Pop Kill #4

Jimmy Palmiotti is a multi-award-winning comic book writer, editor, producer, and entrepreneur known for his work across comics, film, television, and video games. A co-founder of Event Comics, Marvel Knights, and PaperFilms, Palmiotti has helped shape some of the industry’s most influential modern comics. He is the co-creator of numerous titles and characters including Painkiller Jane, The Pro, Monolith, 21 Down, and The Resistance. His creator-owned series Painkiller Jane was adapted into a Syfy television series and is currently in film development. Alongside longtime collaborator Amanda Conner, Palmiotti co-wrote DC Comics’ bestselling Harley Quinn series, helping redefine the character for a new generation of readers. He has also written acclaimed runs on Jonah Hex, All-Star Western, Power Girl, and other DC titles with collaborator Justin Gray.

Dave Johnson, a Pittsburgh native who moved to Georgia during childhood, grew up alongside his older sister. Although he initially discovered comics at a young age, his passion for the medium was reignited in the late 1970s, inspired by Chris Claremont and John Byrne's iconic run on The Uncanny X-Men. Citing John Byrne and Michael Golden as key influences, Johnson's artistic journey began with studying painting at the Art Institute of Atlanta. However, his focus shifted toward illustration, captivated by its ability to convey information instantly through a single image. Speaking at WonderCon in 2009, he compared this approach to designing billboards: "You have five seconds to deliver a message." This philosophy shaped his approach to comic book covers, emphasizing bold, simple designs that instantly communicate their essence.