Tom Taylor (writer) | Today's AI Wiki

1. Overview

Tom Taylor is a prolific Australian comic book writer, playwright, and screenwriter, recognized as a New York Times bestselling author. His extensive career spans major comic book publishers such as DC Comics, Marvel Comics, Dark Horse Comics, and Boom! Studios, where he has contributed to iconic series and characters. Beyond comics, Taylor is a celebrated playwright whose works have been produced globally, and a screenwriter, notably as the co-creator and executive producer of the animated series The Deep. Throughout his diverse body of work, Taylor frequently explores themes of social progress, diversity, and representation, notably advancing inclusive narratives within the superhero genre.

2. Life

Tom Taylor's creative journey began early in his life, rooted in his Australian upbringing and a passion for storytelling that manifested across various artistic mediums.

2.1. Early Life and Education

Born on November 29, 1978, in Melbourne, Australia, Tom Taylor developed an interest in creative arts from a young age.

2.2. Early Career

Taylor began performing and writing for theatre and musicals at the age of fourteen. This early engagement with dramatic arts laid a strong foundation for his future career, with his plays eventually being produced across four continents and earning him several awards and accolades, including 'Best Dramatic Writing' at the Short and Sweet festival.

3. Comic Book Career

Tom Taylor has established a significant presence in the comic book industry, contributing to numerous flagship titles and creator-owned series across various major publishers.

3.1. DC Comics

Taylor has made substantial contributions to DC Comics, writing for many of their most prominent characters and series. His work on the Injustice franchise includes Injustice: Gods Among Us, Injustice: Year Two, Injustice: Year Three, Injustice: Gods Among Us Annual #4, Injustice 2, and Injustice Year Zero. Another major contribution is the DCeased series, which explores a zombie apocalypse within the DC Universe, including DCeased, DCeased: A Good Day to Die, DCeased: Unkillables, DCeased: Hope at World's End, DCeased: Dead Planet, and DCeased: War of the Undead Gods.

Since 2021, Taylor has been the writer for the solo series Nightwing, collaborating with artist Bruno Redondo. Their critically acclaimed run, which encompassed over 40 issues, is set to conclude with its final five-part story arc, "Fallen Grayson," beginning in May 2024 with Nightwing (vol. 4) #114. Collected editions of his Nightwing work include Nightwing Leaping into the Light, Nightwing Fear State, Nightwing Volume 2: Get Grayson, Nightwing Volume 3: The Battle for Bludhaven's Heart, and Nightwing Volume 4: The Leap.

Taylor also penned Superman: Son of Kal-El from 2021 to 2022, writing issues #1 through #18. This series gained significant attention when, in October 2021 on National Coming Out Day, Taylor announced that the character Jon Kent, the son of Superman, would be portrayed as bisexual. This development was a landmark moment for LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream comics. Collections for this series include Superman: Son of Kal-El - The Truth, Superman: Son of Kal-El Volume 2 - The Rising, and Superman: Son of Kal-El Volume 3 - Battle for Gamorra.

His other notable works for DC Comics include:

Suicide Squad (#1-11, 2019-2020)
Batman/Superman (#28-30, 2016)
Titans (#1-15, 2023-2024)
Earth-2 (#17-29, 2013-2014) and Earth-2 Annual #2 (2014)
Green Lantern Corps: Edge of Oblivion (#1-6, 2016)
Justice League/Power Rangers (#1-6, 2017)
The Authority (#22-29, 2010), published under the Wildstorm imprint
DC Universe Online: Legends (the Brainiac/Sinestro Corps war storyline, 2011)
Batman Legends of the Dark Knight - The Crime Never Committed (2012)
Rose and Thorn (2012)
Batman The Detective (#1-6, 2021)
Dark Knights of Steel (#1-12, 2021-2023)
Green Arrow: 80th Anniversary (#1, 2021)
Hellblazer: Rise and Fall (#1-3, 2020-2021)
The Joker 80th Anniversary (#1, 2020)
Aquaman Giant #3 (2020)
Detective Comics (#1017, 2019; #1090, 2024)
Year of the Villain: Black Mask (2019)
DC Villains Giant (2019)
Batman Annual #3 (2018)
Batman Secret Files #1 (2018)
DC Nuclear Winter Special #1 (2018)
Titans: Beast World (#1-6, 2023-2024)
Dark Knights of Steel: Allwinter (#1-6, 2024)
Batman - One Bad Day: Ra's Al Ghul (2023)
Adventures of Superman: Jon Kent (#1-6, 2023)
Action Comics #1050 (2022)

3.2. Marvel Comics

For Marvel Comics, Taylor is well-known for his runs on several popular titles.
His extensive work on All-New Wolverine (#1-35, 2015-2018) featured Laura Kinney (X-23) in the titular role. Collections of this series include The Four Sisters, Civil War II, Enemy of the State II, Immune, Orphans of X, and Old Woman Laura. The entire run is collected in All-New Wolverine by Tom Taylor Omnibus.
He also wrote X-Men Red (#1-11, 2018) and X-Men Red Annual (2018), focusing on Jean Grey leading a new team of X-Men.
His run on Superior Iron Man (#1-9, 2014-2015) presented a controversial take on Tony Stark.
Taylor has also contributed to the Star Wars comic universe for Marvel, including the Star Wars Legends: Boba Fett - Blood Ties and the Star Wars: Age of Resistance series, featuring characters like Rey, Kylo Ren, Poe Dameron, General Hux, Finn, Snoke, and Rose Tico.

Other Marvel works include:

Marvel's: Dark Ages (#1-6, 2021-2022)
Deadpool: Black, White and Blood (#1, 2021)
Immortal Hulk: Great Power (2020)
Free Comic Book Day: X-Men (2020)
Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man (#1-14, 2019)
War of the Realms: Strikeforce - Land of Giants (2019)
Free Comic Book Day: Spider-Man (2019)
Hunt for Wolverine: Adamantium Agenda (#1-4, 2018)
Generations: The Best (2017)
All-New Wolverine Annual (2016)
Secret Wars: Agents of Atlas (#1, 2015)

3.3. Dark Horse Comics

Taylor is widely recognized for his contributions to the Star Wars universe published by Dark Horse Comics. His acclaimed titles include:

Star Wars: Blood Ties (2010), and its sequel Star Wars: Blood Ties - Boba Fett is Dead (2012), which garnered media attention from CNN.
Star Wars: Invasion (Volume 1: Refugees, Volume 2: Rescues, Volume 3: Revelations), with illustrator Colin Wilson.
Darth Maul: Death Sentence (2012), a miniseries set immediately after the fourth season of The Clone Wars television series.
Star Wars Adventures: Luke Skywalker and The Treasure of the Dragonsnakes (2010), which depicts a previously unseen story of Luke training with Yoda on Dagobah.
Star Wars Adventures: The Will of Darth Vader (2010).

Dark Horse Comics Vice President Randy Stradley has praised Taylor's rapid adaptation to comic writing.

3.4. Boom! Studios

Taylor has also worked with Boom! Studios, notably on creator-owned series.
His series Seven Secrets (#1-18, 2020-2021) was the highest launching original series in the history of Boom! Studios at the time of its release.
He also contributed to The Deep (#1-6 reprint, 2017), a graphic novel series that later became the basis for the animated television show.
Additionally, he wrote for the Power Rangers Annual in 2017.

3.5. Other Publishers

Taylor's diverse portfolio extends to several other publishers:

Gestalt Publishing**: The Deep: Here Be Dragons (2011) and its sequel The Deep: The Vanishing Island (2013), both of which won the Aurealis Award for Best Illustrated Book/Graphic Novel. He also adapted his play The Example into a comic book (2009) and wrote M.I.D.A.S. (2015), Flinch (2009), Rombies (2009), and Brief Cases (2012).
Wildstorm**: The Authority (#22-29, 2010).
IDW Publishing**: In the Dark Anthology: In Plain Sight (2014), Jinnrise #3 (2013), and Rocketeer Adventures - Work To Do (2012).
2000 AD**: Tharg's 3rillers: 15 (#1797-1799, 2012).
Penguin Random House**: Neverlanders (2022), a graphic novel that became the first to win the Children's Book of the Year Award: Older Readers.

4. Theatre and Playwriting

Tom Taylor has a distinguished career as a playwright and theatre creator, with his works being produced on four continents. His plays have received numerous awards and accolades, including the 'Best Dramatic Writing' award at Short and Sweet, the world's largest short play festival. His theatrical productions have graced prestigious venues such as the Sydney Opera House, Arts Centre Melbourne, and the Edinburgh Fringe.

His notable theatrical works include:

THE EXAMPLE: Performed at the Sydney Opera House (Sydney, Australia, 2006), Edinburgh Festival (Edinburgh, Scotland, 2008), The Edge Performing Arts Centre (Auckland, New Zealand, 2010), The Esplanade (Singapore, 2006), Brighton Festival Fringe (Brighton, England, 2006), Brisbane Powerhouse (Queensland, Australia, 2008), Melbourne Arts Centre (Melbourne, Australia, 2005), Seymour Centre (Sydney, Australia, 2006), Araluen Arts Centre (Alice Springs, Northern Territory, 2008), Darwin Entertainment Centre (Darwin, Australia, 2008), Cairns Civic Theatre (Queensland, Australia, 2008), and Canberra Theatre Centre (ACT, Australia, 2008).
DRIP: Produced by Stratton Players (Boston, USA, 2007), Newtown Theatre (Sydney, Australia, 2009), and Carlton Courthouse (Melbourne, Australia, 2008).
FALLING PRAYING: Staged at Edinburgh Fringe (Edinburgh, Scotland, 2009), Parade Playhouse National Institute of Dramatic Art (Sydney, Australia, 2010), and Melbourne Arts Centre (Melbourne, Australia, 2008).
BELIEVE: Performed by Bite Size Theatre (Brighton, England, 2007) and Newtown Theatre (Sydney, Australia, 2007).
PROTEST: Presented at Fairfax Theatre, Melbourne Arts Centre (Melbourne, Australia, 2007) and Newtown Theatre (Sydney, Australia, 2007).
MYSTERY FLIGHT: Performed at Chapel Off Chapel (Melbourne, Australia, 2009).
A4 2 A3 (with Simon Barlow): Produced at National Institute of Dramatic Art (Sydney, Australia, 2007).
CITY HEAD: Performed at Melbourne Trades Hall (Melbourne, Australia, 2007).
NAZANIN: Produced by The BDP Ensemble (Brisbane, Australia, 2006).
MY MONTH AS A MEMBER: Staged at Old Fitzroy Hotel Theatre (Sydney, Australia, 2005).
THE RATINGS WAR (with Daniel Hall and Simon Barlow): Performed at La Mama Theatre as part of the Melbourne Comedy Festival (Melbourne, Australia, 2004).
CANDIDATE (with Daniel Hall, Simon Barlow, and Joe Guiton): Performed at La Mama Theatre as part of the Melbourne Comedy Festival (Melbourne, Australia, 2003).
HARD RUBBISH WEEK (Script coordinator): Produced at The Athenaeum Theatre (Melbourne, Australia, 2003).

5. Film and Television

Tom Taylor has extended his storytelling prowess to the film and television industries, bringing his narratives to a wider audience through various adaptations and screenwriting projects.

Taylor is the co-creator, executive producer, and head writer of The Deep, an animated series based on his graphic novels of the same name. The series, which premiered on Netflix USA in 2016, has aired 65 episodes across four seasons and has been screened globally in over 130 territories, including on Netflix and CBBC. The Deep has achieved significant success, becoming the number one rated animated series in several territories, such as the United Kingdom and Greece.

His comic book work has also been adapted into film, with the 2021 animated movie Injustice being part of the DC Universe Animated Original Movies line. This film is based on Taylor's Injustice: Year One comics and the Injustice: Gods Among Us video game.

Taylor joined the writer's room for the third season of the television series Cleverman. Additionally, he wrote the film adaptation of his play The Example, which was optioned and filmed by Staple Fiction in 2011. His award-winning short musical A4 to A3, co-written with Simon Barlow, was filmed by Bravada Films in 2009, with Taylor also writing the screenplay for the adaptation. A4 to A3 premiered at the Newport Beach Film Festival on April 29, 2010.

7. Awards and Nominations

Tom Taylor has received numerous awards and nominations throughout his career, recognizing his significant contributions to comics, theatre, and television.

7.1. Awards Won

2024 Eisner Award for Best Single Issue/One-Shot (for Nightwing: #105: 'You are Nightwing)
2023 Children's Book of the Year for Older Readers (for Neverlanders)
2023 Eisner Award for Best Continuing Series (for Nightwing)
2023 Comic Arts Award of Australia (for Neverlanders)
2022 AEAF Award - TV Series - Children (for The Deep Season 4)
2021 Comic Arts Award of Australia (for Suicide Squad: Bad Blood)
2020 Shadow Award for Best Graphic Novel (for Hellblazer: Rise and Fall)
2019 Shadow Award for Best Graphic Novel (for DCeased)
2018 Ledger Award (for Injustice 2)
2017 Goldener Spatz (Golden Sparrow) Award (for The Deep)
2017 Kidscreen 'Best New Series Award' (for The Deep)
2014 IGN 'Best Digital Series' (for Injustice: Gods Among Us)
2014 IGN 'People's Choice Award' (for Injustice: Gods Among Us)
2013 Winner 'Aurealis Award' for Best illustrated book/graphic novel' (for The Deep: The Vanishing Island)
2013 IGN 'People's Choice Award for Best Digital Series' (for Injustice: Gods Among Us)
2012 Winner 'Stan Lee Excelsior Award' (for Star Wars: Blood Ties)
2012 Winner 'Aurealis Award for Best illustrated book/graphic novel' (for The Deep: Here Be Dragons)
2007 Winner Short, Sweet and Song People's Choice Award - 'A4 2 A3'
2005 Winner 'Best Dramatic Writing' Short and Sweet - (For 'The Example')

7.2. Nominations

2024 Eisner Award for Best Writer
2024 GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Comic Book (for Adventures of Superman: Jon Kent)
2024 Eisner Award for Best Continuing Series (for Nightwing)
2024 The Dragon Award for Best Comic Book (for Nightwing)
2023 Aurealis Award for best illustrated book or graphic novel (for Neverlanders)
2023 Eisner Award for Best Limited Series (for Batman: One Bad Day)
2023 Excelsior Award (for Dark Knights of Steel)
2023 GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Comic Book (for Superman: Son of Kal-el)
2022 Ringo Award for Best Writer
2022 Eisner Award for Best Continuing Series (for Nightwing)
2022 GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Comic Book (for Superman: Son of Kal-El)
2022 The Dragon Award for Best Comic Book (for Nightwing)
2022 Eisner Award for Best Single Issue/One-Shot (for Nightwing: #87: 'Get Grayson)
2020 British Fantasy Award for Best Comic/Graphic Novel (for DCeased)
2020 GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Comic Book (for Suicide Squad)
2019 BAFTA AWARD 'Best International Animation' (for The Deep)
2019 IGN 'Best Limited Comic Book or Miniseries' (for DCeased)
2017 IGN 'Best Comic Book Writer'
2017 IGN 'Best Comic Book Series' (for All-New Wolverine)
2017 IGN 'Best New Series' (for Injustice 2)
2017 IGN 'Best Limited Comic Book or Miniseries' (for Justice League/Power Rangers)
2016 Australian Writer's Guild Industry Award for best Children's Television (for The Deep - Episode Five - Devil's Sea Mystery)
2016 AACTA Award for Best Children's Television Series (for The Deep)
2015 Australian Writer's Guild Industry Award for best Children's Television (for The Deep - Episode Four - Digging Deeper)
2015 The John Hinde Award for Excellence in Science-Fiction Writing (for The Deep (2015 TV series))
2009 Diamond Gem Award (for Star Wars: Invasion)
Finalist - 2008 Bite-Size UK International Playwriting Competition (for A Short Play for a Competition)
2008 Short and Sweet - Nominated for Best Comedy Script and Best Production (for Falling, Praying)
Finalist 2005 'Write Now' National Young Playwright Award -(for My Month as a Member)

8. Influence

Tom Taylor's influence on the comic book industry and popular culture stems from his prolific output, his ability to revitalize major characters, and his commitment to progressive storytelling. His successful runs on flagship titles for both DC Comics and Marvel Comics, including Injustice, DCeased, Nightwing, All-New Wolverine, and X-Men Red, have solidified his reputation as a versatile and impactful writer.

Taylor is particularly noted for his willingness to push boundaries and introduce contemporary social themes into mainstream narratives. The decision to portray Jon Kent as bisexual in Superman: Son of Kal-El marked a significant moment for LGBTQ+ representation, demonstrating how iconic characters can evolve to reflect a more diverse world. Similarly, his work with Laura Kinney as the new Wolverine and Jean Grey leading the X-Men showcased strong female characters in central roles, contributing to greater diversity in the superhero landscape.

His ability to quickly adapt to the demands of comic book writing was highlighted by Dark Horse Comics Vice President Randy Stradley, who noted Taylor's rapid mastery of the medium. This adaptability, combined with his consistent delivery of engaging and emotionally resonant stories, has made him a respected figure among peers and a favorite among fans. Taylor's influence extends to inspiring new approaches to character development and thematic exploration, encouraging a more inclusive and empathetic approach to storytelling in popular media.