Young comic book author creates books that feature Black superheroes

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There are not many superheroes in the comic book world who are Black. Absalon White, Jr. is aiming to change that. He has created comic books that feature Black superheroes. He says by creating these books he hopes Black children see themselves and feel good. White says his books are not just for the Black community, but rather he wants everyone to enjoy them.

White is only 22 years old, but this author and artist has already launched his very own comic book universe. It’s called “Verendus Comics.”

First comic book: ‘Instant’

White first began writing at the age of 14. Six years later, his first comic book “Instant” was released on Amazon.

In that series, the main character is a 19-year-old kid from Chandler who obtains the power of super speed in a tragic accident. Not wanting the powers that were forced upon him, the hero seeks to find the person responsible for giving him super speed, while also trying to accept what he can’t change.

About the author

White was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and raised in Arizona. He was homeschooled from third grade through high school graduation. That gave him the resources and flexibility to pursue his passion as an author. White’s passion was encouraged by both his mother and father.

The young artist described the first four years of his writing career as “practice.”

“Although I had been writing ‘Instant’ and other superheroes since I was 14, I honestly saw those first four years of my career as practice,” White said. “To me, it was important that I honed my skills as a young author and perfected my craft before letting the world see my work.”

“Verendus Comics”

White is also the Founder, Owner and CEO of Verendus Comics. “The reason I created a superhero universe centering around Black superheroes is simply because there aren’t enough Black superheroes in the world,” he said. “If I were to ask your average Joe… to name five white superheroes, he could do that in a heartbeat. But if I were to ask that same man to name five Black superheroes, he’d have a hard time naming two, let alone five.”

“I wanted to create a Black-led comic book universe that other kids and adults that look like me can have superheroes that look like them, to look up to,” White continued. But he emphasizes that his comic books are not just for the Black community. “My comic books are for the world, and for every ethnicity to enjoy and relate to. Whether you’re Black, White, Hispanic, Asian, etc., my comic books are for all,” he said. “I hope anyone who reads my comic books, no matter their ethnicity, is able to connect and relate to my superheroes on a personal level and see themselves in my superheroes.”

You can learn more about White on his Instagram page.

https://www.instagram.com/absalonwhitejr/

Absalon White, Jr., Comic book creator and artist

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