From retail to writing: Timmy Heague on 'Lost Fantasy' and breaking into comics

This week’s spotlight interview is with Timmy Heague, co-writer of Lost Fantasy #9, and is especially revealing, not just because of the wild hooks (Nazi dinosaurs, bazooka swords, monster hunting), but because of the unique vantage point he brings as both a writer and a longtime comic shop owner. That dual perspective shapes everything, from how he thinks about audience expectations to how stories are built to connect on the shelf. This interview goes far beyond Lost Fantasy #9. Timmy Heague digs into his unlikely path from comic shop owner to working writer, how collaborations with Curt Pires and Franklin Jonas actually function behind the scenes, and why being on the retail front lines gives him a sharper read on what fans want than most creators. You’ll also hear about the realities of breaking in, the push and pull of co-writing, and the mentors who helped shape his voice. It’s part origin story, part industry insight, and a candid look at how comics really come together. Visit our Patreon page to see the various tiers you can sign up for today to get in on the ground floor of AIPT Patreon. We hope to see you chatting with us on our Discord soon! NEWS Hellfire Gala turns deadly: Marvel reveals a murder will change the X-Men forever Marvel reveals new characters Sightseer and Mogul from ‘Reborn: Ultimate Impact’ series 'Queen in Black' gets 3-part tie-in 'Defenders of Light and Dark'  And gets 2 one-shots Marvel sneaks Charlie Cox, Jon Bernthall, and Frank Miller sketches in 'Daredevil' #1 Blind Bags Marvel and Magic the Gathering collab for free promo card with 'Avengers: Armageddon' #1 Marvel celebrates Rogue One’s 10th anniversary with new one-shots for key characters ‘Nights’ kicks off new story arc this July with #19 James Tynion IV launches new Brooklyn Comics nonprofit with major festival plans Marvel’s weirdest monsters return in massive 400-page deluxe collection Mike Mignola's 'Uri Tupka and the Devils' follow up Lands Unknown coming November 2026 Free LEGO Batman comic revealed for Free Comic Book Day with a surprising nod to his very first appearance FCBD 'Energon Universe Special 2026' gets 5 new covers and a major first look at M.A.S.K. Our Top Books of the Week: Dave: MAD About DC #1 (Various) Lands Unknown: Uri Tupka and the Gods (Mike Mignola) Chris:​​ Royals #1 (Derek Kirk Kim, Jacob Perez)  Daredevil #1 (Stephanie Phillips, Lee Garbett) Standout KAPOW moment of the week: Chris: Bizarro: Year None #1 (Kevin Smith, Eric Carrasco, Nick Pitarra, Michael Garland)  Dave: Venom #256 (Al Ewing, Carlos Gomez) TOP BOOKS FOR NEXT WEEK Chris: Estuary #1 (Tim Daniel, David Andry, Maan House) Dave: Sai: Dimensional Rivals #4 Giuseppe Camuncoli, Phil Noto, Jim Mahfood JUDGING BY THE COVER JR. Dave: Black Cat #9 (Variant by Kris Anka) Chris: Iron Man #4 (Ryan Stegman-Frank Martin Main Cover) Interview: Timmy Heague on Lost Fantasy #9, mixing craft, collaboration, and story teases: You’re stepping into Lost Fantasy #9 during a moment where Henry is already physically and emotionally battered. What interested you most about picking up his story at this breaking point? You’re working with Eamon Winkle on the Bombshell story. What makes Bombshell a compelling lens into this world, and how does her story complement or contrast Henry’s? You’re co-writing this issue with Curt Pires and Franklin Jonas, while also contributing to a backup that ties into Fireborn. How did you all divide the storytelling responsibilities, and what did that collaboration look like on the page? You’ve recently come off co-writing Archie vs. Minor Threats with Patton Oswalt and Jordan Blum, which thrives on tonal contrast. Did that experience influence how you approach tone here, especially with the mix of action, sci-fi, and character work? The solicit teases Henry being pulled into a new case while still recovering. How do you balance forward momentum with giving weight to his injuries and trauma? The issue introduces the “Cyber-Ronin,” which is an instantly striking concept. What was the creative spark behind that character, and how does he challenge the world of hunters in a new way? Lost Fantasy blends genres in a big way, from cyberpunk elements to mythic hunting lore. When you’re writing in that kind of sandbox, how do you keep the story grounded and emotionally clear? Fun one: if you had to drop Bombshell into another comic universe for a one-shot, where would you send them and why?