Oddgod Press
Circa 2003
Jesse Bausch and Patrick Godfrey created Oddgod Press to showcase their talents, as well as that of many other talented individuals in Richmond, Virginia, in the comics industry.
Content is from the site's 2003 archived pages.
About Oddgod
A short history of the baby...
Oddgod Press wasn't created the same way most of God's creatures are brought into this world, oh no. Sure, there was lots of grunting and sweating, but not much in the way of (ahem) physical
contact. (See, we're all germ freaks and we work in separate rooms.)
Anyway, the seeds of Oddgod were sown when Jesse Bausch and Patrick Godfrey collaborated on "Working Late" for nextcomics. Soon after they heard about some fancy method of getting their funnybooks to people called the "print medium."
Skeptical at first, the two eventually gave in to the cries of the misanthropic masses and made themselves some comic books. Next thing they knew they had corraled most of the talent in Richmond, Virginia into making comics for them, and Jesse and Patrick are more than happy to exploit them.
Get this--those suckers actually think they're going to get PAID for this! Can you believe that? HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!
Anthology #1
They're scrappy, desperate and hungry for love! The gang at Oddgod Press reveals their deeper side with stories of love, regret, and the meaning of life. Not really...but there are a number of monsters, dudes with guns, and several high-quality explosions. Fine entertainment for the whole family. Note that issue #2 is being offered through Diamond, but issue #1 is not. Contributors include: James Callahan, Jesse Bausch, Forrest Young, Patrick Godfrey, Joel Priddy (Pulpatoon Pilgrimage), RS Paulette, Reilly Brown.
by Patrick Godfrey
--"I've gotta hurt you now. Don't want to, but the evil's telling me I have to."
by Joel Priddy
--"now, mister wintergreen, now!"
by R.S. Paulette and Reilly Brown
--"Just wanted to see you. Really."
Anthology #2
They're scrappy, desperate and hungry for love! The gang at Oddgod Press reveals their deeper side with stories of love, regret, and the meaning of life. Not really...but there are a number of monsters, dudes with guns, and several high-quality explosions. Fine entertainment for the whole family. Note that issue #2 is being offered through Diamond, but issue #1 is not. Contributors include: James Callahan, Jesse Bausch, Forrest Young, Patrick Godfrey, Joel Priddy (Pulpatoon Pilgrimage), RS Paulette, Reilly Brown.
by Jesse Bausch and Patrick Godfrey
--"You might not think it, but the eyes are what hurt the most."
by John Ownby
--""We've been gassed!"
by Crawdad Jones
--"Script? Now what are you talking abou--?"
by James Callahan
--"I'm just an insignificant speck!"
by George Tautkus
--"Now I can watch the world go by all I want."
by Reilly Brown
--"Hurry, Ham! These men is trouble!"
Featuring a wide array of talent, this anthology takes you to other galaxies, inside people's heads, and to all points in between. Come for the pretty pictures and stay for the pathos, humor, excitment, and nachos.
Debuting at SPX 2003 is Oddgod's new oversized anthology, Big Dumb Fun! Some of the industry's swankiest new creators will be lending their talents to make Big Dumb Fun one of the biggest, dumbest and most funnest events of the year! Clocking in at a whopping 168 pages, priced cheap at $19.95 retail, and presented as an oversized flip book, this one's guaranteed to make you sweat!
Featuring stories from the likes of:
Jonathan Adams (Truth Serum, Superhim and the Amerikan Fun Starters)
Jesse Bausch (Oddgod Anthology, Strange Detective Stories, D.I.Y.)
Reilly Brown ("Orath the Intergalactic Caveman")
Jim Callahan (Oddgod Anthology, Strange Detective Stories)
Peter Conrad (Attempted Not Known)
Patrick Godfrey (Oddgod Anthology, The Resurrectionists)
Crawdad Jones ("E")
James Kochalka (Monkey vs. Robot, Sketchbook Diaries, Fantastic Butterflies)
Tom Manning (Runoff)
Kagan McLeod (Infinite Kung Fu)
Scott Mills (Trenches, Big Clay Pot, Zebediah the Hillbilly Zombie Redneck Bites the Dust)
Duc Nguyen
Jai Nitz (Paper Museum)
Oura (The Light is Much Too Bright)
John Ownby ("Beaver Man & Woody the Log Boy")
RS Paulette (Oddgod Anthology, The Resurrectionists)
Joel Priddy (Oddgod Anthology, Pulpatoon Pilgrimage)
Rebecca Rice (Weak and Fragile Like a Little Girl)
Ian Sampson
Ben Shannon (Rolling Stone Magazine)
Dash Shaw (Meathaus, Love Eats Brains, Gardenhead)
Josh Simmons (Happy)
George Tautkus (Krunk)
Erica Vess
Now available from Diamond Distribution, shipping in October 2003. Give AUG03 2415 to your retailer, and tell them you want your Oddgod!
| February, 2004 | ODDGOD PRESS COLLECTS TOM MANNING’S RUNOFF! |
| Oddgod Press is pleased to announce the trade paperback collection for Tom Manning’s cult hit RUNOFF: CHAPTER ONE, reaching stores this April. Written and illustrated by Manning, RUNOFF chronicles the odd occurrences in the small town of Range, Washington. Equal parts horrifying and hillarious, Manning sets the stage in this first trade, establishing a town where something has gone very, very wrong. Collecting the sold-out first four issues of the series, here's what people are saying about RUNOFF: CHAPTER ONE:
"There are many compelling elements that propel the reader through the pages of RUNOFF: brutal murders,metaphysical mysteries, small town politics, helper monkeys - but perhaps the most thrilling is Tom’s ownrestless experimentation with comics storytelling. Acquaint yourself with this new talent while he’s fresh and raw and bloody." "RUNOFF received my full attention from the first page to the last, quite a rare find! Un-put-downable." "Raw, imaginative, unexpected and beautiful. Tom Manning's RUNOFF is comics out of bounds and off the leash. Death to comics as usual--this shit crackles!" "If you miss the Twilight Zone of the X-Files, then you should definitely read RUNOFF, a disturbing tale that mixes reality with unlikely in one believable package." +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ |
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| January, 2004 | REVIEW! Icomics review of Big Dumb Fun! |
| BIG DUMB FUN gets told the what-for in a great review by Greg McElhatton at icomics.com. |
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| December, 2003 | NEWS! ODDGOD PUBLISHES RUNOFF! |
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We are pleased to announce that Oddgod Press will be publishing the trade paperback collection of Tom Manning's mighty RUNOFF! The book will collect issues 1 through 4, the first chapter in Tom's horror/mystery epic. Oddgod will also be publishing the ongoing issues starting with #6. Here's what people are saying about RUNOFF:
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"If you miss the Twilight Zone of the X-Files, then you should definitely read Runoff, a disturbing tale that mixes reality with unlikely in one believable package." "Un-put-downable." "Raw, imaginative, unexpected and beautiful. Tom Manning's RUNOFF is comics out of bounds and off the leash. Death to comics as usual--this shit crackles!" Click here for a preview of the Runoff TP, and click here to visit Tom Manning's website. Look for RUNOFF: CHAPTER ONE from ODDGOD PRESS in early 2004. More news to come! |
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| October, 2003 | RELEASE! Oddgod's oversized anthology BIG DUMB FUN is available now! |
| Like great comics? Check out BIG DUMB FUN (Diamond order code AUG03 2415), featuring a veritable who's who of the comics bidness' up-and-coming superstars! Contributors Joel Priddy, Scott Mills, James Kochalka, Dash Shaw, Jai Nitz, Kelley Seda, Jonathan Adams, Kagan Mcleod, Ben Shannon, James Callahan, Oura, George Tautkus, Peter Conrad, Richard Hahn, Patrick Godfrey, R.S.Paulette, Ian Sampson, Rebecca Rice, Erica Vess, Josh Simmons, Crawdad Jones, John Ownby, Reilly Brown, Duc Nguyen, Jeff Sharp, Joe Mirabello, Joseph Holsapple and Tom Manning all sequestered themselves in the secret Oddgod Bunker for eleven years to produce some of the dumbest, funnest comics of their collective careers! Annoy your favorite retailer TODAY to order a copy! Retailers love that! |
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2019: I've been searching for a website where I can buy Big Dumb Fun TPB (2003 Oddgod Press) Flipbook comic books for a friend, E, who is a big comic flip book fan. It's going to be a celebration gift for succeeding in a new program to help him stop drinking. He has become what I would call a binge drinker with absolutely no control. I've witness his failed attempts at rehab, AA 12 step programs, and a brief attempt at taking Disulfiram. Boy was that a dismal failure. So he finally found a website called LifeBac and decided here was a program that looked promising. LifeBac helps people who want to cut back their drinking take control before the slide into alcoholism. They are not a rehab or treatment clinic, but a collection of modern, science-based tools to empower people to avoid that downward spiral.
The prescription drug that is part of the program is called baclofen, commonly used to treat multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injuries. Weird that it would also help curb urges to drink but scientist have discovered that Baclofen's action on the GABA receptors in the brain help lessen cravings and withdrawal symptoms for alcohol. His treatment doesn’t require abstinence although many people do stop all drinking. Baclofen doesn’t affect the taste of alcohol or the pleasure of drinking. It simply removes the addictive components that lead to overindulgence and allows a person to drink in moderation. Sounds pretty incredible. Although it has not yet received approval by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) as a safe and effective treatment for alcohol or drug use disorders, doctors in Europe have been prescribing it as the primary treatment for people who drink excessively.
Well, my friend is doing well. His body has adjusted to his baclofen dosage and it looks like he is getting his drinking urges under control. So some of us are throwing him a party..thus the gift of XXX. For those of you who are not familiar with Big Dumb Fun TPB, this flipbook is an anthology of some of the most out there tales ever put on paper! Featuring stories by Jonathan Adams, Reilly Brown, James Callahan, Peter Conrad, Patrick Godfrey, Richard Hahn, Joseph Holsapple, James Kochalka, Crawdad Jones, Tom Manning, Kagan McLeoad, Scott Mills, Joe Mirabello, Jai Nitz, Duc Nguyen, John Ownby, Oura, RS Paulette, Joel Priddy, Rebecca Rice, Ian Sampson, Kelley Seda, Ben Shannon, Jeff Sharp, Dash Shaw, Josh Simmons, George Tautkus, and Erica Vess.
I'm psyched having found this little gem. Can't wait to see the expression on E's face when he unwraps it.
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James Kochalka
James Callahan
Jesse Bausch, Forrest Young
Jesse Bausch, Patrick Godfrey
Joel Priddy
R. S. Paulette
Joel Priddy
James Callahan
Joel Priddy
John Ownby
Jonathan Adams
Josh Simmons
Oura
Crawdad Jones
John Ownby
Patrick Godfrey
George Tautkus
Crawdad Jones
Reilly Brown
James Callahan
Scott Mills
Tom Manning
Creator Bios
Some short notes about the inmates...
| Jesse Bausch (writer, "Defined As...", "Alienated", D.I.Y., and Strange Detective Stories) Jesse Bausch is the writer of several short stories for the Oddgod anthology, as well as the upcoming D.I.Y. and Strange Detective Stories limited series from Oddgod Press. His palms have been kind of sweaty for the last month or two. He's not quite sure why.
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| Reilly Brown (artist, "Flashbacks"; writer/artist, "Orath, the Intergalactic Caveman") Reilly is a college student at Virginia Commonwealth University, where they teach him how to draw. He'll get the hang of it one of these days. |
| James Callahan (writer/artist, "Distractions", "Farting is Such Sweet Sorrow"; artist, Strange Detective Stories) James Callahan is a cofounder of the DaybyDay cult, second only to Scientology in its sway over Hollywood celebrites. Jim says he's in it for the chicks, not the money. We assume by "it" he means prison. |
| Patrick Godfrey (writer/artist, "Pretty on the Outside"; artist, "Alienated", D.I.Y.) Patrick Godfrey lives in Richmond, VA with his wife and two daughters. His parents tell him he's wanted to do comics professionally since he was in Utero, but he doesn't even remember where that is. Texas, maybe? Who knows. Anyway, he sure does like cheese. |
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Crawdad Jones |
| Scott Mills (writer/artist, Zebediah the Hillbilly Zombie Redneck Bites the Dust) Scott Mills won the 2002 Ignatz Award for Outstanding Story for Trenches (Top Shelf), and might just be one of the most prolific cartoonists out there! Learn all about him at Bubba & Smoot. |
| John Ownby (writer/artist, "The Adventures of Beaverman and Woody, the Log Boy") John Ownby paid someone lots of money to destroy all proof of his existence. When he's cranky he emits a low-yeild "Nuke-ular" pulse from his upper G.I., then blames the dog. John doesn't have any pets. |
| R.S. Paulette (writer, "Flashbacks") Russell Paulette has been trying to write comic scripts since he was six years old. He thinks he's gotten better since those days, though the jury may still be out on that one. Still, he sometimes likes writing his scripts out in Burnt Sienna Crayola--just for the first draft, though. |
| Joel Priddy (writer/artist, "action fun adventure."; artist, Anthology # 1 cover) Joel Priddy won the 2002 Ignatz Award for Outstanding Debut Comic for Pulpatoon Pilgrimage (AdHouse Books) and is currently on staff with the illustration department at Memphis College of Art. |
| George Tautkus (writer/artist, "Krunk") George Taukus was voted People Magazine's "Sexiest Man of the Year" in 1987. He was only nine years old at the time, so his parents sued the publication and the event was subsequently stricken from all records. George had the shredded cover made into a toilet seat. |
| Forrest Young (artist, "Defined As...") Forrest Young sometimes tries to draw pictures with his drumsticks and play his drums with tubes of paint. And he's the only one who giggles at the implications of all this. He graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2002 with a degree in kicking ass. |
More Background on OddGodPress.com
Oddgod Press stands as a vivid example of the grassroots, collaborative spirit that drives the world of independent comic book publishing. Established around 2003 in Richmond, Virginia, Oddgod Press quickly developed a reputation for its offbeat humor, creative risk-taking, and the energetic force of its community-driven publications. This article provides a thorough exploration of Oddgod Press, highlighting its history, notable works, contributing artists, cultural significance, and the unique narrative it brought to the American comics landscape.
Founding and Mission
Oddgod Press was the brainchild of Jesse Bausch and Patrick Godfrey, two comics creators eager to showcase not only their own artistic visions but also to tap into the deep well of talent found in Richmond. Created with more sweat and imagination than traditional business planning, Oddgod Press began as a response to the lack of accessible platforms for local creators. Their early collaboration, "Working Late," laid the foundation for a publishing house driven by irreverence and the desire to amplify diverse voices.
The mission of Oddgod Press was refreshingly straightforward: convene as much local talent as possible, make wild, energetic comic books, and have fun doing it. The founders’ self-aware, tongue-in-cheek sense of humor permeated everything from their website to their printed pages, setting a distinctive tone for the publisher and differentiating it instantly from mainstream competitors.
Ownership and Leadership
Oddgod Press was independently owned and operated by its co-founders:
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Jesse Bausch: Writer known for “Defined As...,” “Strange Detective Stories,” and active participant in anthology stories.
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Patrick Godfrey: Artist and writer with credits like “Pretty on the Outside” and “D.I.Y.”
Both served as creative and organizational leads, curating contributors, designing books, and steering the publishing schedule. Their approach was informal but highly collaborative, engaging both newcomers and established names in indie comics.
Location and Community Impact
Based in Richmond, Virginia, Oddgod Press benefited from the city’s vibrant artistic community. Richmond was emerging as a hub for creative talent, and Oddgod Press played a role in solidifying the city’s standing in underground comics circles. By gathering students, local artists, and comics enthusiasts, Bausch and Godfrey helped foster a network of creators who might otherwise have struggled to get their work to print.
The local focus didn’t mean exclusivity; while many contributors were from the Richmond area, the reach of Oddgod Press quickly grew, drawing in talent from further afield.
Notable Publications and Features
Oddgod Anthology Series (#1 and #2)
These early anthologies set the tone for Oddgod’s catalog—irreverent, diverse, and visually arresting. The stories moved from laugh-out-loud absurdity to moments of surprising pathos, always keeping entertainment and experimentation front and center. Frequent themes included monsters, anti-heroes, comic violence, and tongue-in-cheek existentialism.
Some contributors to these anthologies were:
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James Callahan
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Forrest Young
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Joel Priddy (noted for "Pulpatoon Pilgrimage")
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R.S. Paulette
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Reilly Brown
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Patrick Godfrey and Jesse Bausch
The anthologies were consciously marketed as “fine entertainment for the whole family”—with a wink—featuring monsters, explosions, and comically self-aware editorial asides. Anthology #2, for example, found its way into national comic distribution, increasing Oddgod’s profile.
Big Dumb Fun (2003)
One of the boldest moves by Oddgod Press was the release of “Big Dumb Fun,” an oversized, 168-page flipbook anthology offered at an accessible price. The book featured a dazzling array of talent and stories, including writers and artists who would become influential in the indie comics scene:
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Jonathan Adams (“Truth Serum”)
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James Kochalka (“Monkey vs. Robot, Sketchbook Diaries”)
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Scott Mills (“Trenches, Big Clay Pot”)
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Dash Shaw (“Meathaus, Love Eats Brains”)
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Kagan McLeod (“Infinite Kung Fu”)
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Tom Manning (“Runoff”)
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Joel Priddy
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And many more
The flipbook format itself was a playful innovation that encouraged readers to literally flip their expectations, with design and storytelling that challenged the norms of standard comic book presentation.
Runoff: Chapter One (2004)
Tom Manning’s “Runoff” was a milestone for Oddgod Press and showcased their willingness to promote ambitious, genre-bending projects. This collection, both horrifying and hilarious, followed the oddities afflicting a small Pacific Northwest town. Elements like brutal murders, metaphysical absurdities, and even trained monkeys made it a cult favorite.
Acclaim for “Runoff” came from respected creators and reviewers:
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Joel Priddy (Eisner-nominated creator) praised its “restless experimentation.”
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Kagan McLeod called it “un-put-downable.”
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Industry critics highlighted it as essential reading for fans of “The X-Files” or “The Twilight Zone.”
The book compiled the sold-out issues 1–4, receiving positive pre-release buzz in both creator and fan circles.
Contributing Creators and Community
Oddgod Press was a launching point and community hub for a broad span of indie comics voices, including award winners and soon-to-be stars. Brief bios illustrate the quirky, relatable energy of the group:
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Jesse Bausch: Writer and co-founder, described his sweaty palms with self-deprecating humor.
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Patrick Godfrey: Family man and artist, renowned for his love of cheese and vision for the press.
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Reilly Brown: VCU art student and future Marvel Comics artist.
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James Callahan: Satirical writer/artist, involved in “Strange Detective Stories.”
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Joel Priddy: Ignatz Award-winner, educator in illustration, and contributor to both Oddgod anthologies and the cover art.
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Scott Mills: Prolific indie cartoonist, winner of the 2002 Ignatz Award for “Trenches.”
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Tom Manning: Creator of “Runoff,” known for his bold, boundary-pushing style.
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A host of others (Crawdad Jones, John Ownby, R.S. Paulette, Rebecca Rice, George Tautkus, Forrest Young) embodied the diversity and humor of the Oddgod collective.
Each creator’s bio, often featuring outlandish or tongue-in-cheek anecdotes, underscored the anti-corporate, DIY enthusiasm at the heart of Oddgod’s brand.
Reception, Reviews, and Press
Oddgod Press garnered praise for its anthologies and distinctive editorial tone. Reviews cited the books’ embrace of wild storytelling, audacious visuals, and exuberant collaborative spirit. For example:
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Big Dumb Fun received a notable review at icomics.com, recognized for successfully delivering “some of the dumbest, funnest comics of their collective careers.”
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“Runoff” garnered endorsements from recognized critics and creators (as mentioned above).
The press kept a lively news section, updating readers on major releases, reviews, and distribution—chiefly through comic shops and conventions like the Small Press Expo (SPX).
Distribution and Audience
Oddgod Press publications targeted readers of alternative comics, humor, and experimental art. Their distribution, initially local and regional, expanded to national reach through Diamond Distribution and major small-press comic conventions.
The audience included:
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Comic enthusiasts looking for unique, boundary-pushing stories
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Readers interested in emerging creators and underground culture
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Fans of quirky, collaborative creative projects
Notably, the “Big Dumb Fun” flipbook was highlighted by collectors and fans for its innovative physical format and outstanding lineup, making it a sought-after item at conventions and in comic shops.
Recognition and Awards
Several contributors to Oddgod titles received significant recognition:
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Ignatz Awards for Best Story and Best Debut Comic (Joel Priddy, Scott Mills)
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Widespread respect within the small-press and self-published comics communities
These accolades not only signaled the quality of Oddgod’s own books but also marked the press as a network for burgeoning creative talent.
Cultural and Social Significance
Oddgod Press stands as a testament to the power of indie publishing—not just as an artistic outlet but as a community builder. It provided a platform where humor, personal expression, and visual storytelling thrived without the constraints of mainstream publishing.
Richmond’s creative scene was amplified by Oddgod’s activities, and contributors often used the press as a springboard to larger projects or higher visibility in the comics world. The blend of local flavor, experimental collaboration, and indie ethos made Oddgod Press both a cultural touchstone and a social laboratory for comics creators.
OddGodPress.com: The Website
The Oddgod Press website mirrored the company’s DIY, irreverent personality. It featured:
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News and updates on publications and distribution
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Biographical snippets for contributors, maintaining a humorous tone
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Previews and announcements for new books and events
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Reviews and testimonials from other comics creators
Content also included mock warnings and in-jokes, further demonstrating the approachable, anti-corporate spirit of the press.
Though its time in the spotlight was relatively brief, Oddgod Press left a memorable imprint on American indie comics. Its anthologies, audacious publishing choices (like the “Big Dumb Fun” flipbook), and commitment to collaboration elevated Richmond’s comics scene and provided a roadmap for future indie publishers. Oddgod’s community-driven approach, witty editorial voice, and boundary-pushing books remain fondly remembered by creators and readers alike.