*SPECIAL EDITION* From Soldier to Stylus: The Visual Effects of Lee E. Johnson

Every legendary comic universe starts with a single line, but the tale of 50*Fifty Comix is rooted in the dedication to brotherhood, fatherhood, leaving a legacy, and pure creative passion. At its core is Mr. Lee E Johnson, inspired by the greats since his youth. Standing at 6'7", he brings a towering personality and grand ideas. A graphic designer by day and night, illustrating is his superpower. He is the founder of a dynamic comic publishing house with 13 titles and a co-founder of 50*Fifty Collaborative Projects, which aims to inspire the next generation eager to hold a pen and tell a story.

From the battlefields to the drawing board; Prior to creating worlds on pages, Lee honorably served his country as a soldier for 14 years. After completing his service, Lee settled in Texas, where a significant reunion with his older brother Leonce sparked a conversation about what would become his next mission and service.

Pioneering the Birth of 50*Fifty Comix & The Natura Verse

In 2017, during the onset of the world's first "shelter in place order," Lee, armed with a tablet, stylus, and a dream, decided it was time to craft his own narrative. He started sketching the visual elements of The Natura Verse. Inspired by his older brother's environment and the trials of fatherhood, Trapper was born. As a fellow writer and recent business school graduate, I was drawn to their vision and wanted to help transform the Natura Verse from mere sketches in a hidden folder into something more.

By 2019, Lee had reached out to college friend Lynnesha Hamilton and Big Bro, and after the pitch, we decided, "Let's start a publishing company" to create the next generation's multi-verse. With their vision and her business acumen, community activism, and relentless drive, she completed this duo into a collective trio, which would serve as the foundation. What began as a few sketches during the worst pandemic in history evolved over three years into a community of like-minded individuals eager to share their voices, contribute to his vision, and retain their rights as indie/underground artists. The mission was crafted to uplift our creators, allowing them to maintain their creative rights and respect while engaging with our communities and inspiring new talent.

The Natura Verse Took Flight by 2021, and that rising momentum led to the creation of 50*Fifty Comix publications. We began with multiple stories, various characters, and a team of 10 artists and writers. This was a passion project for numerous artists, both young and middle-aged, eager to bring their dreams to life and share them with viewers like you. What started as social media shares and living room concepts in Texas, Virginia, Georgia, Kentucky, and Ohio soon became the beginning of an indie comic that would reach audiences aged 5 to 99 everywhere.

Today, as we commemorate our Lead Ink-Master & Chief on another year of graceful birthrights, we also express gratitude for his role in giving our voices and talents a mission. Over the past 6 successful years, 17 new friendships and collaborations have flourished within these virtual halls. What continues to grow is the Natura Verse and the band of misfits envisioning our next great collective stories. Driven by a team not focused on the next big payout, but truly committed to storytelling and advancing the Indie movement. Lee has dedicated himself to his country and is now committed to sharing his stories both domestically and internationally, demonstrating that service, creativity, brotherhood, and fatherhood are the dreams that will become a Legend.

Keep an eye out for Trapper 3: CrossFire arriving later this fall, and follow us on all social media platforms @50FiftyComix.