When I first started collecting comics I collected “Savage Sword of Conan”; that’s right, the big black and white book; and even though he wasn’t a black hero, I always thought that if he were an actual person, he would be one of the realest brothers I knew. The thing that stood out and grabbed me was the covers. No one drew Conan covers like the legendary Joe Jusko. He had a way of bringing Conan to life like no other, and this made me want to see what was inside.When I first saw a cover of the next persons book, Galtow, those old feelings rose up again, and I couldn’t wait to look inside, and I knew that even Conan would like this book.
We reached out to Robert Garrett; who’s character, Ajala, is also a 2014 Glyph Award winner for Best Female Character. Let’s find out more about Robert.
- How did you get started in the comic industry?
After countless attempts at breaking into the industry as a writer and piling up the rejections, I decided to go in on my own and seek out artist and other creators to start Xmoor Studios. It first started with collaborations between me and several other creators… Needless to say that did not go very well lol. But I did start my Flagship concept GALTOW from that endeavor.
- Who were your early influences?
I started off as a fan of Lord of the Rings, devouring all the books, which brought me to the world of the Foundation Trilogy By Isaac Asimov. My biggest Comic influence was Alan Moore.., anything by Alan Moore, and then Neil Gaiman.
- What project are you currently working on?
Oh wow, I am always working on something new; Let’s see I am finishing off a licensing project with the MMA group The Global Proving Ground that deals with a Island of fighters, call it a Survivor meets Enter the Dragon concept. Currently I am working with my collaborator N. Steven Harris to finish our Third Book of Ajala: A Series of Adventures, which recently won a Glyph Award as Best Female Comic Character…. And I am now going into filming an episode of INHERITORS a live action film short based on another of my comic book creations. We have a film short up on You Tube based on the first book.
- What books did you collect or read growing up?
Oh I was an X-Men fan, and the Avengers; the Vision was my favorite character. But I was a huge D.C. fan, followed the Legion of Superheroes, and a lot of Batman.
- If you could rewrite any character which one would it be and why?
Never wanted to rewrite a character, I always was to busy with my friends creating my own characters.., it was our escape from normal life, oh the wars of powers, lol.. Who was the strongest?
- Given the success of books like Watson and Holmes and Midnight Tiger, what other books do you see having mainstream appeal?
There’s a book Called Jaysen Wise by Richard Tyler and Mshindo Muumba I love that concept and believe it has great potential. There’s Grey Williamson’s project Valmar Prince of the Damned. That man is a master artist and storyteller.
- If there were anything you would say to someone looking to get into the comic industry; especially a person of color; what would it be?
Well I give the same advice to anyone, study and perfect your craft, don’t be so interested in just being a part of the machine, study the business and know your chosen audience. And please start with telling a good story, focus on your character’s ethnicities as an afterthought. We need good uplifting characters first and foremost.
- Is there anyone in particular you would like to work with on a book?
Jose Luis Garcia Lopez, I love that man’s work, second would be George Perez.., And You Know I am working on Grey Williamson I am wearing Him down…hahaha
- Name three independent books that you would like to see as movies?
Jaysen Wise for sure… Nowhere Man By Jerome Walford, and my My Own indulgence my Comic book
Learn more about Robert Garrett below!
Read the preview for Galtow #3 here!
Read the preview for Ajala: A series of Adventures #1 here!
Read the preview for Ajala: A series of Adventures #2 here!
Dig Deeper into Ajala Storm here!
Check back next week as we continue to MEET THE INDEPENDENTS!
If your a black indy writer or have a series staring a black protagonist then send us an email at Worldofblackheroes@gmail with the subject “Meet the Independents” for your chance to be the next indy spotlight!
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