We had the good fortune of connecting with Nicholas Doan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nicholas, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I love comic books and I got my first published story as a webcomic for DC Comics, but opportunities to create your own stories with your own characters and in the format that you want create them are rare in this industry. There were some opportunities early on, but the complications of working with publishers and relying on collaborators cost me those opportunities. Since I knew what I wanted to create and how I wanted to create it, it just made sense to start publishing for myself. I get to make the art that I want to make and make it the way that I want it.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I started writing for Theatre in college and became a member of the Dramitists Guild, but my love of Comic books soon took over. My first published story was a very violent and gruesome serial killer story called PRAY FOR DEATH. When I finished that, I felt like I needed a palette cleanser. So my next project was an all-ages graphic novel called MONSTER ELEMENTARY. there were a lot of ups and downs with the development of MONSTER ELEMENTARY. I had a major publisher and an amazing collaborator, but then some issues that were beyond my control cost me the publisher and then I lost my creative partner as well. this is when I finally decided to publish for myself. I assembled a team of artists to complete the comic and funded it on Kickstarter. The book won a gold medal from the Independent Publisher Awards and the second book in the series won a medal as well. The struggle to get the book published was emotionally draining and took a few years. going from having a major publishing deal, to having to figure out how to get this to an audience all on my own was a massive undertaking with a huge learning curve. to go from being clueless to winning awards was incredibly encouraging and validating.

While I have some mature readers comics like the aforementioned PRAY FOR DEATH and my serial killer/western, THE KID AND THE RIPPER and I am very proud of them, my primary mission in publishing has been to create new and original all-ages comics. I remember when all comics were family friendly and I have watched the medium grow up and become much more mature. I think it’s important to have quality comics for new readers that aren’t just watered down versions of batman.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
All right! Here are some of my favorite stops in LA!

Venice Beach: You won’t find any other place like it in the world. Venice has its own culture that is completely unique. We’ll walk around and shop, have lunch at Abbott-Kinney and head over to see the canals.

Griffith Park/Observatory: The observatory and the view of LA from above is breathtaking. There is also lots of hiking and of course the food at the Trails cafe is amazing!

Superba and Beachwood cafe are two of the best restaurants in LA.

Record stores and comic shops are important to me, so we’ll go to Amoeba records in Hollywood, Pulp Fiction Comics in Culver City for great deals and Galaxy of Comics in Van Nuys for back issues.

LA also has lots of great events going all the time. If the visit happens during Halloween season, then we’re going to Horror Nights at Universal Studios. I also love concerts and shows at The Palladium, Wiltern, Troubadour, Hollywood Bowl and more! A concert could definitely be on the schedule.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
When I was looking for a new path and a way to publish on my own, I heard Jimmy Palmiotti talk about his success with Kickstarter. I approached him for advice and he was generous, informative and supportive. he has continued this generosity in all the years since. I am extremely grateful for his encouragement and kindness. Things would have gone much differently for me without the guidance and experience of Jimmy Palmiotti.

Website: https://brokenoarcomics.com

Instagram: @brokenoarcomics

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Brokenoarproductions

Youtube: @harrylongbaugh

Other: Follow me in Kickstarter! @Nicholas Doan

Image Credits
Monster Elementary Vol. 1 Cover by Caanan Grill

The Kid and The Ripper Cover by David Palumbo

Daisy Cassidy By Eryn Tompsett

Pray For Death by Daniele Serra

Broken Oar Comics by Bobby Timony

Henry and Phoebe by Bobby Timony

Grounded by Bobby Timony

Monster Elementary and The Egyptian Curse by Lee-Roy Lahey

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.