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While success in acting or music doesn't always mean skill with writing, the comic book world offers celebrities a unique platform to explore their creativity or debut as writers. Here are some notable figures who have unexpectedly appeared on comic book covers.
1. MARK HAMILL
Frazer Harrison, Getty Images2. RASHIDA JONES
Rashida Jones, much like Carrie Fisher, is adored for her onscreen presence but has also made significant contributions behind the scenes. Known for her role in Parks and Recreation, she is an accomplished screenwriter and editor who ventured into comics with Frenemy of the State, published by Oni Press.
The comic, centered on a CIA agent posing as a tabloid celebrity to carry out missions, was optioned by Universal for a film adaptation in 2009. Although Jones is set to write the screenplay, there has been little progress on the project over the past ten years.
3. AND 4. BILL HADER AND SETH MEYERS
Frederick M. Brown, Getty ImagesThis dynamic duo from Saturday Night Live may have gone their separate ways on TV in 2013, but they've stayed close friends and continued to collaborate. In 2009, they joined forces to create a Marvel one-shot titled Spider-Man
Inspired by Batman: The Long Halloween, their story featured Spider-Man getting sidelined during a Greenwich Village costume parade, forcing a tipsy partygoer in a Spider-Man suit to step into his shoes.
5. WILLIAM SHATNER
Since Star Trek icon William Shatner authored the TekWar novels, he has taken it upon himself to expand the franchise through additional books, TV movies, a trading card game, and even a comic book series he personally wrote. It’s as wild as you’d expect from a comic penned by William Shatner.
6. JOHN CLEESE
Clemens Bilan, Getty ImagesIf there’s one area where Brits excel beyond all others, it’s their knack for cultural self-deprecation. British comedy thrives on a deep-seated disillusionment with their surroundings and a refusal to take anything too seriously—a trait perfectly embodied by the irreverent troupe of Monty Python.
John Cleese, a key figure in the group, infused this comedic style into Superman: True Brit, a comic exploring how Superman might have turned out if his spaceship had landed in the British countryside rather than rural Kansas. The outcome? A Superman hesitant to use his powers, constantly worrying, "What would the neighbors think?"
7. KEVIN SMITH
Kevin Smith, the mind behind Clerks, has always been open about his passion for comics, a trait that has cemented his status as a geek culture legend. Leveraging both his fame and genuine writing skills, Smith has enjoyed a prolific career in the comic industry, contributing as both a regular and guest writer.
The host of Fatman on Batman has earned significant recognition for works like Batman: The Widening Gyre, Batman '66 Meets the Green Hornet, and various titles connected to his View Askewniverse, including the iconic Bluntman and Chronic series.
8. GERARD WAY
Cory Schwartz, Getty ImagesGerard Way, the former frontman of My Chemical Romance, first dipped into the comic book world in 1993 with the creation and writing of the short-lived On Raven's Wings. He returned to the medium in 2007, launching the highly praised The Umbrella Academy series.
Following his breakthrough in the industry, Way was sought after by DC and Vertigo, and in 2014, he began writing for Marvel's Edge of the Spider-Verse.
9. PHIL "CM PUNK" BROOKS
Phil "CM Punk" Brooks, despite severing ties with WWE, remains one of the most skilled and seasoned wrestlers globally. Given that professional wrestling mirrors live-action comics, it’s no surprise he successfully transitioned his in-ring charisma into a secondary career as a comic book writer.
In 2015, he authored Thor Annual #1, featuring Loki forcing the God of Thunder to wrestle Hulk while wearing a luchador mask. Since then, he has maintained an occasional collaboration with Marvel.
