Rockingham Roots, Comic Book Dreams
Mar 31, 2026Former RCC student makes his mark in the art world
When William Withers was a child growing up in Wentworth, he didn’t yet know what an illustrator was – but he already knew he wanted to draw. His father often brought home coloring books and comic books for Will and his brother, unknowingly setting the stage for a lifelong artistic journey.
“Ever since I could pick up a pencil, I was interested in drawing,” Withers said. “Once I got exposed to comic books – the artwork, the stories – I was intrigued. That’s when something clicked.”
Today, Withers, now living in Whitsett, is a professional artist whose work has appeared in comic books, collectible card sets, and character art connected to some of the biggest entertainment franchises in the world.
After graduating from high school in 1991, Withers set his sights on the renowned Kubert School of Cartoon and Graphic Art in New Jersey. He was accepted, but with a price tag of $10,000 plus living expenses, the dream was financially out of reach.
He instead chose Rockingham Community College – an option close to home and full of possibility.
“I knew Dr. James Davies, the art professor at RCC, and I was close friends with his daughter,” Withers said. “I decided RCC’s art program would be a good place to start on my fine arts degree.”
But life soon intervened. Withers married young, and when he and his wife learned they were expecting a child, he set aside his college plans to work full-time – although his time at RCC left an impression.
“I enjoyed the camaraderie, especially in the art classes,” he recalled. “You’re around different types of people, with different insights, and that broadens your horizons. Dr. Davies exposed us to all sorts of cultural experiences. I really appreciated that.”
Even while working full-time, Withers never stopped drawing. His talent and determination led him to professional opportunities that many aspiring artists only dream about.
Over the years, he has illustrated for prominent trading card companies, including Upper Deck, contributing work to sets featuring:
- Guardians of the Galaxy
- Avengers: Age of Ultron
- Marvel Premiere
- Deadpool
- Transformers
- Vampirella
He has also completed countless portrait commissions and designed logos – among them the logo for Rockingham County nonprofit NC 100.
Most recently, he illustrated issues #8 and #9 of a comic series for 4th Wall Productions in Burlington, and is preparing artwork for an upcoming Kickstarter campaign. He is also contributing character art for DC Comics trading card products, including well-known heroes like Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman.
Some projects are still under wraps, but Withers says they represent exciting new opportunities.
While Withers’ art career continues to expand, his full-time job remains at Dorada Foods in Reidsville, where he works as a line monitor in quality control.
“I’m considered a professional artist because I get paid for the work, but it’s not my main source of income,” he said. “Still, being published is opening more doors. I’m talking with editors, getting advice from other artists, and just waiting for that next chance.”
Withers and his wife have been married 24 years and have two grown children. The family lived in Rockingham County for most of his life, later relocating to Whitsett to shorten his wife’s commute to Burlington due to vision-related challenges. Still, he remains in close touch with his roots.
“I’m in Rockingham County almost seven days a week,” he said. “All my family is there. It’s home.”
For anyone considering RCC, Withers totally recommends it.
“If you want a good experience in an environment that helps open your mind and expand your opportunities, RCC is a great place,” he said. “It’s a community that prepares you for whatever you want to do next.”
Withers’ journey hasn’t been traditional. It has evolved through family commitments, full-time work, and late-night drawing sessions squeezed in whenever time allowed. But the dream that began with a child’s coloring book has never faded.
“Art has always been part of me,” he said. “I’m grateful for every opportunity – and excited for what’s coming next.”
