With the ongoing strike in Hollywood, look for delays and cancellations of current and upcoming film and television shows. But there are other ways to enjoy and support the talents and creative endeavors of some of your favorite celebrities.

Many famous faces have cameos in comics. Some celebrities have even written issues for popular comics and staple publishers like Marvel and DC, but here’s my list of 7 original works written and produced by celebrities.

1. BZRKR

You may recognize him from his impressive resume in films, from Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure, The Matrix Trilogy, Constantine, the John Wick films and more. But did you know Keanu Reeves also wrote and published his own graphic novel series?

Summary:

Keanu Reeves makes his comic book writing debut alongside New York Times bestselling co-writer Matt Kindt and acclaimed artist Ron Garney in a brutally violent new series about one immortal warrior’s fight through the ages.

A WAR WITH NO END. The man known only as B. is half-mortal and half-God, cursed and compelled to violence...even at the sacrifice of his sanity. But after wandering the world for centuries, the Berzerker may have finally found a refuge – working for the U.S. government to fight the battles too violent and too dangerous for anyone else. In exchange, B. will be granted the one thing he desires – the truth about his endless blood-soaked existence…and how to end it. Keanu Reeves makes his comic book writing debut alongside New York Times bestselling co-writer Matt Kindt (Folklords, Grass Kings) and legendary artist Ron Garney (Wolverine) in a brutally violent new series about one immortal warrior’s fight through the ages.

2. Cold Space

Known for his iconic role as Nick Fury in Marvel films and TV, Samuel L. Jackson tackles a different kind of adventure with his own comic series.

Summary:

From legendary actor Samuel L. Jackson and Emmy-nominee Eric Calderon (AFRO SAMURAI)! When Mulberry, an on-the-run outlaw, crash lands on a hostile planet and gets caught in the crossfire, he finds an opportunity to make a deal and make some money!

3. Mayhem

The R&B artist and actor in the Fast and Furious, Tyrese Gibson, can add comic book writer to his credentials!

Summary:

Los Angeles, the City of Fallen Angels, is a city swept up by a brutal crime wave led by a kingpin known only as Big X. The body count builds as only one man can stop the flow of drugs and violence, only one man can stop Big X. He is the embodiment of vengeance and raw justice, the faceless arm of those who cannot defend themselves. He is known as Mayhem, and along with his sexy but deadly partner Malice, their goal is to dismantle the kingpin's organization, unravel the dark secret that mysteriously links them to Big X, and save the city they grew up in.

4. Occult Crimes Taskforce

She was born to play the titular character of Disney's live action Ahshoka and everyone's favorite nurse in Netflix's version of Marvel's Defenders. As of 2006/2007, Rosario Dawson can now add her four-part comic series to her creative resume.

Summary:

When N.Y.P.D detective Sophia Ortiz (modeled on actress Rosario Dawson) stumbles upon a bizarre murder scene, she is quickly brushed aside by a covert police unit ― the Occult Crimes Taskforce. Versed in the black arts and equipped with mystical weaponry, the O.C.T. keeps the streets of Manhattan safe from unholy creatures of the night. Can Sophia help stop this supernatural killer?

5. M.O.M. (Mother of Madness)

From Khaleesi and "Mother of Dragons" in the epic Game of Thrones to the super-powered Skrull G'iah in Marvel's Secret Invasion, actress Emilia Clarke has claimed some impressive titles. As of July 2021, Clarke can add a new character to her creative credits-- this time in the form of her very own graphic novel.

Summary:

DEADPOOL action and FLEABAG comedy collide when Maya activates her freakish superpowers to take on a secret sect of human traffickers.

Bath time’s at 7pm, bedtime’s at 8pm, and crimefighting never sleeps when villains out of Maya’s shadowy past come to collect.

6. After Dark

Wesley Snipes starred in the iconic Blade, Demolition Man and more. While he is no stranger to comics, having contributed his likeness to Blade comics, Snipes has branched out from our favorite vampire-hunting daywalker to create his own original illustrated work, After Dark.

Written by: Antoine Fuqua, Peter Mulligan, and Wesley Snipes

Illustrated by: Jeff Nentrup

Summary:

In a world without a sun, a crew of jaded mercenaries guided by an amoral drifter, Colonel Brood, must travel into the dark places of the ruined planet on a journey to find a woman who might be able to save the world. However, questions about the very nature of their quest linger…

Could the planet and its people already be ruined beyond salvation? This mysterious tale is deeply rooted in science fiction, exploring man's hidden demons and the passion for survival.

7. The Change

Did you know that comedian, actress, and television personality Whoopi Goldberg is launching her first graphic novel? The Change makes its debut February 13, 2024 through Dark Horse Comics.

Written by: Whoopi Goldberg and Jaime Paglia

Illustrated by: Sunkanmi Akinboye

Summary:

Whoopi Goldberg brings new meaning to what it means to be a superhero in a new graphic novel!

Isabel Frost is a woman who has spent her life as wife, mother, grandmother—a life she feels isn’t all she had hoped for, with a husband who has grown in another direction. A college graduate with a degree in science, Isabel is an amazing gamer, who plays with people all over the country. With the help of her comic-loving grandson and irreverent best friend, she must learn to control her abilities and embrace her new identity as The Change—both the change of life AND her surprising and extraordinary superpowers.

Have you read any original works created by a celebrity? Drop your recommendations in the comments.

About Montrez, Contributor

Montrez is a sci-fi and fantasy author, a freelance editor, and blogger passionate about celebrating and amplifying BIPOC and indie voices in the bookish and blerd community.

Visit her website for more on her books and editing services at https://www.authormontrez.com/links .

Connect with her on Instagram and subscribe to The Novel Creature Network to connect with your favorite blerds and creatives.