Cosmic Boy's Cosmic Corset

“If I have one message to give to the secular American people, it’s that the world is not divided into countries. The world is not divided between East and West. You are American, I am Iranian, we don’t know each other, but we talk together and we understand each other perfectly. The difference between you and your government is much bigger than the difference between you and me. And the difference between me and my government is much bigger than the difference between me and you. And our governments are very much the same.”

And that sucks, as a long time comic reader.

My entire life I've enjoyed stories about people that in no way reflect me or my experience, because that's most of what there was to pull from. If I want to see myself, I have a couple options every now and again, and I better hope I like the writing and characters enough. There will always be comics about White men. Always. One getting cancelled or selling poorly will not change that reality, nor will the conclusion be "Well, nobody wants to buy books about White characters."

But the implication that it's on *me as the consumer* to buy every Black led-book ever to make sure they try again in 5-7 years maybe is insane. DC caters to a certain demographic because they want them to buy their books. Why would a demographic that is not consistently, meaningfully included, keep showing up?

Really, what bothers me the most is the reminder the fanbase they've cultivated isn't simply not one that resembles me, but actively doesn't want to see me present. You can only be reminded of that so many times before you decide it's time to move on. I'm stubborn for personal reasons, ideas I'm invested in and the like. But I think I've become pretty sour on this whole slice of the hobby.

linked tree (includes options to donate to Ghanaian projects)

1) Does your OC have a voice claim, if so who?

2) Who's your OCs best friend? How did they become best friends?

3) What song describes your OC?

4) What song describes your OC and their partner/love interest?

5) Do you ship your OC with a Canon character? If so who?

6) If your OC is in a fantasy setting, what profession would they be in the modern day?

7) Vice-Versa! If your OC is in the modern day, what fantasy class would they be? Would they be a different race?

8) What hobbies does your OC have? What do they do to unwind?

9) How does your OC handle their physical health? Do they take care of themselves?

10) How does your OC handle their mental health? Do they take care of themselves?

11) What was your inspiration for your OC?

12) Does your OC interact with other people's OC? If so, who's their best OC friend?

13) Does your OC have a rival? How did it start?

14) Who's a character your OC cannot stand! It's on sight when they see them!

15) Will your OC ever retire? Do you see them making it?

16) How's their relationship with their parents? Are they alive?

17) If your OC has kids, are they a good parent? Do they ever feel guilty if they have to leave them?

18) What are their pronouns? What would they like to be called?

19) What's their sexuality? What's their love language both giving and receiving?

20) If they fight, what's their weapon of choice?

21) What song best describes their relationship with their enemy?

22) Fight or Flight? Are they a lover or a fighter?

23) Is your OC reliable? Can I call them up at two in the morning if I have a flat tire?

24) Can they play any instruments? If so, what do they play?

25) Are they the kind of person who can't resist a good song? Can I catch your OC singing to themselves while they do the dishes?

26) What flower do you associate your OC with?

27) What's their spirit tamagotchi? Or an animal you associate them with?

28) What clique would they be in? (Draw them in the clothes of said group!)

29) Imagine a mood board for your OC! What's on it? (Make it if you want!)

The story of Icarus always spoke to me deeply as a Black boy who grew up trying to find his wings. Mixed with the African Folklore I grew up with I found something magic. We launch on Kickstarter in just 13 Days, follow our page on Kickstarter and help us take Flight 🪽💫