Testimonials

"…I can attest to the fact that this man is the ultimate multiplier. Joe gave me the practical, step-by-step instructions needed to catapult my career into realms I had only previously dreamed about. This isn't hyperbole. In 45-minutes of consulting with Joe, I had the roadmap I needed to achieve the lofty goals I had as a creator. All I had left to do was follow it while being patient, consistent, persistent and hard-working.

If you are serious about taking your career as a creator to the next level, consulting with Joe is a no brainer." 

— Roye Okupe, Founder, YouNeek Studios and creator of “Iyanu, Child of Wonder” for HBO MAX

"Every time I work with Joe, I come out of it a better writer. Joe is a thoughtful and attentive collaborator, always willing to push me creatively and take risks with characters and narrative. He invests his time and attention entirely on your vision and ensuring the best possible work from all involved." 

— Stephanie Phillips, writer for Marvel


“The mark of a great editor is that he makes everyone's job easier, that he pulls the team together. Joseph did that with warmth and intelligence.”

— Patch Zircher, artist for Marvel and DC Comics

Joseph Illidge was an extremely helpful resource to me as I was figuring out if indie comics were the right place for me. He took the time to share his wealth of knowledge about the industry with me and I am very grateful. His guidance is why I am still fighting to carve out a role for myself in this game.”

— Brian Haggenmiller, Senior Director, Financial Planning and Analysis


"Getting to know and work with Joe has been one of the highlights of my comics industry experience. Not only is his critical eye spot on, but his humanistic approach with those he works with is impeccable."

— Nicola Black, Visual Brand Strategist and Designer at Nicola Black Design, LLC

"Joe Illidge was my editor on Lion Forge's Catalyst Prime: SUPERB and that project still remains the most creatively satisfying experience with a publisher I've had so far in my career. That was all due to Joe. He trusted me to do character designs, interiors, & covers in addition to giving me creative freedom. No editor had done that for me prior. He encouraged me to embrace my own style, pushed me when he knew I needed it, and made me feel like I was more than another cog in the machine. I grew as an artist and storyteller because of Joe."

— Ray-Anthony Height, artist of Star Wars for Lucasfilm Publishing and Marvel


“It was my third attempt trying to write a compelling comic story. I was in a position where I couldn’t take another loss. That’s when I hired Joe. With compassion and intention, Joe guided the story from good to exceptional. I became a stronger storyteller in a very short time because of his direction. If you value the success of your story and want to grow, go to Joe.”

— Grae Williams, Founder of MAYKE

“Joe is the kind of person who strives to elevate things to their highest potential, which goes for the projects he works on, others as creators, and ultimately himself.”

— Vita Ayala, writer for Marvel and DC Comics


"As a reader I have been able to enjoy his indelible impact on the industry (Milestone, Batman, Valiant or Catalyst Prime), but as an agent, I have been able to experience the professional evolution of the artists who have passed through his hands. Joe is very demanding, but he is unique when it comes to getting the best out of everyone".

— Luis Aramburu, Owner – Butxido Agency

"I had been toiling with a very personal story I had wanted to write for years. Once I hired Joe as my editor, he flipped the whole narrative on its head. Allowing me to transverse the marshes of uncertainty and bring the narrative to a powerful conclusion. He has one of the best minds in storytelling."

— Jason Inman, film producer and writer


“Joe’s singular gift for hitting moving targets makes him a force to be reckoned with. I can personally attest to this, having worked with him on a project that required him to synchronise schedules between London, New York and a moving cruise ship off the coast of Western Sahara. He made it look easy.”

— Alex Paknadel, writer for Marvel and DC Comics


“Joseph brings a unique perspective to the art and business of comics. As a veteran of twenty years in the industry, he understands how the system works. He’s managed flagship properties for DC Comics. He’s nurtured the growth of new stories for emerging publishers. The respect his reputation commands is rare and his network of professionals includes the greats of yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Adding his experience to your comic can only make your project better.”

— Gamal Hennessy, comic book industry lawyer, business consultant, and Vice President of Content for GlobalComix.com


“Joe’s work on Dead Legends absolutely elevated the punch of the series. Able to identify the strenghts of its creators, as well as the aim of the themes and structures, he effectively harnessed our efforts and guided us in producing an excellent piece of visual storytelling.”

— James C. Maddox, writer for Heavy Metal


“Joe is one of those rare editors who can bring out your best work that you didn’t know you were capable of producing before. He thoughtfully considers your strengths and utilizes them to help create a great story. Working with him on Dead Legends has been a true pleasure in my career..”

— Gavin Smith, artist for Heavy Metal and Star Trek