Matthew Schofield, the creative Supervising Storyboard Director behind the iconic animation of The Simpsons and other beloved animated features, is gearing up for an exciting new venture. Schofield, also known for his work on animated films like Cats Don’t Dance, Prince of Egypt, and The Iron Giant, is stepping into the world of comics with his original creation, Steamroller Man. And he’s not just dipping his toes in the water; he’s diving headfirst into the vibrant world of crowdfunding with a Kickstarter campaign.
Steamroller Man isn’t your run-of-the-mill superhero. With a head that’s a giant cylinder, he’s a standout in any crowd. But when he dons a pair of oversized glasses and assumes the identity of “Steve Rollerman,” no one suspects that this unassuming figure is actually the fearless hero, Steamroller Man! Schofield’s webcomic, available since 2018 at steamrollerman.com, has delighted readers with its unique blend of humor, action, and quirky characters. Now, Schofield is ready to elevate Steamroller Man’s adventures by bringing them to print.
“I’ve been a lifelong comic book fan,” Schofield explains, “and it’s always been my dream to have a comic of my own, something I could hand to somebody at a comic convention and say ‘I made this.’ Starting it as a webcomic was a great way to get the story out there and build an audience, but my end goal has always been a printed comic.”
Inspired by classics like The Tick, the 1980s Justice League run by Giffen, DeMatteis, and Maguire, the campy 1960s Batman TV show, and the zany Marvel comics of the 1970s, Steamroller Man promises to be a wild ride for fans of all ages who appreciate a comedic twist on the superhero genre.
“Steamroller Man is both a parody of, and a loving homage to, classic Silver and Bronze Age superhero comics,” Schofield reveals. “I love the inherent silliness of the superhero genre, but it’s something you don’t see much of in mainstream comics anymore. So I decided to create the kind of comic I wanted to read.”
The Kickstarter campaign marks a significant milestone for Schofield. “I’ve been a big fan of Kickstarter for a while now,” he shares. “I think some of the most interesting comics coming out these days are actually debuting in the crowdfunding space. With this Kickstarter campaign, I’m hoping to give fans of Steamroller Man’s online adventures the opportunity to own a print copy, and also to reach a whole new audience.”
If the Kickstarter campaign proves successful, backers can expect a 40-page, black-and-white first issue of an ongoing series. The rewards available to backers on the campaign are as exciting as the comic itself, with original art commissions by Schofield, a behind-the-scenes art process PDF, and three Kickstarter-exclusive variant covers by acclaimed artists Jonboy Meyers, Sam Grinberg, and Ruben Esteban Perez.
So head over to the Kickstarter page HERE and get ready to roll with Steamroller Man. Whether you’re 8 or 88, if you love action-packed silliness with a superhero twist, Steamroller Man will surely be your new favorite comic book obsession.
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