Dayton‑area husband‑wife team Matthew Erman and Lisa Sterle are marking the ten‑year anniversary of their comic series Long Lost with a special event at the Book Loft on Wednesday, Oct. 28. The couple, who grew up in the Dayton suburbs—Erman in Kettering and Sterle in Bellbrook—will present the newly released Long Lost: The Complete Collection from Vault Comics.
From 9‑to‑5 jobs to full‑time creators
When they first launched Long Lost a decade ago, neither was a parent and both balanced their creative work with demanding office jobs. Sterle recalls that the early collaboration was a learning experience, saying they were “learning how to make comics together.” Today, both have transitioned to full‑time creators, and Sterle notes how her art has evolved dramatically over the years.
Personal growth and creative partnership
Reflecting on the past, Sterle admits she was often overly self‑critical, comparing herself to peers and feeling like an imposter. She wishes she had been kinder to her younger self and allowed more freedom to explore her own voice. Erman adds that the story’s setting—a small southern town—draws on his own feelings of not belonging during a formative period in Kentucky after high school.
Both creators emphasize that the collaborative process behind Long Lost has strengthened their marriage. Erman calls the project “a testament to our ability to collaborate,” while Sterle highlights the importance of honest communication and trust in any partnership.
Continuing the search for place and family
The comic’s narrative follows two estranged sisters drawn back to their hometown by supernatural forces, echoing the creators’ own explorations of place and identity. After Long Lost, the pair produced Witchblood, a story that further examines themes of finding a home and building a chosen family. Sterle credits her time at the Cleveland College of Art and Design (CCAD) for helping her and Erman discover a community that feels like home, a sentiment that has kept them in the Dayton area for 16 years.
Fans attending the Book Loft event can expect a discussion of the series’ evolution, insights into the couple’s creative dynamic, and a chance to purchase the complete collection.
Original reporting: Matter News (Columbus) — read the source article.
