Every so often, a comic series drops that feels like it’s been waiting in the wings for exactly the right moment. A book that blends sharp craft, sly humor, and a world you want to tumble into headfirst. The Adequates #1, the newest Comixology Originals series from colorist‑legend‑turned‑co‑creator Lee Loughridge and artist Marz Jr, is one of those books. It’s a story that doesn’t just introduce a new cast of misfits; it kicks open the door to a universe where “good enough” might be the most dangerous superpower of all. We sat down with Lee and Marz Jr to talk about their collaboration in building this off‑kilter world, the joy of character‑driven chaos, and why embracing imperfection can make for the most compelling kind of heroism.
Creative Beginnings
GVN: Thank you, gentlemen, for a bit of your time. Since this is my first time chatting with you both, before we get into “The Adequates,” let’s start with some of your creative beginnings. Starting with you, Lee. I have known about your coloring expertise, but I didn’t know about your writing prowess. When you first decided to pursue comic work, did you only consider the art side of it, or did you know you also had something to say story creation-wise?
LEE – I started writing in the early nineties, however the stories I wrote didn’t seem to fit into the traditional superhero world of DC or Marvel. I always tended to write more slice of life, real world drama or completely absurd tropes. SO yes, I always planned on getting my stories out there, just had to wait until the time was right.
GVN: Same type of question for you, Marz. When did you really pursue comic art, and whose work inspired that ambition?
MARZ – I was always a fan of comics, but after getting cut from the high school baseball team… my dreams of becoming a professional ball player were over! So I dived deep into comics. I ate up the 90’s image mayhem! Later, I discovered Mazzucchelli’s “Batman Year One,” Edvin Biukovic‘s Grendel Tales “Devils and Death,” and Otomo’s “Akira.”
The Spark for “The Adequates”
GVN: So, let’s get right into “The Adequates,” and this is for both of you. The concept of “adequate” heroes is instantly funny but also deeply relatable. What sparked the idea for “The Adequates,” and how did you both decide on the tone—balancing humor, heart, and genre commentary?
LEE – I came up with the characters decades ago and wrestled with what type of story would be suitable for them. I have written at least 5 completely different scripts for these characters with completely different tones. When I teamed up with MarzJr he really wanted to make this a story for kids and the decision was made. MarzJr and I traded outlines for months before landing on the exact path the story was going to take.
MARZ – I always found the concept to be hilarious! And once we decided the book was gonna be for kids, the tone kind of found itself.
“Pure Irony”
GVN: Once again, for both of you, Issue 1 introduces a world where being superpowered doesn’t automatically make you exceptional. How did you approach building a universe where mediocrity is the norm rather than the punchline?
Lee – For me, the kids getting these mediocre powers is pure irony. Just because you have a gift doesn’t always make it exceptional. It’s more about the individual or the fact that these individuals really have to team up in order for these “powers” to be best utilized.
MARZ – Ain’t nothing in this world easy! It’s more interesting to see the journey to the top… or the middle. Who knows where the Adequates will land?
Working in Collaboration
GVN: Now for you, Lee. The book has a very specific comedic rhythm. How do you script humor for the page?
LEE – We are doing this project as a collaborative. Marz and I have worked with one another for decades so there is a lot of trust. We get together for each issue and break down the outline. We decide all the beats and aspects of the issue and then from that Marz starts thumb nailing. We agree on what funny beats the issue will have then Marz compounds them through his drawing. We dial the dialogue in the end to best suit the action created out of the idea rather than writing a joke and Marz shoe-horning that into art…..if that makes sense.
GVN: That’s a perfect lead-in to YOU, Marz. How do you visually pace those beats so the jokes land without feeling forced?
MARZ – Working from an outline allows me to find the humor organically when thumbnailing. I can react and improv while sketching, which makes the project exciting to work on!
Creating the Look for “The Adequates”
GVN: Also for you, Marz. The character designs in The Adequates feel intentionally imperfect in the best way—quirky, grounded, and visually memorable. What was your process for crafting heroes who look like they’re trying their best but not quite nailing it?
MARZ – I wanted the characters to look and feel a little awkward. That’s how I felt as a freshman in high school. Also, my goal was that their silhouettes would stand out from the rest of the school.
GVN: And they most certainly do. So, Lee…as I mentioned in the beginning, you’re known primarily for your coloring work across the industry. How did stepping into the writer’s seat for this series change your creative mindset, and did your background in color influence how you envisioned the world of “The Adequates” and perhaps prove useful for Marz?
LEE – It really doesn’t change my mindset, I’ve always had a clear vision of what these characters should be and Marz has really been here from the beginning listening to me ramble about this idea forever…I was just lucky to have him agree to finally get this across the finish line.
What Readers Will Take from Issue#1
GVN: Thematically, the book taps into ideas about self‑worth, societal expectations, and the pressure to be “exceptional.” As you both collaborated on this initial issue, was there a particular message or emotional throughline you wanted readers to take from Issue #1?
LEE – I really wanted to sell how intimidating high school can be as a kid. I also wanted to lean into the cliques that all schools have and just how these kids would navigate through it all safely. When they get their powers what is initially perceived as a gift becomes a curse of sorts. For me this is about teamwork, sticking together and always being loyal to your friends. When you are the little guys you must have strength in numbers.
MARZ – The inspiration for the Elites came from my cousin who is a high school physics teacher. He has to deal with parents putting pressure on him to give their kids good grades, not caring if their kid earned the grade; just the good grade itself giving the outward appearance of greatness.
Expectations
GVN: Thank you both again for sharing a part of your day. Finally, as this is the debut issue, what can readers expect as the series unfolds—bigger stakes, deeper character arcs, or even more hilariously average heroics?
LEE – As the series moves forward you will see unlikely alliances, furthering the strength in numbers concept. I mean, first we have our kids dealing with the overlording Elites and Jocks, then they have to deal with these new and often times embarrassing powers, all the while, there is a much bigger problem lurking that will reveal itself later in the story. Bigger than any clique or any power currently residing in Savannah High.
MARZ – We wrote the story so the reader will discover the Adequates’ fates along with them. So stick with your crew and try not to get your head flushed down the toilet – The Jocks seem to be everywhere!
If The Adequates #1 proves anything, it’s that Loughridge and Marz Jr. aren’t just launching a new series — they’re carving out a space where style, personality, and pure creative instinct collide. Their collaboration crackles with the kind of energy you only get when creators are having genuine fun, and that spirit radiates through every page (and this interview). As this world expands and these characters stumble, scrap, and improvise their way forward, it’s clear we’re witnessing the start of something delightfully unpredictable. And, if this first issue is any indication, The Adequates is poised to become one of Comixology Originals’ most charmingly chaotic new universes, and we can’t wait to see just how “adequate” things get from here.
Comixology Originals ‘The Adequates, Issue#1,’ by Lee Loughridge and Marz, Jr., is digitally available on April 14th.
Senior Writer at GeekVibesNation – I am a 60 something child of the 70’s who admits to being a Star Trek/Star Wars/Comic Book junkie who once dove headfirst over a cliff (Ok, it was a small hill) to try to rescue his Fantastic Four comic from a watery grave. I am married to a lovely woman who is as crazy as I am and the proud parent of a 21-year-old young man with autism. My wife and son are my real heroes.
