Martial arts expert and weapons specialist Doug Marcaida, best known for Forged in Fire, brings his combat mastery to comics with new series LINEAGE, a gripping and high-impact story featuring action choreographed through his unparalleled weapons expertise.
Published by Kid Heroes Comics, LINEAGE is written by Earl Baylon (actor, Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft) and Justin Quizon (film producer), with striking artwork by Felix Morales (cover artist, Ice Cream Man, Kill Your Darlings) and Raymund Lee (Eraserheads: Combo On the Run).
Lineage follows two estranged brothers who survive a traumatic childhood incident and are forced, years later, to confront the horrors of their past. In present-day Los Angeles, Miguel has become a private detective, while his brother Vergil is a successful social media reporter. When their paths collide once more, the brothers must peel back the mysteries of their shared history and reconnect with their father’s enigmatic blade. As they search for answers, they find themselves hunted by a mysterious blood cult that also seeks the ancient weapon and will stop at nothing to claim it.
Created by world-renowned weapons expert and Forged in Fire judge Doug Marcaida, the series is described as a hard-hitting, adrenaline-fueled comic series built to thrill fans of martial arts, edged weapons, Forged in Fire, and smart, relentless storytelling. “Lineage is a thrilling blend of facing fears from the past, a brotherhood, cultish behaviour, Martial Arts, and a thriller, all told from the point of view of the blade!” Marcaida says. “Lineage originated from a desire to fuse my passion for Filipino martial arts and blade-smithing from my experiences on Forged in Fire with storytelling. I wanted to tell the stories I learned from both worlds but also had this idea of having something to hand down to my descendants, hence the word Lineage.”
Making a comic book felt like the perfect medium to showcase such a visual story. “I chose the comics medium because it’s close to being able to show the visuals with stories just like the old ways of oral history and writings found in caves. Sort of a classic way of storytelling.”
As a renowned figure in his field, Marcaida recorded his own training sessions to provide the comic’s artist with accurate references. “I provided visual references for stances, grips, and blade mechanics to ensure that the art accurately reflects the martial arts techniques,” he explained. “It was essential to me that the action sequences not only look good but also maintain authenticity, so readers can connect more deeply with the story. I recorded my training sessions with my brother for the artist to watch over and over so he could draw the art correctly.”
Narratively, he says “several mythologies” influenced the lore of Lineage. “We’ve drawn inspiration from various cultural stories and practices, particularly those surrounding martial arts and family traditions. This blend of influences enriches the narrative and adds depth to the world we’re building.”
“The core themes I wanted to explore include the weight of family legacy and the struggle between fiction reality and tradition. There’s also an underlying commentary on the choices we make and how they reverberate through generations. The martial arts element serves as both a literal and metaphorical battleground for these themes as I take my personal experiences and expertise and put them into print.”
Of course, this is a comic book, and Marcaida has had the please of collaborating with some top talent, each bringing their own creative flair to the series. “Working with Earl Baylon, Justin Quizon, Felix Morales, and Raymund Lee has been an incredible experience,” he says. “Each of us brings unique strengths to the table: Earl and Justin excel in crafting compelling narratives and dialogue, they made my story come alive and flow nicely. While Felix’s artistry captures the action beautifully but from a mindset truly immersed in the Filipino culture — plus we have learned to add easter eggs in every page! Raymund’s colors elevate the mood and tone. Our collaboration is built on open communication and mutual respect, this is our Lineage project, which has really fueled the creative process.”
The comic has seen great success from its Kickstarter campaign. Using crowdfunding to develop the comic has allowed Marcaida to bring readers closer to the narrative. There’s a personal connection. “Being part of this Kickstarter allows me to make everyone involved part of the series… all names will be printed on the issues making this comic series something they too can hand down to their descendants,” he explains. “It becomes their Lineage. Plus, since the premise is that every blade has a story to tell, I as a knife designer am featuring all my real designs that they can own and thus have something to hand down too. This is the reason for the crowdfunding idea. I get to share something real for others to do with me. It’s not my LINEAGE but OUR Lineage.”
“The most rewarding part has been seeing the story resonate with readers,” he concludes. “Knowing that all involved may also one day be the very ones to continue the Lineage story for it is unending. Once again making this.. our Lineage.”
We thank Doug Marcaida for his time. Learn more about LINEAGE on the comic’s official page here. Check out the Kickstarter here.
