About the Author

J aime Buckley was born May 27th, 1969 in Oakland California. Growing up close to the streets, he was no stranger to tough choices or having the universe boot him down difficult paths. To get away from the violence and difficulties of the city, his parents bought a 29 acre ranch near Placerville, California. It was here, in the quiet Sierra Mountains, where his talents and love for storytelling started to blossom (what else can you do in the mountains, miles from town and no drivers license??).

Graduating from High School with honors at age 15, Jaime developed a comic strip based on a rat. He was told repeatedly the ideas was destined to fail and that no one would be interested in the comical insights of a 2’6″ rat. His first two books were self-published, with the help of his father, which sold nearly 25,000 copies each.

At age 20, Jaime met his future wife and best friend, Kathilynn Tupa’i. Engaged within 2 weeks, their friends and church community said it was infatuation, encouraging them not to marry–and even working against the young couple to prevent the union from happening. Happily, after 21 years and 11 children later, the couple is still married, still deeply in love, and still refusing to listen to the stupidity of others.

In 2004 Jaime desired to create a series of comic books based on Wendell P. Dipmier, an accidental hero. Stories of Wendell had been told verbally and gained the interest of friends, family and acquaintances. When told it would not work, that he could never compete with the publishing houses, Dan Buckley, Jaime’s father suggested he turn to the internet. With a tax return and the single pull of a slot machine, Wanted Hero Studios was created. With a handful of library books, he created and launched the original version of this site in 2005 and sold the comic books in PDF format for $0.97 each (before eReaders were available). For the next 2 1/2 years, Jaime supported his family (with 8 children at the time) through his comic book sales online.

During the first 12 months, Wanted:Hero received over 750,000 visitors from 60+ countries, all by word of mouth. The message board grew to 29,000 registered users with 15,000 weekly comments and questions. The series grew into 12 comics, and 2 graphic novels, but was never completed.

When a car accident injury hindered Jaime’s ability to draw–the Wanted:Hero comics stopped, readers dwindled…and Jaime fell into a deep depression. It wasn’t until the fall of 2009 that his oldest daughter, along with Kathilynn, convinced Jaime to return to the world of Wanted:Hero and tell the entire story…this time in novel form. On May 27th 2011, Prelude to a Hero was published by On The Fly Publications, which continues to receive good reviews from independent bloggers around the world. A second book was released soon after, the Demoni Vankil, by Höbin Luckyfeller–sharing historic events from the Wanted:Hero world.

As a husband, father and grandfather, Jaime has a passion for the inner workings, struggles, fears and feelings of inadequacy within our youth. He also understands their potential.

There is a unique soul inside each one of us–a hero–waiting for the chance to shine. You may not readily see it. You may not believe it, but all it takes is a willing heart and the right opportunity to bring it forth in majesty and power.

For nearly 20 years Jaime has captured the attention of teenagers and young adults through teaching, guiding, counseling and telling stories. He has helped to expand their minds and hearts, encouraging them by showing a brighter future and possibilities, regardless of circumstances.

Jaime and the Wanted Hero characters are available for interviews, guest articles and blog tours. He lives in Utah, with his wife Kathilynn, their 11 children, near his grandchildren…as they create the WANTED:HERO Universe together.