NYCC 2023 - Thursday Edition: Shoutout to the Creators
Thursday, October 12, 2023, at New York Comic Con, had an unusual Friday-like energy. There were long lines, enthusiastic cheers at the Marvel stage and panels, and massive crowds. However, what truly stood out were the creators. I had the privilege of seeing some of these exceptional people who have enriched our lives over the years in pop culture.
SideNote: Today marks the first New York Comic Con to take place since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, which was declared a national crisis and state of emergency over the past three years.
My Journey
Instead of merely attending panels and taking pics of cosplayers, I decided to interact with the creators themselves. This choice led me to remarkable encounters with people who shared their unique perspectives and insights in the world of illustrations, writing and content creation.
NY Comic-Con has long been celebrated as a platform for embracing diversity, and this year was no different. Amidst the eclectic crowd, I discovered creators who hailed from various cultural backgrounds, representing an array of voices and perspectives. These conversations, in my opinion, were a reminder of how the creative process could be an inclusive and collaborative journey, involving people from all walks of life.
Shoutout to the Creators
BlackTooth Publishing - Omari Malik
BlackTooth Publishing, LLC, a groundbreaking publishing company based in the vibrant borough of Brooklyn, has been making waves in the literary world. Founded by Omari Malik, this unique publishing venture is on a mission to provide a platform for creators to express themselves unabashedly through the world of art and literature.
One of his publications, DOGPILE is a story featuring the protagonist, DaQuan Rake’. As Young DaQuan embarkes on a quest to find a new source of strength and belonging, he ultimately discovers that the source of power lay within himself, but the family he sought wasn't the conventional kind. His newfound family, comprised of an unconventional and heartwarming group of dogs, embarks on a quest to resolve the past that he has long avoided.
"Dogpile," a captivating narrative tailor-made for enthusiasts of action, includes tales of resilience and the spirit of DMX. Omari weaves an enchanting tale as DaQuan Raké’s steadfast ensemble of seven loyal dogs, thwart a sequence of puzzling "occurrences" unfurling within their neighborhood, hoping to stop the cause and find out what’s really taking place in their community.
Dogpile - One Shot
Illustrator - Paris Alleyne
Paris Alleyne, an Eisner and Shuster award-winning comic illustrator and colorist from Toronto, stands as a luminary in the realm of visual storytelling. His artistic prowess has left an indelible mark, notably through his vibrant contributions as a colorist in acclaimed series such as Ninja Turtles, Spider-Man, Static, Creed and many others. With an extensive portfolio that includes collaborations with industry giants like Marvel, DC, Boom, and Comixology, Paris Alleyne's creative brilliance has graced the pages of significant publications.
He continues to captivate audiences with his unique artistic voice and unwavering dedication to the craft, solidifying his status as a trailblazer in the dynamic world of comic book art.
Illustrator – Josuha “Swayart” Swaby
Joshua "SwayArt" Swaby, a resident of Brooklyn, NY, is a distinguished alumnus of the renowned School of Visual Arts in New York City. Throughout his illustrious career, Sway has been the creative force behind captivating cover artwork featured in publications such as Entertainment Weekly, DC Comics, Vault Comics, Image Comics, and Marvel Comics. His artistic talents have breathed life into a myriad of iconic characters and properties, including Street Fighter, Bayonetta, Miles Morales, Catwoman and many others. Masterful with the pen, Sway's unwavering commitment to his craft, combined with his artistic style, establishes him as an illustrator destined for continued success in the years to come.
NYCC 2023
〰️
RGN 99
~
NYCC 2023 〰️ RGN 99 ~
Content Creator - JuJu Green
Juju has already graced some of the most prestigious stages in the entertainment industry, establishing himself as a prominent figure in the world of movie content creation. Notably, he joined the ranks of correspondents on Good Morning America, where he played a pivotal role in presenting the Annual Oscar Nominations and providing insightful breakdowns of the nominees.
Recognized as one of the most influential Black movie content creators in the realm of social media, Juju Green has earned the moniker of the "go-to Movie Guy" for major studios and streaming platforms alike. His reviews and commentary have become essential in the world of film promotion and critique.
Notably, Juju's hosting skills were showcased to an audience of over 80,000 attendees when he assumed the role of the main host at the D23 Expo. This event was a landmark moment, further underlining his ability to connect with vast and diverse audiences. Additionally, he had the exclusive privilege of hosting The Walt Disney Company's 100th Anniversary broadcast, a global event that resonated with audiences around the world.
Juju's presence has also extended to over 20,000 movie screens across the nation, a testament to his widespread influence and popularity. Respect.
Tha Gawd - Omar Holmon
Cultural Icon, Nerd, Culture Critic, Content Creator, and Awesome Human Being. His achievements are impressive as he has blessed Marvel Voices, The New York Times, Chicago Tribune, Huffpost, The Root, and Lifehacker with his wordplay, opinions, and nerdy outlook on life. Also he loves X-Men
He is also co-author, alongside fellow writer, William Evans of the amazing book, Black Nerd Problems, a testament to what I consider the first ever created, Black Nerd Bible. His website of the same name provides a combination of editorials, reviews, and witty commentary that has captured the hearts and minds of Black Nerd enthusiasts worldwide. Salute to the Gawd.
Shinobi with the Pen - Nikolas Draper-Ivey
Nikolas Draper-Ivey
Draper-Ivey's work has appeared in various comic book publications, and he has been involved in projects with several major comic book publishers. His most recent project alongside famed writer, Vita Ayala, is the acclaimed DC Static series: Season 1, 2 and Shadows of Dakota.
Nikolas Draper-Ivey's distinctive art style is characterized by his manipulation of light and shadow. He weaves Afro-futurist elements into his artwork, tinged with flavors of fantasy, hip-hop, and punk culture, reflecting his love for cinematography, making him in true essence, “The Shinobi with The Pen”. His exploration into sketching Black skin and diverse hair textures also sets the example and standard for the direction of how Black art should be drawn.
He’s also responsible for the success of Noir Caesar’s Manga: XOgenasys and he is currently working on the upcoming manga premiere, Gnashing of Teeth and Dream Vesper.
Author – David Crownson
Chief Executive Office of Kingwood Comics and coolest MF on the planet. His work, Harriet Tubman: Demon Slayer has been featured in numerous websites, social media reviews and is well known in many Black and Brown communities. Crownson has cleverly merged a narrative that pays homage to the enduring legacy of the iconic Harriet Tubman, while introducing an exhilarating fictional twist to her extraordinary life by fighting vampires. The way she navigated slaves to freedom and never lost a soul, she probably did fight something mystical during her travels.
Just recently, his leading title (Issue 1) has been signed under Massive Publishing for distribution. Crownson, a writer by trade, has stated that this collaboration was a great decision because they respect the company’s “love for comics and storytelling”. Furthermore, his title will soon be premiered as a Hulu Series.
Content Creators - Michael Simeon and Frankey Smith
Content Creators: Michael Simeon (Purple Shirt) aka Black Gay Comic Geek (BGCG) and Frankey Smith aka Fantastic Frankey (Gray Shirt) was present with friends as they collaborated to be “cosplay contestants” of the former hit game show, Legends of the Hidden Temple (LOTHT).
To the unfamiliar, LOTHT was a popular action/adventure game show that appeared on Nickelodeon from 1993 to 1995. The show had contestants competing in challenges using Mayan temple themes and having them answer trivia questions, navigate obstacle courses, and solve puzzles. The ultimate goal was to obtain artifacts hidden within the temple, leading contestants to the final objective of escaping the temple within a specific time frame.
Fantastic Frankey, a nerd commentator, drops serious gems as she discusses comics, anime, sci-fi, fantasy and pop culture. Through her platform, she fosters inclusive environments where marginalized individuals can embrace their love for all things nerdy while also gaining valuable insights into the latest mainstream and indie titles. Her mission is to disarm the gatekeepers, highlight the Black Female voice and protect the underrepresented Black nerds in all media and mediums. Respect.
Michael Simeon, also known as BGCG, has created a welcoming space, often referred to as his "safe-gayven," allows individuals from BIPOC to the LGBTQ community to come together for discussions on pop culture, LGBTQ-related topics, and the importance of integrating Black queer characters into the media. Simeon remains dedicated to emphasizing the significance of LGBTQ representation, believing that it will lead to the normalization of LGBTQ characters in the media. Respect.
Final Thoughts
After speaking with these creatives, it was evident that this event had become a beacon for inclusivity, where everyone, regardless of their background, were bringing their unique visions and messages to life. Despite it being just a Thursday, it was truly impressive to see the diverse array of creators who converged to present their brands, share their personal stories, and interact with fans and media to delve into their eagerly anticipated future projects.
This is an example of the dynamic nature of the creative community, which consistently flourishes at New York Comic Con. As this was only the first day, I can’t wait to see what the next 3 days will bring for me and fans alike as there are more creators, artists, and innovators moving the message forward in Black representation and inclusivity in pop culture.
Salute.
