Mark Russell discusses his unconventional path into comics as a writer starting in 2015, despite lacking deep fandom background compared to most creators. He explores how that outsider perspective shaped his approach to series like Prez, The Flintstones, Exit Stage Left: The Snagglepuss Chronicles, and the upcoming Judge Dredd "Under Siege" series. Russell shares his creative process—balancing message-driven storytelling with character-first narratives—and his philosophy on effective social commentary: simplicity, empathy, and avoiding anger-fueled polemic. He also discusses his novels God's Disappointed in You and Apocrypha Now, lessons learned about comics as a visual and collaborative medium, and upcoming Superman short stories.
