Updated 10-24-2024

Biography

Markisan is a RINGO Award-nominated comic book writer, author, editor and podcaster based in Chicago. He’s the writer and co-creator of the comic book series, BY THE HORNS and VORACIOUS, and has written hundreds of features in print and on the web, covering subjects as diverse as EF5 tornadoes, death metal and Superman. Markisan has also edited dozens of books including The Anatomy of Zur-en-Arrh: Understanding Grant Morrison’s Batman for the Sequart Organization, and revitalized national publications such as Knowledge Quest for the American Library Association. He loves spoiling his cat, Zoso, and talking heavy metal every month as a host on the METALHEADS Podcast and the Endless Metal Podcast. Markisan’s first short story, “TO MEGA THERION,” was published in Outland Entertainment’s APEX: World of Dinosaurs Anthology.

BY THE HORNS Awards & Honors

2024

RINGO Awards
2024 Nominee for Best Single Issue or Story (BY THE HORNS: Dark Earth #7)

2023

Noun and Verb
2023 Grantie Award for Favorite Ongoing Series
2023 Grantie Award for Favorite Writer
2023 Grantie Award for Favorite Artist
2023 Grantie Award for Favorite Editor

We Have Issues 
2023 REMMI Award for Best Scout Comic

2022

Your Friendly Neighborhood Comic Show
2022 Neighborly Award Award for Series of the Year
2022 Neighborly Award Award for Best Smaller Indie Series of the Year
2022 Neighborly Award Award for Comic Writer of the Year
2022 Neighborly Award Award for Comic Artist of the Year
2022 Neighborly Award Award for Most Beautiful Series of the Year

Watch the Your Friendly Neighborhood Comic Show 2022 Awards (BY THE HORNS wins 5!)

Comic Book Yeti 
2022 ICE Award for Exceptional Ongoing Series

Listen to the Comic Book Yeti 2022 ICE Awards Show – Exceptional Ongoing Series

You Promised Me Comics
2022 Indie Award Best Scout Comic

We Have Issues 
2022 REMMI Award for Indie Book of the Year

Listen to the We Have Issues REMMI Awards Show – Best Indie Book of 2022

Noun and Verb
2022 Grantie Award for Favorite Ongoing Series
2022 Grantie Award for Favorite Writer
2022 Grantie Award for Favorite Artist
2022 Grantie Award for Favorite Editor

2021

Blake’s Buzz 
2021 Buzzworthy Award for #1 Comic Book

Graphic Policy
2021 Award for Best Comic Book

Promiscuous Time Traveler
2021 Award for #1 Independent Comic Book

Cultured Vultures
#1 Underrated SFF Comic of 2021

Pop Culture Philosophers
#9 Comic Book of 2021

BY THE HORNS

BY THE HORNS Quotes

“By the Horns is a potent psychological tale about vengeance and grief wrapped in a shimmering blanket of epic SFF artistry.” Cultured Vultures’ #1 Underrated SFF Comic

“By The Horns isn’t just one of the best comics at Scout; it’s one of the best comics period.” Blake’s Buzz #1 Comic Book of 2021

“This comic is truly something special. You’re doing yourself a disservice if you’re not reading By the Horns. Easily the best of the year.” Graphic Policy (Underrated Column) Best Comic Book of 2021

“I love By the Horns. Such a cool, unique fantasy story with an amazing protagonist and a great supporting cast. There isn’t one weakness in this book.”We Have Issues Podcast Best Indie Book of 2021

“Scout does some good books, but this is by far the best they’ve ever done.” Pop Culture Philosophers’ #9 Comic Book of 2021

“Riveting and immersive storytelling.” Promiscuous Time Traveler’s #1 Independent Comic Book of 2021

“This is a book with a firm and immediate grasp of its heart, and that makes all the difference. What starts with a clever idea becomes a gripping debut.”
—Matthew Jackson, SyFy Wire

“A beautiful masterpiece! I really connected with the emotional core in BY THE HORNS.”
—Katie Liggera, Comic Book Yeti

“This book blew me away. Leave your expectations at the door, this is a fresh and unique tale about loss, grief, and killing some MFing monsters. Highly recommend.”
—Greg Licktieg, First Issue Club Podcast

“By the Horns presents an intriguing fantasy world, a solid story hook, great character designs, and a few big questions that should keep readers invested… a great opening issue.”
—Christian Hoffer, comicbook.com

“I just read By The Horns #1 and it is EVERYTHING that I want in a fantasy comic! A colorful and wonderful world with all sorts of fantasy creatures, RPG adventure vibes, a snarky sense of humor, and – surprisingly – ROBOTS!”
—The Modern Gafa

“The synchronicity on display is utterly breathtaking. By The Horns #1 is another blinder of a comic by Naso, Muhr and Tabacaru. Get to your shop and make sure to grab a copy.”
—Alex K Cossa, Graphic Policy

“A beautiful first issue. I’m so glad I read it and cannot wait for more of this story! There’s so much to love about this issue: humor, heartbreak, action, adventure. It’s so much more than I expected.”
—Angel Young, Wandering Nerd Girl

“The opening issue is a great introduction to a unique world.”
—Paul, The Pullbox

“The first issue of By the Horns has left quite the impression on me. It is gonna be painful to wait until May for the second issue due to how intriguing this debut was. I am excited to see where the creative team takes Elodie over the course of the series and am anxiously awaiting the next chapter in her journey.”
—John Wintroub, The Candid Clark

“Oh this is a magnificent start to a new series… the way that this will catch your mind, your creativity and imagination are exactly what the medium and the genre are all about.”
—Steven Leitman, Reading with a Flight Ring

“THIS is a fantasy story that I love! It’s a really great read and the art is fantastic.”
—Gotham Underground

“Nothing but high praise for this gem of a story. Jason Muhr’s art is spectacular, and Markisan Naso’s tale is insane in a very good way.”
—Stairway to Heaven Comics

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VORACIOUS

Awards & Honors

VORACIOUS: Appetite for Destruction named “One of the Best Comic Books of 2019” by Graphic Policy

MARKISAN named “One of the Best Comic Book Writers of 2017” by Graphic Policy

VORACIOUS: Feeding Time named “One of the Best Miniseries of 2017” by Graphic Policy

VORACIOUS: Feeding Time #3 named “Best Single Issue of 2017” by Graphic Policy

VORACIOUS named “One of the Best New Series of 2016” by Comics Alliance

Quotes About MARKISAN

“This kind of writing, control, vision, talent and skill really do make Markisan one of those rising stars in this industry.”
—Steven Leitman, Reading with a Flight Ring

“Markisan Naso has got to be one of the most exciting comic book writers to put pen to paper.”
—Alex K. Cossa, Graphic Policy

“One of the best writers in comics now.”
—Frank Rodriguez, The Broken Infinite

“You have an amazing beard!”
—Checkout Girl, Whole Foods

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VORACIOUS Quotes

“I highly, highly recommend this comic.”
—Mark Waid, Award-Winning Writer of Avengers, Captain America, Daredevil

“The premise of VORACIOUS is so ridiculous, so weird, that it should not work. At all. But you know what? It DOES. And the result is a book that’s honest and completely original – a true wild ride that’s unlike anything else. I thoroughly enjoyed it, cover to cover.”
—Michael Moreci, Writer of Star Wars Adventures, Wasted Space

“If you’re not familiar with the VORACIOUS series, you owe it to yourself to check it out! It’s beautifully written and drawn high concept sci-fi.”
—Ed Luce, Award-Winning Writer/Artist and Creator of Wuvable Oaf

“Voracious is the breath of fresh air I have been looking for in comics. Its uniqueness makes it stand out among an ocean of comics this industry has become.”
—Rick Mendoza, Geekadores

“I absolutely love this book. The artwork is fantastic and it’s a fresh new take on the classic time travel story. Please don’t miss out on this book. Trust me, you won’t regret it.”
—Kathleen Eady, Blind Box Comics

“The book is cleverly written by Markisan and Jason delivers such a complete visual feast for the eyes. I give Voracious: Feeding Time a 10/10! Please do not miss your chance to catch this amazing book.”
—Stacy Lott, TM Stash

“I’m grateful for more Voracious, one of 2016’s best and most interesting comics.”
—CA Staff, Comics Alliance

“Voracious is definitely a unique read. It is easy to get into and offers some great entertainment. This is creativity at its finest.”
—Byron Hendricks, Fortress of Solitude

“This book has quickly become one of the best books of the year and possibly one of the best books I have ever read … period.”
—Frank Rodriguez, The Broken Infinite

“Bring on course two, three, however many I can get, and do yourself the favor of getting your own taste of it.”
—Brian Belanger, Geekorama

“This is a fantastic example of a creative team picking up its ball and running like hell with it. Great work, all around.”
—Steve Paugh, Comic Bastards

“You will see many things in this comic that you have never seen before, or are likely to ever see again.”
—Richard Vasseur, First Comics News

“Markisan Naso and Jason Muhr have created a story that after four issues has reminded me of why I love comics. A series you absolutely need to read.”
—Alex K. Cossa, Graphic Policy

“I highly recommend Voracious and feel it has something for everyone, a little something for even the more discernible pallet.”
—Jake Barber, A Place to Hang Your Cape

“This, my friends, is the kind of sci-fi/action/adventure that you’ll want to be reading. It’s strong premise, excellent writing, characterization and story development, surrounded by gorgeous interiors, will make the top of your reading list.”
—Steven Leitman, Reading with a Flight Ring

“If you haven’t read Voracious yet, you better get right on it. Incredible story with just as incredible illustration.”
—Daniel Medicis, Sci-Clops

“This book is awesome, and everybody should check it out.”
—Matt Connor, Ultimate Comics

“A highly imaginative story that is downright fun to read!”
—Ed Garrett, TM Stash