Shaun Foran is no stranger to surprises.
The 26-year-old fashion major at Ohio University has been robbed at gunpoint twice, robbed at knifepoint once and even spent time homeless.
Last quarter, Foran received a different kind of surprise: Marvel Studios wanted to add his graphic novel to its lineup.
Foran's graphic novel, Downsh1ft, will be contracted officially by Marvel Studios this summer for an initial payment of more than $50,000. Foran had submitted a proposal for the graphic novel to a number of top comic agencies, and Marvel was the first agency to respond, he said.
The graphic novel tells a story of a girl who has lost her memories in a street-racing accident and travels across the country as she tries to recover them. Slated for release sometime this fall, Downsh1ft will be a part of Marvel's Icon Comics, a creator-owned series. After the initial release, one issue will be released every two months during a period of six years.
Foran compared the story to that of Scarface or The Godfather, where there is a bold, action-oriented story on the surface, but also an underlying love story. Foran is projecting to make Downsh1ft into the Lord of the Rings of street racing.
I just got sick of watching (movies like) The Fast and the Furious
Foran said, adding he also was inspired by Greek and Shakespearean tragedies, such as Romeo and Juliet.
Foran has been drawing ever since he was seven years old and eventually found his way into comic books and more traditional art styles. He was trained at the Art Institute of Charlotte in North Carolina and is a self-taught airbrush and digital artist.
Foran said the best way to learn is to teach yourself, experiment and search for seemingly useless information, a motto that has paid off for him.
Bored one day and wondering if he could paint shoes, Foran stumbled upon a whole subculture of artists who use shoes as their canvas. Foran has sold and shipped his custom shoes to people as far away as New York, California, Canada and England. One of Foran's shoe designs, Cherry Blossom, sold for $400.
In addition to his graphic novel and shoes, Foran also customizes skateboards and is working on developing a series of hoodies.
The phrase have a never-ending dream originally was meant to be the name of Foran's clothing line, but that meaningful phrase has spilled over into other areas of his artwork.
No matter what happens in your life just keep going he said. I'm trying to instill that in people.
Foran's work can be viewed or purchased on his Web site, graffiqdesigns.com. The Moms Weekend Fashion Show May 5 will feature a selection of Foran's custom shoes. This summer Foran will be at a number of comic conventions promoting his work and will be officially introduced as a Marvel artist at Wizard World Philadelphia, June 15-17.
17
Archives
Meghan Ventura
200704194244midsize.jpg
Shaun Foran, 26, is a graphic novelist who will be published by Marvel next year. Foran designs custom skateboards and shoes for sale. These women's Nike Shox were white and silver when he bought them. "These are my favorite shoes," Foran said. "I
