If you’re a fan of adventure comics with a nostalgic twist, chances are you’ve stumbled across Cloudscratcher, a webcomic that’s been soaring through the digital skies thanks to the creative mind of Cody Baier. 

As an artist and writer, Baier has carved out a unique space in the indie comic scene, blending dieselpunk aesthetics, 90s animation vibes, and a cast of anthropomorphic characters into a thrilling narrative that feels both fresh and familiar. 

Cody Baier is a self-described “aspiring comic writer/artist” with a lifelong passion for storytelling through art. He’s been drawing since he was a kid, dreaming of creating comics that are as fun to make as they are to read. Over the years, that dream evolved into a tangible reality with Cloudscratcher, his flagship webcomic that launched several years ago. Baier’s journey into professional art wasn’t an overnight leap—he started taking commissions in high school and dabbling in corporate gigs before fully committing to his personal projects.

What sets Baier apart is his dedication to his craft. He’s a one-man creative force for much of Cloudscratcher, handling writing, penciling, inking, and coloring duties (though he’s collaborated with others, like colorist Sam Cosentino in the early chapters and background artist Extendedfreezer more recently). 

Beyond the comic itself, Baier engages with his audience through platforms like Patreon, and here on CryptoComics.

So, where did Cloudscratcher come from? 

Baier has cited a mix of influences that shaped the series, with a big nod to the video game Crimson Skies. The game’s dieselpunk world of airships and sky pirates sparked his imagination, planting the seed for a high-flying adventure. But it’s not just about the setting—Baier’s love for 90s animation, particularly Disney Afternoon shows and Don Bluth’s early films, shines through in the comic’s tone and style. 

Think TaleSpin meets The Secret of NIMH--two of my childhood favorites--but with its own distinct flavor.

The story follows the crew of the airship Cloudscratcher, a ragtag resistance group fighting against the oppressive Margoth Empire, a serpentine regime with dark ambitions. 

The plot kicks off when a young girl, trained as a super soldier by the Empire, defects and joins the crew, warning them of a catastrophic plan that could claim millions of lives. From there, it’s a rollercoaster of aerial battles, character-driven drama, and moments of humor and heart—all wrapped in a package that feels like a Saturday morning cartoon brought to life on the page.

At its core, Cloudscratcher is a love letter to adventure storytelling. Baier has said he wants readers to feel like kids again, eagerly awaiting the next episode of their favorite show. The comic’s structure reflects this—it’s organized into “seasons” and “episodes,” with each arc introducing new characters or escalating the stakes.

Season 1, for example, focuses on laying the groundwork and meeting the central cast, while a planned movie promises a bigger, high-stakes showdown.

The art is another highlight. Baier’s process involves hand-drawing each page on comic board, then digitally inking and coloring them with tools like Photoshop and Illustrator. The result is a vibrant, expressive style that captures the energy of the story. 

Recent updates have seen him team up with Extendedfreezer to give the backgrounds a more painterly look, adding depth to the already dynamic visuals. 

And if you’re a music buff, keep an eye on the chapter covers—most are homages to iconic album art, a fun Easter egg from Baier’s self-professed music obsession.

The characters are the beating heart of the series. From the scrappy airship crew to the menacing villains of the Margoth Empire, each feels distinct and memorable. Baier’s knack for balancing action with quieter, emotional beats gives the cast room to grow, making you root for them as they navigate a world of sky-high stakes.

Creating Cloudscratcher isn’t without its hurdles. Baier has been open about the challenges of balancing the comic with real-world obligations. It’s a passion project that doesn’t yet pay the bills, which means updates can sometimes be sporadic. But that’s where his community comes in. Through Patreon, fans can pitch in to help him devote more time to the series, with the promise of faster updates, print editions, and even side projects like a tie-in game down the line. 

It’s a testament to how much Cloudscratcher resonates with its audience—people don’t just read it; they want to see it thrive. You can also support Cloudscratcher by purchasing digital collectible copies on CryptoComics.

In 2022, Baier successfully crowdfunded a print edition of Volume 1 through Vivid Publishing, a milestone that brought remastered artwork and physical copies to fans. Updates on the site have occasionally paused—like during a hiatus earlier that year to finish the book—but Baier’s commitment to keeping readers in the loop keeps the momentum alive.

Cloudscratcher isn’t just a comic; it’s an experience. It’s for anyone who’s ever loved a plucky underdog story, marveled at a beautifully drawn airship, or felt a pang of nostalgia for the cartoons of yesteryear. Cody Baier’s passion bleeds through every page, and his willingness to evolve the series—whether through updated art or ambitious expansions—shows he’s in it for the long haul.

If you’re curious, follow Cody here on CryptoComics, or head over to cloudscratcher.com. Whether you’re a comic aficionado or just looking for something fun to brighten your day, Cloudscratcher is a skyward adventure worth taking. Who knows? You might just find yourself hooked on the next big exploit of Baier’s fearless crew.

What do you think—ready to climb aboard the Cloudscratcher? Let me know your thoughts, and happy reading!