Ethan Murphy Talks Echelon, Slate & Ashe, and the Indie Comics Grind on Casually Comics
When Sasha Wood of Casually Comics sat down with Echelon Graphic Novels’ co-founder and lead writer Ethan Murphy, the conversation turned into a deep dive into the creative heart of indie storytelling. The full episode covers everything from the origins of Echelon to the creative chaos behind Slate & Ashe — Murphy’s genre-bending, post-apocalyptic buddy-cop series that’s equal parts grit and heart.
A Conversation About Purpose and Representation
In the interview, Murphy breaks down how Echelon Graphic Novels was founded with a mission to tell stories that major publishers often ignore — centering women, LGBTQ+ characters, and people of color. “We wanted to tell stories that reflect people like us — not as side characters or tropes, but as layered, flawed, and real,” Murphy explains.
It’s a sentiment that’s built into the DNA of every Echelon title, pushing representation beyond buzzwords into authentic storytelling.
The World of Slate & Ashe
Of course, no interview would be complete without talking about Slate & Ashe — a high-octane series set in a world where the line between the living and undead has completely blurred. The series mixes sharp dialogue, emotional tension, and stylized action in a way that feels cinematic but deeply character-driven.
Murphy describes it as “Big Trouble in Little China meets The Walking Dead,” and it fits. Ashe, the wise-cracking optimist, draws inspiration from Eddie Murphy’s Axel Foley, while Slate channels a bit of Frasier Crane’s pompous charm. The duo’s dynamic — chaotic, funny, and human — anchors a world torn apart by decay and defiance.
Murphy also hints that the story is far from over, teasing new arcs and villains for future installments.
From Film School to Founding Echelon
Murphy’s creative journey started in film school, where he realized the odds of getting a movie made were stacked against him. His solution? Tell his stories visually — through comics. What began as a film script morphed into a graphic novel blueprint that would eventually become Slate & Ashe.
The process wasn’t easy. Slate & Ashe took seven years to produce, with Murphy juggling writing, editing, crowdfunding, and managing a global creative team. But that relentless drive is what defines Echelon — and Murphy himself.
Building a Universe, One Page at a Time
In the episode, Murphy also talks about how other Echelon titles — like Blackmore and Ipswich — emerged from organic creative partnerships. Every story starts as a conversation between collaborators and grows into a fully realized world. Some of these concepts have even made it to studio pitches for potential anime adaptations.
The Indie Creator’s Reality
Murphy doesn’t sugarcoat the grind. Between running Echelon, attending conventions, hosting podcasts, and promoting the work, the workload is intense. He credits years of improv and fan interaction for teaching him how to connect with audiences one-on-one. “You’re not just selling a book,” he says. “You’re selling yourself — your story, your voice, your vision.”
The Takeaway
This Casually Comics interview captures what makes Echelon different: fearless storytelling, real representation, and creators who live for the craft. For anyone who’s ever dreamed of building their own world from scratch, Ethan Murphy’s story is proof that passion, persistence, and purpose can take you there.
🎥 Watch the full interview: Casually Comics x Echelon Graphic Novels
📚 Explore the world of Slate & Ashe: EchelonNovels.com/graphic-novels/slate-ashe