Back in August 2023, we told you all about Armored. The brainchild of writer writer Michael Schwartz and artist Ismael Hernandez, Armored follows an “orphan who stumbles across a mystical suit of armor haunted by the ghost who wore it centuries ago.” (So, as yours truly so perfectly encapsulated it way back when, basically Flight of the Navigator meets The Sixth Sense with a side of Child of Glass.)
Now, with all five issues already out in the world, Schwartz and Ismael have launched a second Armored-centric Kickstarter for a brand-new hardcover graphic novel. Not only do you get the full series, but the hardcover includes a 10-page bonus story originally found in the half-issue release from Wizards The Podcast Guide to Comics (from earlier this year). That’s even more harrowing action, spooky vibes, daring adventure, and much more from this generally exciting, emotionally resonant coming-of-age saga.
The Armored Kickstarter is live now; if you’d like to contribute, head here. In the lead up to the campaign, we spoke with Schwartz recently via email. There, we discussed Armored‘s reception, what worked (and maybe what didn’t?) about the narrative, the new bonus story, and the future of Armored in general, among other topics and tidbits.
Cover by Francesco Tomaselli. Courtesy of Clover Press.
AIPT: Now that the Armored has been out for a while, how do you feel about it? Is there anything you add to or change?
Michael Schwartz: Releasing Armored into the world has been an absolute joy. I’m thrilled that comic readers have responded so enthusiastically to the book. While there are always small things I might tweak, overall, I’m incredibly proud of the series so far.
AIPT: Similarly, were you surprised by the reception of your first comics offering? How did that response impact you at all?
MS: I always hoped Armored would find an audience, but never imagined it would have such a strong impact on the indie comics scene. It’s tough convincing comic readers and reviewers to try out a new indie book, but the ones who have (including AIPT!) have responded so positively. I would say, I’m more inspired than ever to continue the series and get it out into the world. It’s had a huge creative impact on me.
Art from Armored #1. Courtesy of Clover Press.
AIPT: In hindsight, what is your favorite aspect or element of Armored?
MS: There are so many things I love about Armored, but at the top of the list are Ismael Hernández’s interior illustrations. His art is stunning. Sometimes I just flip through an issue to admire his work and almost forget I had anything to do with the comic. I might be a bit biased, but I’m also really proud of the story told in the first story arc. It’s exactly what I wanted to tell, and Ismael’s art has brought it to life in ways I never could have imagined.
AIPT: What can you tell us about the 10-page bonus story that’s included in this hardcover?
MS: The 10-page Armored story included as a bonus in the hardcover originally appeared in the Armored ½ issue, [a] Kickstarter-exclusive comic. I’m a co-host of a podcast called Wizards the Podcast Guide to Comics, where we revisit Wizard Magazine issue-by-issue. It was actually my co-hosts who suggested we create an exclusive half issue that pays homage not only to Wizard itself but also to the classic half issues they used to publish. The 10-page story takes place around the events of issue #5, and offers clues about the armor’s history and foreshadows revelations still to come.
Art from Armored #1. Courtesy of Clover Press.
AIPT: As timeless as the story is, parts of it feel extra relevant. (Namely, the armor feels like a commentary on connecting with others and the past and heroes being of a community and not just out on their own). Do you think Armored is, at all, a product of its times?
MS: Armored is definitely a product of its times — especially the eras I’ve lived through. Without even realizing it, I was heavily influenced by the countless hours I’ve spent watching movies from the ’80s and ’90s. Many readers have told me the book feels nostalgic, which honestly wasn’t intentional. So in a way, Armored is a product of my generation.
But also, I think the armor in the story can symbolize different things for different people. For me, it was always meant to represent the emotional barrier [that] Andy, the main character in the book, has built around himself. He keeps others at a distance, holding onto the hope that his missing parents will one day return. It’s only when he sheds that metaphorical armor that he’s able to truly open up and embrace not just his new family, but the community around him.
We live in an increasingly isolating world. I started writing this during COVID, when everyone was stuck in their homes and not interacting. And now, with phones and social media, people are getting less face-to-face interaction. Armored leans into real-world community and the benefit of being with others.
AIPT: What’s next (if anything) in terms of comics projects? Could we see even more from the “Armored-verse,” as it were?
MS: I have a new project coming soon from Clover Press called Till Death. I co-wrote it with Rachael Schaefer, and it’s currently being illustrated by Gaia Cardinali. It’s another ghost story with a dark comedic twist and we’re excited to share more details about the project in the near future.
Art from Armored #1. Courtesy of Clover Press.
As for the Armored-verse, I have an endless amount of stories I would love to explore from this world. Right now, Ismael and I are focused on the second arc and this Kickstarter will give fans a taste of the first issue from it.
AIPT: Is there anything else we should know about Armored, comics, art, life in general, etc.?
MS: I’m really excited for people to get their hands on the upcoming collected edition of Armored’s first arc. For comic fans that haven’t read any of the series yet, this is the perfect jumping-off point!
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