M64 Focus | Ian Flynn (Writer & Creative Consultant) -

Ian Flynn: (Writer & Creative Consultant)

Name/Known Alias: Ian Flynn/The BumbleKing

Occupation: Freelance Writer & Creative Consultant

Best Known for/Notable Works: Sonic the Hedgehog (Archie Comics, IDW Publishing, SEGA); Mega Man (Archie Comics)

Fun Fact: I’m a wannabe amateur voice actor.

How did you make your break into the industry: The one way they tell you never to try: unsolicited application. I just happened to be noticed by an editor during a period of internal transition and he was looking for new talent. The stars aligned, he gave me my shot, and I seized the opportunity.

Favourite Projects to have Worked on: I’ve been fortunate to work on a lot of my favorite franchises. The fact I’ve made a career out of Sonic the Hedgehog is a blessing in itself. But my absolute favorite? That has to be the Michelangelo macro-series by IDW Publishing. Mikey was always my favourite turtle, and I got a chance to tell a really poignant and important story for him.

Hardest Projects to have Worked on: I did a short comic for L33T magazine at the start of my career. I did the pencils, inks, shading and lettering. It taught me a tremendous amount about the process and gave me a new level of respect for the folks I work with.

Currently Working on: I’m writing for two video games, acting as a narrative/creative consultant with two game companies, and doing freelance writing for comics and books. In addition to that, I co-host a Q&A podcast (“BumbleKast”) while working on my original comics Drogune and The Nine Lives of Klaws McGee.

Currently Playing: When I’ve got a spare half-hour: Genshin Impact. I’m also wrapping up Unicorn Overlord slowly but surely. I don’t have a ton of time to play these days.

Currently Watching: Nothing consistently at the moment.

Defining Career Moment: Any convention meet-and-greet. Whether it’s a fan who is excited to meet someone involved in the process of their favorite book, or kids using something I worked on to learn to read, it’s extremely gratifying and validating to know I’ve brought people joy and satisfaction.

Throughout your career, of the many things you have since learned, is there anything you wish you knew at the beginning: Financing. How to properly budget on a freelance income and account for the unpredictability of it.

If you had the opportunity to work with any IP, what would it be: StarFox and/or Skies of Arcadia.

Is there anyone you haven’t worked with yet, but would like to: Too many to list. I’ve had the great fortune of working with dozens of incredibly talented artists and I never have the time/funds/projects to work with them all.

For fans of your work, who’d like to get in touch and stay up to date with all the latest news, what are the best places for them to reach you on: BumbleKing.com is my hub. That has my portfolio, social media links and contact info. It has a store where folks can buy my original work or signed copies of comics I’ve worked on. It also has all the info on how to get their questions answered on my Q&A podcast, the “BumbleKast.”