, Anthony Jude Hernandez, and Valentino Moreira, who have helped bring the characters and expanding world of Mascot Comics to life.
What began as characters created as mascots ultimately became the foundation for something much larger: an independent comic company with its own stories to tell and a growing universe to explore.
Visitors to Scottsdale Book Festival 2027 will have the opportunity to discover Mascot Comics, explore its original characters and stories, and connect with the creators behind a homegrown Arizona comic book company proving that sometimes the best adventures grow far beyond where anyone expected them to go.
About Mascot Comics
Mascot Comics is an independent comic book company founded by writer and publisher Matthew Solberg.
Built around a love of original characters and imaginative storytelling, Mascot Comics creates humorous and heartfelt adventures designed to capture the excitement and joy of discovering a great comic book.
The company's creative world includes The Adventures of Sunset and Meteor and original characters created by Matthew Solberg alongside artists Travis Hanson, Anthony Jude Hernandez, and Valentino Moreira.
With a philosophy centered on characters first, art with edge, imagination, independent creativity, and honest storytelling, Mascot Comics is building a world where weird ideas are welcome and memorable characters can find their way into readers' lives.
Visit Mascot Comics at Scottsdale Book Festival 2027
Comic book fans, families, collectors, and readers looking to discover something new can visit Mascot Comics during Scottsdale Book Festival 2027. Explore original comics and characters, discover the adventures of Sunset and Meteor, and connect with the creators behind an independent Arizona comic book company building its universe one story at a time.
Links
Website: www.mascotcomics.com
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