The following is an interview with Lee Loughridge (MidState) and Marz Jr. (Transformers: The Worst Bot Ever) regarding the release of the comic book series, The Adequates, through Comixology Originals. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Loughridge and Marz Jr. about their shared creative process in bringing the story and characters to life on the page, what they hope that readers may take away from the story’s themes, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: Congratulations on the digital release of The Adequates #1! What can you share with us about the genesis behind this series, and how would you describe its premise?
Lee Loughridge: Set at Savannah High, the story follows five freshmen — Julie, Chad, Randy, Panama, and Grey — who wind up with strange abilities after a haunted field trip to Bonaventure cemetery. As they come to terms with their newfound powers, they discover that their school’s favorite history teacher has been possessed by a demon. On Halloween night, The Adequates must join forces with The Goths to stop the evil threat and save their school.
BD: How would you describe your shared creative process in bringing this super(adequate)hero story and characters to life on the page?
LL: Marz and I are working off of an overall outline for each issue of the story that we came up with. We then wrench on each single issue outline until we finally nail it down. From there Marz is off and running on thumbnails. We take a look at those and make any changes before he moves to layouts. At the layout stage we dial in the dialogue because Marz likes to letter as he does finishes. Marz feeds me inks and I lay the color down. Then, the pages go back to Marz for any color polish and last dialoguing we think the issue may need. Then, back to me for all the formatting etc…Will Dennis, our editor is overseeing all of this and lending his expertise to all stages.
BD: Marz, when tackling a project like The Adequates, is there anything that guides or propels your approach to the artwork?
Marz: We decided to set the story in the ’90s. So, I tried to give the characters a nostalgic ’90s vibe. I also wanted the main characters to have an awkward look (since that’s how I felt as a freshman), plus I tried to make their silhouettes stand out from the rest of the cast. Additionally, the Adequates are the only ones besides some of the Goths that have black hair.
BD: At Fanbase Press, our #StoriesMatter initiative endeavors to highlight the impact that stories can have on audiences of various mediums and genres. How do you feel that the students’ story might connect with and impact readers?
LL: I believe this story will connect in various ways, feeling overwhelmed as an underclassmen in high school, navigating these powers that are ultimately underwhelming and putting them in a spotlight no shy kid would want to be in. Furthermore, banding together with people you trust enforcing strength in numbers. Lastly, teamwork always prevails.
BD: What makes Comixology Originals the perfect publishing partner for this series?
LL: Comixology is always extremely supportive, gives us complete creative freedom, and always great press!
BD: Are there any additional projects – past or current – that you would like to highlight for our readers?
LL: Recently two projects I wrote, Midstate with Comixology came out as a digital trade along with Mad Cave for print. Another book I wrote called Standstill came out in hardcover this past July.
Marz: I’m the artist on Skybound’s Transformers Worst Bot Ever. We have a new volume coming out June 2026 called Bot Swap.
BD: Lastly, what would you like to tell readers who want to learn more about The Adequates and your other work?
LL: I am only available on Instagram (@leeloughridge). X is a toilet.
Marz: I’m marzjr on Instagram.
