Our next Creator Interview is with the multi-faceted Frederick Littles of Wise Acre Comics! A veteran-turned-business-owner, Operations Manager, and Associate Faculty at a Global Campus, Frederick boasts a resume that's truly inspirational.
Being a leader in multiple fast-paced environments has prepared him well for being a comic publisher. Unsurprisingly, running a full creative business operation is not easy. We're grateful we were able to spend some time talking to Frederick about how to step up in our own communities and talk about his newest Kickstarter for a title named Dark Sentinel: Origins! Don't forget to check it out!
With the intro out of the way, let's give Frederick the spotlight he deserves.
GlobalComix: Let’s start out by telling us a little bit about yourself and how Wise Acre Comics came to be.
Frederick Littles: I'm Frederick Littles, an active-duty United States Air Force member, the proud founder of Wise Acre Comics, and the newly appointed President of Godhood Comics. Operating from Goodyear, Arizona, Wise Acre Comics stands as a testament to the resilience and creativity of both the military community and communities of color. Our journey began with two pivotal moments in my life that shaped our path. In 2018, the success of the movie Black Panther reignited my passion for storytelling, prompting me to revisit old scripts. This moment was crucial, encouraging me to create stories reflecting my heritage and cultural identity. Around the same time, the loss of my mother plunged me into a deep state of depression. It was through crafting the stories of Akoma and Magnus that I found solace and purpose. These characters helped me heal and laid the foundation for Wise Acre Comics. Each story we tell is a tribute to my mother, embodying the values and lessons she instilled in me.
GlobalComix: Your website states that you are proactive in low-income communities of color. Can you tell us about that? What started that and what sort of activities do you participate in?
Frederick: My commitment to empowering low-income communities of color aligns with our core values and mission at Wise Acre Comics. This initiative was sparked by the rich cultural heritage that informs our storytelling, particularly through characters like Magnus, who draws inspiration from Yoruba mythology. Recognizing the importance of authenticity and representation, we sought to foster direct connections with Africa by offering commission-based opportunities to local artists and writers within the comic book industry there.
Moreover, my background as a military member has allowed me to extend this outreach to military kids and families. We host book clubs and showcase our comics, providing free seminars and books to these communities. This effort is further extended to Black-owned comic bookstores, where we supply free books to support and enhance their Free Comic Book Day events.
This drive to give back and uplift communities is a value instilled in me as a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. This ethos of service and community engagement has continued to guide me in my dual role as a proud Airman and as the owner of Wise Acre Comics. Our activities aim not only to promote literacy and creativity but also to foster a sense of belonging and representation among underrepresented communities.
GlobalComix: What can other collaboratives and publishers do to give back to their local and help encourage literacy in the world at large?
Frederick: Other publishers and collaboratives can play a significant role in giving back to their local communities and encouraging literacy worldwide by adopting a multifaceted approach. Firstly, they can partner with local schools and libraries to organize reading programs and book donation drives. These partnerships can help provide access to books for children and adults who may not have them otherwise, fostering a love for reading from an early age.
Secondly, hosting workshops and seminars led by authors and illustrators can inspire and educate aspiring writers and artists, especially in underserved communities. These events can be platforms for sharing knowledge, skills, and experiences, making the creative process accessible.
Thirdly, establishing mentorship programs can significantly impact individuals interested in publishing, writing, or illustrating but lack guidance or resources. Mentorship can offer personalized support, career advice, and networking opportunities, empowering individuals to pursue their passions and goals.
Furthermore, publishers can create and support initiatives that promote diverse voices and stories. This involves not only publishing books from a wide range of cultural, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds but also actively seeking out and amplifying underrepresented voices in the literary world. Encouraging diversity in storytelling can enhance empathy, understanding, and inclusivity among readers.
Finally, engaging in digital outreach efforts can extend the reach of these initiatives globally. Online reading programs, virtual workshops, and digital book donations can make literacy resources accessible to a broader audience, breaking down geographical and financial barriers to education and enrichment.
By implementing these strategies, publishers and collaboratives can significantly enhance literacy rates, nurture a global community of readers and creators, and promote a more inclusive and educated society.
GlobalComix: Speaking of community, you currently have a crowdfunding campaign out for Dark Sentinel: Origins - Issue #1 ending soon that has met its goal already. Congrats! Can you tell us about the new comic and what it’s about?
Frederick: Dark Sentinel was a submission that was submitted to Wise Acre Comics to publish. As a publisher, this is our second published submission and second Kickstarter campaign we have collaborated on.
Dark Sentinel was written and created by Marc Glave, Illustrated by Ariyibi Toluwalase, colored by Akinniye Victor, and lettered by LetterSquids.
This series delves deep into the dark underbelly of a world not unlike our own, where the rule of law and justice itself is defined by the same hands that victimize us. Readers will witness a tale where every strike carries the weight of past wrings, and every shadow hide secrets best left untold. Dark Sentinel is a raw, unfiltered journey into the heart of vengeance itself. It asks us if one's rage can be managed and lead to effective action, or if the revolution, like any other, must be painted in blood.
In Issue #1, we come to terms with the fact that Daniel Stowers is no hero. He has killed before, and he will kill again. As the streets are in a frenzy due to the protests Police brutality and lethality that began because of the killing of an unarmed Black woman years ago, Daniel stalks the rooftops seeking out Police Officers who could potentially be his parents' killer.
While the city is a powder keg ready to explode, Daniel splits his time dealing with his duties as the brand-new CEO of Xemas Inc after former CEO Tom Phillips's death, seeking his revenge. We'll meet old friends, new enemies, and a young boy in the wrong place at the wrong time, whose impact on our story is yet to be felt.
Kickstarter Link: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/akoma/dark-sentinel-origins-issue-1
GlobalComix: You’ve had numerous successful campaigns, and backed nearly 200 of them! What do you think are the pros and cons of crowdfunding?
Frederick: Crowdfunding has revolutionized how indie comic creators bring their visions to life, offering a lifeline beyond the traditional comic publishing routes. For indie creators, the platform provides a crucial avenue for securing funding without mainstream publisher approval, allowing us to retain creative control and connect directly with our audience. This method validates the market demand for our work and fosters a community of supporters who are invested in the project's success.
Through crowdfunding, indie comic creators can generate the necessary resources to cover production, distribution, and marketing costs, effectively democratizing the comic book industry. However, successful crowdfunding demands a compelling pitch, an engaged social media presence, and a clear understanding of the target audience's interests. For indie publishers/creators, this means fighting for visibility and a share of consumer attention.
Despite these challenges, crowdfunding remains a powerful tool for indie creators to realize their artistic ambitions and share unique stories with a global audience.
GlobalComix:What advice would you give to other publishers or indie creators that want to try crowdfunding as well?
Frederick: So, with this question, I will share a portion of an 8-part blog series I’m currently writing, “From Passion to Planting Seeds of Opportunity". This portion is from Part III where you can read the rest on my website.
The Virtue of Patience and Planning
Perhaps the most critical lesson was understanding that good things take time. Rushing to release a project without adequate financial backing is a recipe for disaster. It is vital to allow yourself the room to stay within budget, even if it means a slower production timeline. It's better to take a few extra months to complete a project than to rush and find yourself financially crippled. This patience and planning are about sustainment and ensuring the longevity and health of your entire creative process.
Financial Prudence as a Creative Virtue
To my fellow indie creators, understand that financial hurdles are a common part of our journey. They are not indicators of failure but opportunities to learn and grow. Embrace budgeting as a tool for sustainability and be transparent with your collaborators. Remember, your creative vision is a long-term journey, not a sprint. By being financially prudent, you are protecting your project and honoring your creative future. The road may be slower, but the destination will be all the more rewarding.
Market Saturation
In the vast and ever-expanding universe of comic books, the challenge of market saturation is daunting. With countless titles vying for attention, breaking through the noise requires more than talent; it demands a strategic approach to carving out a unique niche and brand.
The Challenge of Market Saturation
The comic book industry is crowded, overflowing with many stories ranging from superhero sagas to intimate indie narratives. For a new creator, this saturation can feel like an unconquerable barrier. Every shelf and digital platform is a battleground for attention, with established franchises and big-name publishers dominating the landscape. Finding a spot for your work in this ocean of content can seem like searching for a needle in a haystack.
Carving a Niche through Diversity and Originality
In facing this challenge, I realized the importance of creating a distinct niche for my brand. Rather than following the trend or trying to fit into an existing mold, I decided to differentiate my work by diversifying the genres I explored. This meant not just sticking to one type of story or style but delving into a variety, from science fiction and fantasy to drama and crime. Each genre offered a different canvas to showcase originality and creativity.
Leveraging Crowdfunding for Growth and Community Building
Crowdfunding platforms became a pivotal tool in our strategy. They allowed us to secure necessary funding while building a community of supporters. Each campaign allowed us to share our vision, engage with fans, and expand our reach. The success of these campaigns was not just in the funds raised but in the loyal community that grew around our brand.
The Journey of Resilience and Connection
The journey of rebuilding and growing a network in the indie comic community is a testament to the power of resilience, mentorship, and connection. For fellow creators facing similar challenges, remember that every setback is an opportunity to learn and grow stronger. Embrace networking, seek mentorship, and consider the digital and crowdfunding spaces as avenues for expansion and community building. With persistence, passion, and strong network support, the path to indie success is within reach.
Every setback offers a lesson. The ability to adapt to changing market conditions and reader preferences is crucial. The path of an indie comic book publisher or creator is undoubtedly challenging, but it's also one of the most rewarding journeys. It's a road less traveled, where the victories are sweeter because of the hardships overcome. To fellow creators, remember that every challenge is an opportunity to learn, grow, and prove that your stories are worth telling.
"Your passion is the fuel that will drive you forward, no matter the obstacles.”
GlobalComix: Is there a specific title that Wise Acre Comics has published that is the closest to you
personally? What about it makes it special to you?
Frederick: Well, I have two that are closest to me, Akoma and Magnus. Akoma marked the inception of Wise Acre Comics, serving as the cornerstone upon which the brand was built. This story, penned in the aftermath of my mother's death, emerged as a deeply personal homage to the influential women in my life: my mother, my wife, and my daughters. It embodies the essence of Wise Acre Comics, weaving a narrative that reflects my familial bonds and my profound love for my daughters, Lesjune and Ahvah. Akoma is a testament to my devotion as a father, encapsulating the depth of my affection for them.
In contrast, Magnus is my magnum opus, a narrative meticulously crafted after exploring my mother's ancestry that took me to the depths of Africa. Here, I chose to intertwine the story with elements of Yoruba Mythology. Yet, Magnus transcends its mythological roots to become a mirror reflecting the bond between my son, DaiQwan, and me. While initially a personal account of our father-son relationship, this story has evolved into something far greater. Collaborating with Devin Arscott and the creative team has been remarkable. Magnus Jakuta is more than just a story; it signifies the familial bonds we've forged within our creative collective, turning our team into a family in its own right.
GlobalComix: Can you talk about a Black creator that has inspired you or influenced your work?
Frederick: Dwayne McDuffie and Milestone Media have profoundly influenced me, offering inspiration and a blueprint for telling diverse and compelling stories within the comic book industry. McDuffie, a co-founder of Milestone Media, was instrumental in creating a platform that championed the representation of minorities in comics, challenging the industry's status quo by introducing characters and narratives that reflected the real-world diversity of its readership. As a black indie comic creator, McDuffie's work and his legacy underscore the importance of inclusivity and the power of storytelling that resonates with underrepresented communities. This influence encourages creators like me to push creative boundaries, advocate for diversity in our work, and pursue storytelling that challenges stereotypes and enriches the comic book landscape. By embodying the principles of representation and innovative narrative, McDuffie and Milestone Media serve as a guiding light for me to tell and share unique stories and contribute to the ongoing dialogue around race, identity, and heroism in the world of comics.
GlobalComix: What can the indie community and publishers do to better support Black creators?
Frederick: To better support Black creators, the indie community and publishers can take impactful steps such as providing financial aid through grants (Access to Funding) and scholarships, initiating mentorship programs to connect emerging talent with experienced professionals, and ensuring diverse hiring practices within the industry. VISIBILITY! VISIBILITY! VISIBILITY! Promoting the work of Black creators through targeted marketing efforts and dedicated platforms can significantly increase their visibility. Additionally, engaging directly with communities and listening to the feedback from Black creators can help address specific challenges they face. Ensuring fair compensation and protecting intellectual property rights are also crucial to respecting and valuing their contributions.
To further support Black creators, the indie community and publishers should focus on improving distribution access and adopting less stringent requirements for getting books on store shelves. This involves working closely with distributors and retailers to open more avenues for Black creators' works to be easily accessible to a broader audience. Simplifying the submission and acceptance process can lower the barriers for entry, allowing more diverse stories and voices to be heard.
By implementing these measures, the industry can create a more inclusive and supportive environment, enriching the comic book world with a wider array of stories and perspectives.
GlobalComix: Other than your Kickstarter for Dark Sentinel: Origins, what other projects is Wise Acre Comics
working on?
Frederick: Wise Acre Comics is actively expanding its creative portfolio beyond the Kickstarter for Dark Sentinel, delving into a variety of ambitious projects. Currently, the team is focused on completing issues 5 and 6 of Magnus, which will wrap up the first arc and set the stage for the release of a Trade Paperback next year. Additionally, a slew of projects I have scripted, including The Miscreants, Crisis 2, Veve, Drifters, Aeon Blaze, The First Kings, North Star, and The Meadows, are in production. Wise Acre Comics is also embracing collaboration, working closely with their creative family on projects like Critical Ops Task Force 2, The Matriarch, Pittman, Aura, and Hybrid Theory. These collaborative efforts are poised to bring a diverse range of stories and characters to audiences. Moreover, as a partner and imprint of Godhood Comics and with a partnership with Punch Publishing, Wise Acre Comics is hinting at exciting upcoming announcements, promising a future rich with innovative and captivating comic book content for years to come.
Thank you again for such an indepth interview, Frederick! Check out the links below to start reading, or follow Frederick and all his comics. Don't forget that his newest series Dark Sentinel: Origins is funding now on Kickstarter.
- Start reading all the comics from Wise Acre Comics
- Follow Wise Acre Comics
- Support the Dark Sentinel: Origins #1 Kickstarter!
- Visit the Wise Acre Comics Website
- Find Wise Acre Comics on Twitter
- Find Wise Acre Comics on Facebook
- Find Wise Acre Comics on BlueSky
- Find Wise Acre Comics on Instagram
Have you had a chance to read the amazing titles at Wise Acre Comics? Let us know what you think in the comments!