Joseph grew up in the humble town of Pharr located in deep South Texas. As a boy, he enjoyed reading comic books. He enjoyed them so much that he decided to get into the business. As a result, he took writing classes in high school and college.

Joseph attended The University of Texas at San Antonio. He earned a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts. His favorite authors were Charles Dickens, John Steinbeck and Edgar Allen Poe.