Tony Corazza Interview | Respect the Dreamer
Hello everyone,
My name is Tony Corazza, and I am the proud owner of High Voltage Comics from Staten Island, New York. We have been writing comics since 2019, and my superhero version of my Tony Dangerous persona has been around since 2012, when I promoted and wrestled on the independent circuit.
I have produced and published 16 books from various series such as Adventures of "The Lightning Fast" Tony Dangerous, Legion of Liberty, Flex "A Modern Marvel!", and Project H.A.Z.E. We at High Voltage Comics are working hard to complete even more comics and series, so stay tuned!
What inspired you to pursue your dream, and how did it all begin?
What inspired me to pursue my dream is my love of comic books and superheroes since I was young. I used to do independent wrestling, both as a promoter and as my persona Tony Dangerous.
After I retired from wrestling, I wanted to transition my character into different areas of my life. I decided to start writing comic books based on him, since his gimmick was a superhero. I felt this would be a natural progression for him. I started thinking about what his life would be like, what kind of villains he would fight, and what his struggles would be.
Can you share a defining moment in your journey that shaped your perspective and fueled your passion?
What really cemented my passion for comic book writing was after I wrote my first issue of Adventures of "The Lightning Fast" Tony Dangerous and realized how fun it was. During the writing process, my co-author Art Bernal and I were having a blast writing the stories for both the Tony Dangerous section and the Bella and Max dog stories. We really bonded over it, feeding off each other, which made me want to write more stories. Also, seeing how people enjoyed my work motivated me to continue writing.
How do you handle setbacks and keep pushing forward in the pursuit of your dreams?
Setbacks are a part of everyday life, from personal goals to romance to finding work. But you have to keep your eye on the prize and see the light at the end of the tunnel. By pushing forward, learning from your mistakes, and striving to be better, you will eventually reach your goals. No one goes through life without failing at something, but failing should never stop you from following your dreams.
Are there specific individuals who have inspired you along the journey?
Yes, definitely:
My fiancée Dana Abramoff, for believing in me since my first Tony Dangerous comic book.
Patrick Hickey Jr., for taking me under his wing and giving me sound advice on how to succeed in the comic book industry, from making e-book trading cards to hiring illustrators and running my social media.
Michael Birch, for being an amazing supporting writer and illustrator in the industry. His work is impressive, and he is a genuinely great person.
Will Torres, for being a class act and collaborating with me on my new variant covers for Project H.A.Z.E. and Legion of Liberty. It is truly an honor to work with you and get to know you.
My other illustrators, past and present, thank you for being part of my journey. I look forward to creating more work that touches people’s hearts and lives. Remember, your work matters and brings joy to others—never stop creating!
My Nana and Popsie, for believing in me and teaching me confidence. I miss and love you both very much.
My mom, Dorothy Corazza, for supporting and loving me every day. She has been so selfless with me and my sister.
My friends, for attending my events, supporting me, buying my comics, and being amazing all around.
How do you maintain a balance between pursuing your dreams and handling everyday responsibilities?
I try to see everyday responsibilities as a way to earn money that fuels my dreams and passion, which is High Voltage Comics. I hope that one day my comic books take off enough that I can do this full-time.
How do you overcome self-doubt and stay confident in your abilities?
I overcome self-doubt by reflecting on my accomplishments so far: graduating from the College of Staten Island, working at the NYPD doing video editing, building a huge Lego town in my basement, my wrestling career, and the comics I’ve written.
It comes down to recognizing your achievements and believing in yourself. Once confident, you can accomplish anything you set your mind to. Like Doc Brown from Back to the Future says, the future is whatever you make it—so make it a good one.
Can you share a memorable success story or achievement that resulted from your determination?
Sure. I messaged the Staten Island Advance to see if they would feature High Voltage Comics. Through persistence, I achieved one of my dreams: being featured in a newspaper.
From there, I was invited to a wonderful event at the Ocean Breeze Sports Complex and later offered a sponsorship with the Staten Island Ferry Hawks. I feel every step I’ve taken has led to bigger opportunities, for which I am eternally grateful to God.
In what ways do you stay motivated during challenging times?
During low motivation, I push myself to do the work, even if it’s a little bit every day. You need to believe in yourself and be your own biggest fan. Even if no one is applauding yet, people can’t always see the big picture of what you’re trying to accomplish.
What dream are you living right now?
My most recent success is completing my variant cover for Project Haze Issue #3 "No Way Out!" by Will Torres. It is truly an honor to work with someone so respected in the comic book industry. He is also a gentleman, professional, and kind, and his artwork is excellent.
What advice would you give to someone with a dream?
Never give up. Never stop creating or pursuing your goals, even if you feel depressed, doubt yourself, or face discouragement. You only have one life, and you don’t want to live with regret for not following your dreams. Tomorrow is not promised to anyone, so make the most of today.
Website
http://www.highvoltagecomics.org
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