ATLANTA — Comic book enthusiasts and fans of Afrofuturism are in for a treat as a creative mind behind the captivating "Tuskegee Heirs" series gears up to make a special appearance at Momocon.
With his unique blend of futuristic storytelling and rich cultural heritage, Greg Burnham has carved out a distinct niche in the comic book world, captivating audiences with his imaginative narratives.
Born into a military family in Alabama, Burnham's childhood was marked by constant movement and diverse experiences. His love for comics blossomed from a young age, serving as a source of inspiration during his formative years.
"I loved comics from the time I was, you know, tiny," Burnham recalls, reflecting on the early beginnings of his creative journey. "I had all these stories in my head, and I had never done anything. I made my own comics when I was little, but they were terrible because I can't draw."
Burnham's path into the world of comic book creation took an unexpected turn when his project, "Tuskegee Heirs," went viral, garnering widespread attention. Set in a futuristic landscape, "Tuskegee Heirs" follows the adventures of five teenage pilots as they navigate a world of advanced technology and looming threats.
"It was like we went viral on accident," Burnham said. "People were threatening us like, 'Take my money, don't make me come throw the money at you.'"
He has since produced other comic series, such as The Search for Sadiquah and The Story of Solace.
For Burnham, the creative process is an organic journey fueled by inspiration and personal experiences. Writing from his own life and upbringing, he weaves intricate narratives and develops compelling characters that resonate with audiences.
Like his newest children's book, Swim, Kelly Swim, which is available on Amazon, it is meant to help kids overcome some of the fears that come along with learning the skill.
"Every one of the stories is based sometimes loosely, sometimes very accurately on things that happened to me or my family," Burnham said. "You can actually learn a lesson from (the books)."
Collaborating closely with like-minded individuals, Burnham brings his visions to life with passion and dedication, forging meaningful connections.
LINK | Check out Burham's work here
As Burnham's influence continues to grow, so too does his commitment to engaging with fans and fostering a sense of community within the comic book world, with some already cosplaying as characters from his worlds.
"We were at Awesome Con in DC a couple of months ago, and this guy, like a photographer, he comes up to my table, and he's like, hey, I got something you need to look at," Burnham said. "So he shows me a picture. It's like a whole family is cosplaying as Tuskegee Heirs."
With recent projects, including anthology collaborations with DC Comics' Superman, Mr Terrific, DC Power and ongoing crowdfunding efforts to host his own convention, Atlantic Comic Con, Burnham remains at the forefront of innovation and storytelling in the comic book industry.
As he prepares to take the stage at Momocon, fans can expect to be inspired, entertained, and transported to worlds beyond their imagination through panel discussions and more.