Independent comic book publishing has always been a place where creators can explore ideas that might never find a home at Marvel or DC Comics. From unconventional superheroes to imaginative science-fiction worlds, independent publishers have the freedom to tell stories their own way. One creator taking full advantage of that freedom is Fish Lee, the writer, artist, and publisher behind Mr. Fish Comics.
With an energetic approach to storytelling, an impressive work ethic, and a genuine enthusiasm for the medium, Lee has established himself as a recognizable presence in the independent comics community.
His work combines traditional superhero storytelling with science fiction, fantasy, humor, and personal experiences. The result is a growing collection of comic books that demonstrate just how much one determined creator can accomplish.
Fish Lee’s relationship with comic books began during childhood. His older brother read comics, and Lee grew up surrounded by colorful characters and fantastic adventures. Before he could even read, he was spending his Saturday mornings looking through comic books, watching cartoons, and drawing.
His imagination extended beyond the printed page. Fascinated by inventions, science fiction, and superheroes, he dreamed of creating elaborate gadgets and mechanical devices.
Lee eventually studied 3D design and animation in college and worked as a freelance artist on projects ranging from illustrations and logos to signs and murals.
However, his career was complicated by Tourette syndrome, which significantly affected his ability to work. Rather than abandon his artistic ambitions, he eventually found a new direction through independent comic book publishing.
The development of digital art technology and crowdfunding platforms opened opportunities that previous generations of creators never enjoyed.
Lee began producing his own comic books while also working as an illustrator for other independent publishers.
In a previous interview with Phil Latter for First Comics News, Lee discussed his creative background, the challenges he had overcome, and his determination to build a career in independent comics.
One of Lee’s earliest self-published projects was T-Man & HyperStrike, a superhero series with a particularly personal foundation.The comic features superheroes living with Tourette syndrome and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Rather than treating these conditions simply as obstacles, Lee wanted to present characters who could discover their individual strengths and become heroes.
The underlying message is that being different does not prevent someone from accomplishing extraordinary things.
For children who rarely encounter characters sharing their experiences, this approach offers something meaningful.
The series also demonstrates an important aspect of Mr. Fish Comics. Although the publisher embraces the excitement and spectacle of traditional superhero adventures, its characters often have challenges that extend beyond fighting supervillains.
They have personal struggles, distinctive personalities, and reasons for wanting to make a difference.
The original comic was brought to readers through crowdfunding, helping establish Lee’s approach to independently publishing his creations.
Another major Mr. Fish Comics project is Greenzone: Life in the Blocks, a science-fiction series combining superhero concepts with police drama and social commentary.
The story takes place in a world where people born with genetic mutations, known as Genomes, face discrimination and legal restrictions.
The central characters are police officers who possess extraordinary abilities but operate within a society that treats their very existence as a problem.
Using their abilities can place them in danger of imprisonment.
Among the characters are Virgil, an eight-foot-tall mutant lizard man, and Bellamy, a small woman whose body is covered with razor-sharp quills.
The series explores the contradictions of a society that expects its officers to uphold the law while denying them fundamental freedoms.
By combining the familiar structure of police procedurals with the possibilities of superhero fiction, Lee has created a setting capable of exploring prejudice, identity, authority, and personal responsibility.
It also provides opportunities for action, humor, and unusual situations involving characters whose extraordinary abilities complicate ordinary police work.
Perhaps one of Lee’s most unusual creations is The Mighty KAAW The Crowmagnon, a science-fantasy adventure drawing inspiration from classic pulp fiction, space opera, and sword-and-sorcery comics.
The title character comes from Zion, an alien world populated by various humanoid species that evolved from birds.
The planet is home to different avian civilizations, including raptors, owls, thunderbirds, and other species with their own cultures and social hierarchies.
Unfortunately, the Crowmagnons occupy the lowest position in this society.
Regarded as inferior, they are enslaved, and many are forced into brutal gladiatorial combat.
KAAW has spent much of his life fighting in the arena.
His distinctive crow-like mask, fashioned from pieces of defeated opponents, has become an important part of his identity.
The character combines the savage determination of a barbarian warrior with the visual possibilities of an alien civilization.
What makes the concept particularly entertaining is the amount of world-building behind it.
Lee has developed the cultures, beliefs, technology, and social systems of the different avian civilizations, giving the adventures a mythology beyond their action-packed premise.
The series reflects Lee’s affection for the science-fiction serials and imaginative adventure comics that influenced generations of creators.
It also demonstrates his willingness to embrace concepts that are simultaneously dramatic, strange, and humorous.
Mr. Fish Comics has also published FishTales, an anthology project that allows different stories and creative ideas to be explored.
Anthology comics have long played an important role in the independent publishing community. They provide opportunities to experiment with genres, introduce new characters, and collaborate with other creators.
For someone as prolific as Lee, the anthology format is a natural fit.
Rather than limiting himself to a single continuing series, he can explore a variety of storytelling approaches while giving readers something different.
Writer T.S. Luther is among the creators associated with FishTales, reflecting the collaborative nature of the publisher’s projects.
One of the publisher’s more ambitious projects is Alice: Lost in Wonderland, a science-fiction adventure that offers a dramatic reinterpretation of familiar Wonderland imagery.
Rather than the whimsical fantasy setting traditionally associated with Alice, this Wonderland is an interdimensional rift filled with danger.
Alice was taken from her home dimension as a child by a time traveler known as Rabbit, who was attempting to save her from a group of time-worshiping cultists.
Unfortunately, Rabbit was unable to find her home dimension afterward.
Growing up in Wonderland, Alice became a formidable bounty hunter.
Accompanied by a tin man and carrying a broken piece of the Vorpal Sword, she navigates a dangerous world involving time travel, strange civilizations, and powerful enemies.
The sword itself possesses an extraordinary ability: it can cut openings through reality.
The series was conceived as a six-issue, full-color science-fiction adventure aimed at mature audiences.
Themes of loss, family, survival, and generational trauma accompany the action and world-building.
Alice: Lost in Wonderland demonstrates Mr. Fish Comics’ ability to expand beyond conventional superheroes into more elaborate science-fiction storytelling.
One of the distinguishing characteristics of Mr. Fish Comics is Lee’s commitment to supporting other independent creators.
His career has involved numerous collaborations, and he frequently uses social media and online video to share his artistic process.
Through his School of Fish art streams, Lee has demonstrated techniques involving digital illustration, perspective, backgrounds, and comic book production.
These presentations provide viewers with an opportunity to learn about the practical work involved in producing professional comic book artwork.
Lee has also emphasized the importance of networking, professionalism, and building genuine relationships within the independent comics community.
In advice shared through his BackerKit updates, he encouraged aspiring creators to begin with manageable projects, finish their work, build audiences, and develop relationships with other professionals.
That philosophy reflects the practical realities of independent publishing.
Producing a comic book requires more than creativity. It also involves deadlines, printing, promotion, distribution, finances, and communication with readers.
Crowdfunding has become an especially important part of the Mr. Fish Comics publishing model.
Platforms such as Kickstarter and BackerKit allow Lee to communicate directly with supporters and generate the resources needed to bring projects into print.
At the same time, his participation in collaborative crowdfunding events such as Comictopia demonstrates the benefits of independent publishers working together to reach new audiences.
Independent comic book publishing remains challenging, particularly for smaller operations competing for readers’ attention in an increasingly crowded marketplace.
However, Fish Lee has demonstrated an ability to approach those challenges with determination and considerable productivity.
His growing catalog, involvement with other publishers, crowdfunding experience, and direct engagement with readers provide a foundation for future projects.
With established properties such as T-Man & HyperStrike, Greenzone, and The Mighty KAAW, alongside newer adventures such as Alice: Lost in Wonderland, Mr. Fish Comics has a diverse collection of characters and concepts to develop.
For readers who appreciate creator-owned storytelling, distinctive characters, and comic books produced with genuine enthusiasm, Mr. Fish Comics is an independent publisher worth discovering.
Fish Lee represents something important about the independent comics movement: a creator does not need the resources of a major corporation to develop exciting worlds and memorable characters.
Sometimes all it takes is an idea, determination, artistic ability, and a willingness to put in the work.
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