Greeting AFK fans. — “Action” Steve here again!
Having just launched ACTION FIGURE KINGDOM #13, and thus wrapped-up the newest AFK storyline, “The Try-Out Issues,” I have taken a short break from creating new stories to focus on other areas of AFK — Including more frequent blog posts!
EXPANDING UNIVERSE!
In “The Try-Outs,” I introduced several promising new characters to ACTION FIGURE KINGDOM fans, including RRRAPIDO — a teenage speedster from Mexico City, SPARKINETTA — a teenage girl who is a genius gadget-maker, and ACROBOY — a young African American kid who idolizes ACROBOT and has built himself an ACROBOT “suit of armor.” I am really pleased to have added these three instant stars to the AFK universe, not only because they are super-cool and fun to work with, but also for the inclusivity they bring to ACTION FIGURE KINGDOM.
KID ACROBOT JUNIOR!
Since February is Black History Month (here in America and in other parts of the world), I wanted to talk specifically about the conceptualizing of one of these new characters, ACROBOY, whose origins can be traced back to my experiences attending comic book conventions to promote and sell ACTION FIGURE KINGDOM. Two particular shows come to mind… a relatively small “Kids Comic Con” I’ve attended several times at the Bronx Community College in NYC (organized by Alex Simmons), and also the Baltimore Comic Con – one of my favorite “big” cons every year. Both of these cons are located in largely black and multicultural communities, and their attendance reflects those demographics. Over the years at these shows, I have pitched my comic to many interested black children and their gracious families, and I began to realize there was something missing in my pitch — and in my universe. It was at one of the Baltimore cons where I first conceived of the character “ACROBOT JUNIOR” — later changed to “KID ACROBOT” — and finally changed to “ACROBOY.” How can I say this? … I didn’t add a black character to sell more comics to a black audience, I created ACROBOY because these kids deserved a character made with them in mind, and I was inspired by them to create that character.
ACROBOY! – Colors by Lea Jean Badelles.
A STAR IS BORN!
I really love ACROBOY. He is kind and thoughtful, and has a deep moral center — just like ACROBOT. He’s really smart and loves to learn. He’s also fun, courageous, exuberant and very charismatic. I think he has endless potential as a hero, and — being just a kid — he’s just getting started. I am really looking forward to producing more stories which involve ACROBOY down the line, and if I can launch ACTION FIGURE KINGDOM to the “big-time,” I would love to bring in some black creators to help tell those stories.
Thanks for reading! – Action Steve
