This weekend atLong Beach Comic Con, comics will celebrate diversity with thesecond annual Dwayne McDuffie Awards.
McDuffies inspiration stretches far and wide, in particular having been the inspiration for Kwanza Osajyefos current Kickstarter campaign.
you’ve got the option to find more information about theKickstarter here.
The company would have near autonomy to produce multicultural characters, with DC providing mass distribution.
I found the door marked Milestone Media, turned the handle, and walked in.
Buzzing around the office were faces of every color.
May I help you?
someone asked me, snapping me out of my starstruck daze.
My name is Kwanza…
I have an appointment to see Dwayne McDuffie.
The words sheepishly crept from my mouth, barely audible.
Have a seat, and Ill let him know youre here.
My love of comics started when I was very young.
I had a voracious appetite for books, and would read anything lying around.
On one particularly memorable visit, I saw a new book.
It was titled, The Asgardian Wars I was hooked.
From then on I was on the lookout for any chance to read a comic book.
Id draw and write every day.
Come up with stories of all sorts.
Some about my favorite characters, others of my own creation.
When Milestone Media was announced, my understanding of the nuances of race matched my youth.
That was my face.
I had to make comics at Milestone.
I scanned the indicia for the company phone number, took a deep breath, and dialed.
Dwayne is ready for you.
I bolted up, and was lead into his office.
He shook my hand and invited me to sit across from his desk and show him my work.
I passed my portfolio to him, hoping he wouldnt notice how worn and secondhand it was.
How old are you?
For the remaining hour, Dwayne and I talked.
He asked why Id created diverse characters and what I wanted to do in comics.
I told him about how long Id been a reader and that Milestone had a profound impact on me.
Dwayne also explained why Milestone was necessary and unprecedented in an industry I definitely knew nothing about.
He also hinted at hurdles that I might face as a person of color in comics.
The sun eventually set on Milestone Media, but Dwayne continued to be a force of influence.
Unfortunately, time and work never seemed to offer an opportunity to make contact.
I was standing at the DC booth, aching for escape.
Blackis my attempt to continue walking the path Dwayne McDuffies carved out for all of us.
Thank you, Dwayne McDuffie.
I only hope that my work inspires others as yours inspired me.
Your eternal admirer,
Kwanza Osajyefo
