From Page to Power: Vaughn Coleman and the Rise of Phenomenova

On this episode of the Icon Presents Podcast, I sat down with Vaughn Coleman—creator, writer, and the visionary mind behind the indie comic Phenomenova. What unfolded was more than a deep dive into the pages of a comic—it was a conversation about creative passion, resilience, and reviving the timeless essence of superheroes.

Set 20 years after World War III, Phenomenova introduces us to Galvanite, a young man gifted with lightning powers and super speed, navigating a post-war world in desperate need of heroes. But the story goes deeper than powers and action—it’s about legacy, idealism, and what it means to fight for good in a world that often forgets how.

For Vaughn, Phenomenova is more than a project—it’s a dream years in the making. Originally imagined as a superhero film, the story evolved into a comic series as Vaughn tapped into the storytelling power of the medium. “Comics let you dream limitlessly,” he told me, “but they also demand structure, clarity, and heart.”

Inspired by the likes of X-Men, Young Justice, and the early 2000s Spider-Man trilogy, Vaughn balances modern sensibilities with the moral core that made superheroes iconic. In our conversation, he opened up about the challenges of crowdfunding, working with artists, and the growing pains of bringing a world to life. He didn’t shy away from the learning curves—he embraced them.

What stood out most was Vaughn’s unwavering commitment to timeless values. In an age where many stories are deconstructed and stripped of their optimism, Vaughn is building a universe that believes in hope, mentorship, and heroism that inspires. “I want readers to walk away from Phenomenova not just entertained, but challenged to be better,” he said.

With plans to expand the Phenomenova universe—possibly into a team ensemble and prequel stories—Vaughn’s just getting started. He’s not just creating characters. He’s creating symbols of resilience for a new generation of readers.

Quote from Vaughn Coleman:
“In a world full of gray areas, I still believe in heroes who stand for something. That’s what Phenomenova is all about.”

Be sure to support Vaughn’s upcoming issues, follow his journey at rebeloasisstudios.com, and keep an eye out for more from this rising voice in indie comics.

Checkout our full interview here!