Ohio Creator Crafts All-Ages Superhero Comic, “Stealth Hammer,” Inspired by His Wife
A Strongsville, Ohio, resident is forging a unique path in the world of independent comics, driven by personal inspiration and a vision for accessible, family-friendly superhero storytelling. Ryan Drost has been self-publishing the comic series Stealth Hammer annually since 2020, and already envisions a sprawling narrative arc potentially encompassing 30 to 40 installments.
The genesis of Stealth Hammer is deeply personal. Drost, according to his own account, drew inspiration directly from his wife, Jami. He named the comic’s teen heroine after her, basing the character’s personality on the qualities he knows best. An illustration of the character was also modeled after Jami, solidifying the connection. “You write what you know,” Drost explained, “I figured I’d just write my character on the personality I know best, which is Jami.”
Launched in 2020, Stealth Hammer quickly gained traction, with a second issue following in 2021. The series is set in a vibrant world blending high-tech gadgetry with elements of supernatural mythology, following a young heroine discovering a legacy of protectors. Drost intentionally differentiates Stealth Hammer from the often-grim tone of mainstream comics. “Seeing comics nowadays, it’s harder to find something for kids,” he noted. “You’re either going super kiddy, or super mature.”
The comic’s aesthetic, described as bursting with color and cartoon splendor, draws comparisons to titles like Ms. Marvel, the imaginative designs of Jim Henson’s creature shop, and the action-packed gameplay of the Mega Man video game series. This unique blend aims to appeal to a broad, cross-generational audience.
Jami Drost, a full-time graphic designer, actively contributes her skills to the comic’s production, and embraces her role as the inspiration for the lead character. “It’s great to see Ryan have fun with it, and have me be included in the way I am,” she said. “I get caught up with Ryan’s ideas coming to life. When I’m reading a draft of the next issue, I have to take a step back and realize that I’m a superhero.”
Drost has successfully funded three issues of Stealth Hammer through Kickstarter, raising approximately $9,000 per issue. He is currently preparing for a crowdfunding campaign for the fourth installment later this year, planning a promotional push including podcast appearances and YouTube interviews. Despite past successes, Drost acknowledges the increasing challenges of crowdfunding. “Anyone who does a Kickstarter campaign knows that the first one is hard, and they get harder, because you’re trying to reach a wider audience,” he stated, adding that he even sold portions of his personal comic collection to lower the funding goal for the third issue.
Currently, physical copies of Stealth Hammer are available at North Coast Comics and Carol and John’s Comic Shop. Digital copies can be purchased through GlobalComix or directly from Drost’s personal website.
Drost’s journey into comic creation was rooted in his childhood experiences as a Gen X enthusiast of franchises like Star Wars and classic Marvel titles such as Green Lantern, Spider-Man, and X-Men. He credits these early influences with fostering his love of storytelling. The development of Stealth Hammer was also a collaborative process. Friends connected Drost with artist Joel Jackson, and his 1980s pop culture podcast unexpectedly became a recruiting ground for other comic creators.
The creative process is fluid, with ideas flowing both ways between Drost and Jackson. “It’s not just me on an island,” Drost emphasized. “Stuff I write will spark an idea for something Joel draws. Then something Joel draws will spark an idea for a story element.” Drost also utilizes storyboards to map out future issues, currently having six installments planned “shot for shot.”
Despite acknowledging the long odds of securing a major publishing deal, Drost remains committed to his creative vision. “I simply enjoy doing this – it’s a creative outlet for me,” he said. “There’s part of me that wishes I’d done this decades ago, but I realized that you’re meant to do the things you do when you do them.”
