🎯 How I Got Hired to Write for Marvel and DC Comics (And How You Can Too)
If you’ve ever dreamed of writing for Marvel or DC Comics, let me tell you right now—there is no one path. But there are common threads. I’ve studied them. I’ve lived them. And today, I’m going to break down how I went from writing about comics to writing them—and how you can, too.
My Path to DC and Marvel Comics (Without Being a Lifelong Fan)
Before I ever wrote a single comic script, I wrote a book:
📘 Black Comics: Politics of Race and Representation
It came out of my dissertation on The Boondocks comic strip, where I analyzed its relationship to African American communication and hip-hop culture. I was creating the book I needed to see in the world—one that documented Black contributions to comics in a meaningful way.
That book made history.
I became the first Black woman to win an Eisner Award at San Diego Comic-Con—a milestone that put me on the map in the comics world.
At the time, I wasn’t a comic book collector. I was a researcher who fell in love with the storytelling power of comics, especially Black-led narratives. But once I got my foot in the door, everything changed.
How I Wrote My First Comic
After the Eisner win, I was approached by an editor to co-write my first comic:
📚 Superb — a comic about a superhero with Down syndrome.
It was my transition from researcher to creator.
At the same time, I had already spent years attending comic conventions—meeting writers, artists, and editors. I was showing up. Consistency mattered.
Eventually, someone introduced me to an editor at DC Comics. I had published comics under my belt and the credibility that came with them. I sent a clear, concise pitch email with my resume and published work. That led to multiple writing opportunities with DC.
Writing for Marvel Took a Different Hustle
Marvel was a different beast. No referrals. No introductions. So, I got creative.
I hired someone on Fiverr.com to find the email of Marvel’s editor-in-chief (yes, really), pitched myself, and didn’t hear back for a year.
But eventually, the hustle paid off.
I got invited to write for the Wakanda Forever series—a proud moment that still feels legendary.
Want to Write for Marvel or DC? Do This:
🔑 Here’s what I’ve learned from my journey and others’ stories:
- Create your own work.
Don’t wait for permission. Build a portfolio. - Build a fanbase.
Share your stories online, publish indie work, and showcase your voice. - Learn comic book formatting.
Study scripts. Take classes. Write every day. - Collaborate with artists.
Offer to write scripts for free for artists that are at or a little above your level to get experience (and visibility). - Attend comic conventions.
Meet editors. Talk to creators. The right conversation can lead to the right opportunity. - Pitch strategically.
When you have credibility, reach out to editors with a clear body of work behind you.
📌 Proof and preparation go hand in hand. When you show up consistently and have receipts that you can write at that level, doors start to open.
If you’d like to see the script I wrote for Marvel comics so you can learn how to write an industry-standard comic book script, you can access that on Patreon page by clicking the button below:
✨ If this helped you, consider joining my Patreon community, where I share exclusive storytelling strategies, behind-the-scenes career moves, and coaching for creatives building legacy through writing.
🔗 Join the Movement — Become a Member
What’s your dream comic project? DM me on Instagram and let me know!
