Meet the Independents: Lincoln Farquharson

 Lincoln Farquharson has had dreams of being a writer from as far back as eleven years old. In his youth X-men and Star Trek were his inspirations. His writing aspiration however shifted when he was introduced to a little game called Dungeons and Dragons. Here Lincoln would streamline his writing art as a dungeon master. He created numerous scenarios in anticipation of the multiple possible choices that players would be required to make as the game progressed. After graduating from high school and spending years abroad serving his country in the armed forces he returned home. Here he went to college and was pulled back into the world of writing and created FarCorners Studious and the rest as they say, is history! Ladies and gentlemen meet Independent comic writer Lincoln Farquharson!

• Introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Lincoln Farquharson and I am the current Editor-In-Chief for FarCorners Studios and the writer of their flagship title Team Genesis.

 

• How did you get started in the comic industry?

I was online one day looking for artist to design a logo and stumbled across comic book artists. It made me go back to my earlier writings and start to rewrite. I partnered up with several people interested in launching a new universe of comic book characters.

 

• Who were your early influences?

I wasn’t influenced by any person, just X-Men and Star Trek

 

 

• What books did you collect or read growing up?

X-Men . . . nothing but X-Men comics. Oh, and the Star Trek Magazine when it came out. I did eventually get into Dungeons and Dragons and being a dungeon master helped fine tune my storytelling skills.

 

• Who do you think are the top five black superheroes out there and why?

Storm of course, and maybe that’s just good marketing on Marvel’s part. Afro-Green Lantern was to me the strongest of all the other Green Lanterns. He may not have been portrayed as the strongest in regards to energy output, but his bravery and courage and honesty shown through. Bishop, just because he was cool and didn’t give a damn what anyone thought. He had personality and I could definitely relate lol. I know you asked for five, but these three are the only ones that stand out to me.

 

• If you could rewrite any character which one would it be and why?

ALL OF THE BLACK ONES!! LOL Probably Icon because he had so much potential but it fell completely flat on execution. I find very little enjoyment in the story.

 

• Given the success of books like Watson & Holmes and Midnight Tiger, what other books do you see having mainstream appeal?

No clue. Team Genesis hopefully!

 

• 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?

Be a professional and a perfectionist in EVERYTHING! So many of our people are just looking for fame but no fortune. Facebook and Twitter gets us quick fame, but hard work, REAL hard work (researching, networking, and action) gets us the fortune. When you get serious about your business, your business will get serious about you.

 

 

• Is there anyone in particular you would like to work with in the future or on a book?

I am already working with one of THE greatest artist out there (Arturo Gutierrez), hands down. I don’t have anyone in particular but I am open to work with anyone who is as serious about their craft as I, which, trust me, is VERY hard to find.

 

• What project or projects are you currently working on?

School!! LOL I am finishing up my Masters in Public Administration (pray for me!). Artistically, Team Genesis has taken up every ounce of my free time. It’s insane, but I am loving it.

 

• What’s the experience been like working in comics?

Rewarding!! I am like a sponge, I love to learn new things. But I also have been given a platform to showcase by business talents. I am more a business man than a writer. I guess I am a business man that knows how to write really well, and being business minded is what a good Editor-In-Chief has to be. They have to know marketing, management, financial management, and supply/production. They have to know how to plan, execute, and think quickly to respond to sudden and unexpected changes. Then they have to know how to develop storylines, write in different types of ways/styles, and deliver a product according to the demands of the consumer and that creates a desired effect.

 

• Why do you think it’s so hard for Indy creators to get mainstream coverage?

#1 – They are not serious about their business: You have to think of yourself and conduct yourself as a business owner first, artist second.

#2 – They are not serious about their craft: Stop settling!! Aim for perfection!! Too many artists think they are good or great and they really aren’t. Mainstream media wants to attract audiences to their programs. Poor quality work does not attract an audience and so the media will not look your way.

#3 – Financing: Money is everyone’s issue and there is no real way around it. Money gets us the tools we need to catch the attention of mainstream media, without them, we are like everyone else hoping to get noticed.

#4 – Ego: You are a nobody and so you need the media to help you out. Build relationships with people, engage people, show that you are humbled and be willing to negotiate fairly so that everyone benefits. You can be, and generally are, your worst enemy.

 

• Which of your black characters do you think fans should keep an eye on? Why?

ALL OF THEM!! LOL Team Genesis is very character driven so all of the characters will evolve and grow as you read and you will come to like and hate them because of it. I don’t want to give too much away so I will only say that Grayson Brooks/Flare is the “sleeping giant” of the team.

 

• Name three independent books that you would like to see as movies.

I honestly don’t read enough to be able to answer this question lol. I know, it’s horrible.

 

• What is the biggest obstacle that Indy creators must overcome to be taken seriously alongside mainstream companies like Marvel and DC Comics?

The simplest answer: Money. With money, so much is possible! =)

 

• Why do you think it’s important to have Black Superheroes?

I think it’s important to have a diverse cast because we have diverse consumers. I think black superheroes are good because there is an audience that want to see it. We are here to satisfy our customers, not our personal egos. We are here to sell a product, not make a statement. But if you can do both, by all means do so. I am.

 

 

Thanks for your participation and support of our website Lincoln and all the best for the future!

Check back next week as we continue to MEET THE INDEPENDENTS!

If your a black indy writer or have a series starring 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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