It was my pleasure recently to talk to comic creator Corey Pruitt (known to many as “Task” or @UpToTask on X) about his latest project, a new comics series titled Afro Punks! In the interview, Pruitt talks about what the inspiration was for Afro Punks, about the story and characters, and the talented creative team he’s working with on it. Lastly, he shares where you can find his previous work, Leaders of the Free World, and what he has planned for future stories.
Corey Pruitt and his company Elevated Comics (@ElevatedComics on Instagram) have very recently launched Afro Punks on Kickstarter. Check out the interview and some of the colorful and exciting artwork for it below. To find how to support this independent comic book and the creators behind it, visit the Kickstarter page here!
Comics creator Corey “Task” Pruitt shares about his new Kickstarter and comic series Afro Punks
What was the inspiration for your new comic book Afro Punks?
Pruitt: During COVID, I was stuck at home watching old movies. I started with rewatching The Lord of the Rings films. I hadn’t watched them in years, and I was shocked when I noticed I didn’t see one Black person on the show, let alone any POC. I’ve always been a fan of knights and sorcery, from Final Fantasy 7 to the comic Battle Chasers. So I decided to make a comic that reflected all of my favorite aspects from the genre.
All of the comics I write have a musical theme, similar to Cowboy Bebop and Samurai Champloo. The music theme for Afro Punks will be rock and roll. And the group is also a rock band as well. Because why not?
Can you share a bit more about the characters and story for your Afro Punks series?
Pruitt: Each character represents a different type of staple from RPG games. The leader, Auxiliary, is the person with the giant sword that is skilled in fighting. Then there’s the magic user, MDSA, who can also summon beings. There’s the badass one that everybody likes, which in this case it’s Danny Deadass. Then the healer who makes sure the team is patched up, Genevieve handles that part. And last but not least, there’s the tank, the strongest (but slowest) member who can deliver the most damage, like Think Tank.
Do you have a favorite character on the team?
Pruitt: They’re ALL my favorite! But if I had to choose one, I’d say Think Tank. I’m an accountant, so I love numbers and problem-solving. I enjoy using numbers and equations to highlight his speech and battle style.
There’s some wonderful artwork and illustrations for Afro Punks that you’ve already shared on social media. Please tell my readers a bit more about the creative team you have working with you on this project.
Pruitt: The creative team consists of a couple from Italy, known as Depicshine Studios (Instagram). It consists of the artist, Raffaeale Forte and his partner who is also the colorist named Sara-ianniello. When I first saw their work, I knew they’d be perfect. Toben Racicot (Official site) is the letterer that I’ve used for years, and he’s the best in the business. I am lucky to have assembled such a crew, and I hope that everyone can see all the hard work we put into this comic.
I enjoyed your previous comic Leaders of the Free World. It was really funny and some cool characters and beautiful artwork as well. Will that be available to purchase again somewhere? What other stories do you have in the works?
Pruitt: Leaders of the Free World was on Comixology, but they removed Indy titles. We are now currently on Global Comix. Outside of Afro Punks and Leaders of the Free World, up next I have my villain comic named “The Audacity”. And last but not least, I have a vampire/zombie horror comic called “Sundown Town” which I’m excited for people to read as well.
For more about Elevated Comics, and the current Kickstarter…
As I mentioned in the interview, I enjoyed Pruitt’s Leaders of the Free World and am glad to see it’s available on Global Comix now. The artwork is colorful and of high quality, with a fun and diverse cast of characters. I was given a preview of Afro Punks as well, and readers should expect more of that fun, colorful vibe and humor, with a different yet still diverse cast of characters, great illustrations and character designs. I think of Leaders of the Free World as “Task’s” take on the Avengers or the Justice League, while Afro Punks has a bit more of a Dungeons and Dragons or The Legend of Vox Machina vibe to it.
To find how to support this comic creator, back this project and get a digital or physical copy of Afro Punks and other rewards, visit the Kickstarter page here!
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