First Comics News: How was Mana Comics formed?
Christopher Caravalho: Growing up in the ’70s and ’80s, Saturdays were special because that meant cartoons! And not just any cartoons—the superhero ones. Super Friends, Spider-Man, Iron Man, Captain America… all the classics. Remember those catchy old-school Marvel intro theme songs? Brah, they were da best! When I discovered comic books, it was a game-changer. They became my escape during tough times, especially after my parents divorced. I was the shy, chubby kid who struggled in school and felt dumb most of the time. But everything changed in the 5th grade when a teacher gave us a creative writing project. That assignment unlocked something in me. It showed me that storytelling—especially when paired with art—was something I not only loved, but was good at. It became my happy place. But life happens. I didn’t pursue comics at first. I got a steady job working for the city and stayed there for about 25 years. But during a really rough period in my life, I found myself thinking back to what used to bring me joy. That reflection led me to rekindle my passion for storytelling and drawing. In 2014, I self-published my first comic book and officially founded Mana Comics.
1st: How are superheroes from Hawaiʻi different than other ones?
Chris: Well, first off, they talk Pidgin.
Lol. That’s because I’m 100% committed to telling stories about heroes from Hawaiʻi in the most authentic way possible. Our heroes are a reflection of the many races and faces we have across the islands. They look like us, talk like us, eat mixed plates with mac salad and gravy all over—and they’re rooted in respecting the land, honoring island history, and protecting not just one group, but all the keiki, kupuna, and kamaʻāina who call Hawaiʻi home. The heart of a local hero isn’t just in their powers—it’s in their values and Aloha for the island and its people.
1st: What makes Hawaiʻi an ideal location to have superheroes?
Chris: WHO DOESN’T LOVE HAWAIʻI?!
Yeah, the cost of living is maybe high (just look at my bank account)—but this place is overflowing with mana, moʻolelo (stories), and a cultural blend you won’t find anywhere else in the world. The people, the history, the culture—it’s a true melting pot, perfectly suited for a one-of-a-kind superhero universe. Hollywood loves using Hawaiʻi as a backdrop—but too often, that’s all it is: a setting. They rarely dive into the true nature of the islands. But Hawaiʻi is more than scenery—it’s special. It’s sacred. It’s the perfect place to explore island lifestyle, local humor, deep history, and heart, all while staying rooted in the spirit of Aloha.
And honestly? Unlike the well-worn paths of Greek, Norse, or Egyptian mythology, Hawaiian culture, legends, and history are still virtually untapped in the superhero genre.
1st: What is the first superhero you created, and why are they important to you?
Chris: My first superhero was Geckoman—aka Thomas Lee—a braddah raised to become the world’s greatest thief. During a rite-of-passage mission in Japan—a Kobayashi Maru-style, no-win scenario—he stumbled upon a high-tech experimental lizard suit. Against all odds, he survived the mission and escaped with the suit. Back in the islands, something changed. He turned his back on his criminal upbringing and chose a new path. Armed with a tongue-spitting pistol and his high-tech gear, he donned the emerald mo’o (lizard)suit and became Hawaiʻi’s green guardian: Geckoman. (sound the conch shells sfx)
1st: Who is “Sistah Shark” and why will readers love her?
Chris: Sistah Shark, aka Lani Castillo, is my lovable local girl from the islands and town of Waimanalo—she’s sassy, tough-talking, and full of heart. (Think: a blend of Lilo and Stitch, lol.) She’s a descendant of ancient shark gods, blessed( or cursed) with the power to transform into a were-shark, granting her jaw-dropping strength, speed, and pure savagery in battle. But here’s the twist: if she gets startled, she reverts to her human form.
And her biggest weakness? She’s afraid of water.
Yup. Our ocean-powered superhero has a phobia of the ocean. It’s that hilarious mix of fierce power, ironic vulnerability, and local-girl attitude that makes her such a standout. Sistah Shark is hands-down Mana Comics’ leading lady.
1st: What is special about “Pele”?
Chris: First off—what other god or goddess still walks the earth? Pele does. Stories of sightings and interactions with the fire goddess still happen in modern-day Hawaiʻi. She’s not just a legend—she’s alive in our culture, in our land, and in the hearts of our people. Our Mana Comics version of Pele reimagines her as more than just a force of destruction or campfire boogieman. She’s a protector, a creator, and a powerful symbol of cultural identity. In her first solo concert, I wanted to show her as real, fiery, compassionate, layered, and deeply human in her way.
1st: Who are the “Anuenue Warriors”?
Chris: Long ago, Akua created a cosmic ʻohana known as The Anuenue (Rainbow) Warriors—soldiers of light, born from the full spectrum of color. Their mission: to free Earth from the grip of darkness. Each warrior had great mana in their own right—each representing a different color, a different powerset, a different way of being. But at the heart of the story…I wanted to express that Lōkahi (unity) was their greatest superpower.
1st: What importance does Kamehameha have to Hawaiʻi?
Chris: Kamehameha the Great is more than just a historical figure—he’s a symbol of Hawaiian pride, leadership, courage, and the unification of the islands. His legacy runs deep in our culture. (Not too many people remember the warriors from Hawaiian history…but everyone remembers him.) That’s why I created a bilingual comic about his life, to help educate and inspire keiki while honoring his legacy in a way that’s respectful to his true story but also relatable and fun.
1st: Who are a few of the employees besides you at Mana Comics, and what do they do?
Chris: While I lead the writing and creative direction, Mana Comics is powered by a team of passionate collaborators—artists, colorists, and letterers. I work with talented local and international artists to bring the visuals to life, and when needed, I collaborate with cultural advisors to ensure I translate English to the Hawaiian language correctly—not the pidgin…pidgin is my second language. Lol.
1st: What does the future hold for Mana Comics?
Chris: OMG…If I had an unlimited budget, Aumākua-Guardians of Hawai’i would be a monthly series.
I’d launch solo titles for each character, publish chapter books, dive into animation, and drop a mountain of historical Hawaiian comics in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi. The Mana Comics Universe would expand in every direction—introducing more heroes, more legends, and more local stories that deserve to be told. But until I win the lottery, I’ll keep building within my means—creating what I can, when I can. More stories. More heroes. More school visits. My dream is to grow this universe, inspire the next generation, bring joy and laughter, and make sure every kid in Hawaiʻi sees themselves as a superhero when reading my comics.
1st: What do you do when you’re not working on comics?
Chris: If I’m not creating comics, there’s a good chance I’m glued to a screen—binge-watching TV shows or diving into films. I also spend way too much time on my PlayStation, especially with my favorite game, Red Dead Redemption. I’m a big fan of the fringe stuff too—Bigfoot, UFOs, pretty much everything paranormal. When I’m not deep in a show/movie/ghost hunting or doing a PS5 side mission, I’m usually at the gym, hanging out with my Yorkies, or spending quality time with my better half, Ms. Mana.
1st: Which one superpower would you most like to have and how would you use it?
Chris: Time travel/Teleporter. I’m so curious about the secrets of the universe. I’d be hopping through time, exploring ancient civilizations, solving mysteries… and of course, I’d swing back to 2009 and tell myself…. “Brah… buy BITCOIN!”
1st: What would you like to say to all your readers?
Chris: Mahalo for your support. Please know that every time you pick up an issue of Mana Comics, you’re helping me live out my chubby-kid-doodling-in-the-back-of-the-class childhood dream—bringing superheroes from Hawaiʻi to life for everyone to see and enjoy!
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