Black History Month Interview: Roye Okupe
Jan 29, 2016
In celebration of Black History Month, PREVIEWSworld is bringing you a series of interviews with professionals from all fields in the comic industry.
Check out our interview with Roy Okupe, creator of E.X.O.-The Legend Of Wale Williams from YouNeek Studios!
PREVIEWSworld: What initially got you interested in comics?
Roye Okupe: It was my love for superheroes and what they represented that got me into reading comics. But I got interested in producing comics for two reasons. First of which was to finally step out and take a risk to make my dream come true. I've always had a dream to create a superhero from Nigeria, where I was born and raised. The second reason was pride. I wanted to do something positive and inspirational for my country and for Africa. When people read the E.X.O. graphic novel, I want them to see a different side of Africa (our booming tech industry, amazing city architecture, unique culture, African humor, Afrofuturism etc. ), a side that is not regularly shown in mainstream media.
PREVIEWSworld: What does Black History Month mean to you?
Roye Okupe: It is truly significant. For me it's a time to reflect. To look back and see what others sacrificed to allow me to be able to pursue my dreams without fear. It pushes me to do all I can to inspire the next generation to go after their dreams and aspirations.
PREVIEWSworld: Who’s your favorite black artist/entertainer? Why?
Roye Okupe: Wow, that's a tough one, I have so many. But if I had to choose I would have to say Kevin Hart because of his daily grind. Kevin Hart has built an empire using his talent, tenacity and drive as its foundation. His success pushes me to challenge myself every day. If he can do it, then so can I.
PREVIEWSworld: Do you feel comics represent a wider diversity now—or do we still have a ways to go?
Roye Okupe: Looking back, comics have definitely come a very, very long way. And I am happy about that. But as with everything in life there is always room for improvement. As much as I love the diversity I see in comics, I would love to see more diverse original characters as opposed to alternate versions of old ones. Not that there's anything wrong with race-switching iconic characters like Spiderman & Hulk, I just would like to see more diversity among new characters, with fresh stories, featured in mainstream outlets.
PREVIEWSworld: What new projects do you have planned for the near future? What are you creating right now?
Roye Okupe: I have been overwhelmed with the success my first graphic novel, E.X.O. - The Legend of Wale Williams Part One has achieved since its release in August, 2015. From raising $10,000 on Kickstarter and being featured on CNN, BBC, Forbes etc. to partnering with Diamond for national distribution. It has truly been a dream come true, but we can do better with sales and we are doing everything possible to market the book to new readers who will give us a chance to surprise them with an amazing story. For those that don't know, E.X.O. is a superhero story about redemption, set in a futuristic 2025 Africa. It's a unique concept that we believe anyone who loves a good superhero origin story would absolutely appreciate. In terms of the future, we are working hard to get Part Two of the graphic novel our fans who cannot wait to see how the story unfolds. Part Two should be released by June 2016.
PREVIEWSworld: What advice can you offer for the aspiring comic creator?
Roye Okupe: Work hard every single day at perfecting your craft (whether it's writing, drawing, coloring, inking etc.). A great product accompanied by smart, tenacious promotion will always find its way to success. And never, ever give up.
Read more Black History Month Interviews in PREVIEWSworld's Black History Month section!