Where are you from?
My family is originally from North Carolina, but I was born and raised in West Philly. I’ve lived in several different neighborhoods like Germantown and Oak Lane, but no matter where I end up, Philly will always be my home.
How many books have you written?
Even though I don’t quite remember how many projects I have worked on, my most memorable projects have been:
Fist Sick Knife Gun (the graphic adaptation of the novel)
Detective Boogaloo (a hip hop webcomic that was then briefly published in the Metro newspaper)
Leon Protector of the Playground
Leon the Extraordinary (current series)
Fist Sick Knife Gun (the graphic adaptation of the novel)
Detective Boogaloo (a hip hop webcomic that was then briefly published in the Metro newspaper)
Leon Protector of the Playground
Leon the Extraordinary (current series)
What inspired Leon the Extraordinary?
Wanting to see a hero that overcame adversity by using his smarts before his fists was very interesting to me.
How has the concept of Leon changed over time?
At one point Leon was the super kid in his class, but over time I decided it would be more relatable to readers if he was just a regular kid with super problems.
How long did it take to write Leon the Extraordinary?
It took several months to write Leon the Extraordinary, and several more to draw it. Because I do both, I have to count the time it takes to fully create and complete a volume of the graphic novel. Most books take a year and a few months to create.
What’s your favorite book?
As an adult: Lord of the Flies by William Golding
As a kid: "The Snowy Day" by Ezra Jack Keates, and "Merle the High-Flying Squirrel" by William Peet
As a kid: "The Snowy Day" by Ezra Jack Keates, and "Merle the High-Flying Squirrel" by William Peet
What does your life as an author look like?
It’s super busy, but it’s really fun! I do a lot of different things. I write and draw, of course, but I also do author visits to different schools, libraries and bookstores. I even go to comic conventions and book festivals! I’ve gotten to know a lot of cool authors and comic book artists, and every week, I sit down with some friends to talk about the comics industry on our podcast, Pencil to Pencil.
Did you like to write and draw as a kid?
I loved to read at an early age, and wanted to be a cartoonist as far back as I remember. Drawing was one of my favorite things.
How long have you been drawing comics?
Since I was a little kid! I have been a professional cartoonist for over 25 years. I created LEON about 20 years ago!
What inspired you to become an author?
Leon is my vision of a kid who just wants to do good in the world. He dreams of being a hero, but doesn’t have any powers, unlike the heroes that surround him. Instead, he overcomes adversity with his smarts. His super power is common sense after all. I wanted to share Leon’s story, because when I was growing up, I didn’t see a lot of heroes that I could identify with. For me, Leon is that hero, and I wanted to share him with kids who could see a little bit of themselves in him.
In what ways has your life been reflected in the stories that you write?
I have a strong memory of what it felt like to be a kid, and I try to bring those feelings into the characters I create.
What personal life goals have been achieved through writing your books?
Sharing the power of cartooning with kids, and seeing something I created change the world (for the better, I hope!).
What do you use to create comics?
Traditionally, I use 11x17 illustration board, pencils and ink (either from a brush or technical pens) but these days most of my comics are created digitally. I use Clip Studio Paint on either my Huion display or my Samsung tablet.
Would you read my work if I send it to you?
Sorry, I can’t accept unsolicited work at this time. Keep working hard–I believe in you!
