New Publisher Promotes Racial Diversity In Both Its Characters and Creators<\/p>\n
Toronto, Ontario – January 30, 2017.<\/b>\u00a0 Comic book writer Anthony Ruttgaizer (“The F1rst Hero”, “Actionverse”) and artist Carlos Granda (\u201cGeek-Girl\u201d, \u201cThe Jungle Book\u201d) have teamed up to bring an all-ages graphic novel featuring a racially-diverse cast of characters to readers and have, this morning, launched a Kickstarter to fund the project.\u00a0 The campaign page can be found via www.heroesofhomeroomc.com<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n “Heroes Of Homeroom C” tells the tale of Nicola and Albert Hathaway, twin 12 year old, African-American superheroes, who lose their powers and get sent back to public school to try and jumpstart a “normal life”.\u00a0 But even in the small town paradise of Tranquil, Massachusetts, the kids find themselves caught up in danger and excitement.<\/p>\n In this volume, Nicola and Albert face off against a young wizard named Damien LeVey. \u00a0He and his mother have\u00a0recently moved to Tranquil\u00a0following his parents’ divorce.\u00a0 Damien enacts a desperate plan, filled with dark magic, that he thinks will let him return to live with his father, a not-too-successful west coast supervillain.<\/p>\n “Heroes Of Homeroom C” is an original graphic novel and the first publication being released under the Aristocrats Comics banner.\u00a0 Aristocrats, founded by Ruttgaizer, is a black-owned-and-operated comic book company striving to tell exciting stories while promoting diversity amongst both its characters and creators.<\/p>\n \u201cThe comics and movies I grew up on didn\u2019t feature a great many characters who looked like me,\u201d says Ruttgaizer.\u00a0 \u201cNow that I have a chance to create my own comics, I want to make sure that a wider spectrum of people are on display for readers of all ages to identify with and enjoy.\u201d<\/p>\n Joining Ruttgaizer and Granda on the project are colourist\/letterer Fred C. Stresing and popular Marvel Comics cover artist Jay Fosgitt.<\/p>\n The 74-page story will first be released in both print and digital format to supporters of the Kickstarter campaign this spring.\u00a0 A wider print release to comic book shops and other brick-and-mortar booksellers is in the works for later in the year.<\/p>\n Readers who back the project\u2019s crowdfunding efforts on Kickstarter will also get the chance to choose from rewards including t-shirts, chances to meet with the creators and opportunities to appear in the story as a background character.\u00a0 The campaign also features an option to purchase multiple copies of the book; one copy for the backer and two additional copies to be donated to local public libraries.<\/p>\n The Kickstarter launches Monday January 30th and run through the month of February.\u00a0 Visit www.heroesofhomeroomc.com<\/span><\/a> to be taken directly to the Kickstarter campaign page.<\/p>\n ABOUT THE CREATORS<\/b><\/p>\n Anthony Ruttgaizer <\/b>is a Toronto, Canada-based comics writer and broadcaster whose comic work includes “The F1rst Hero” and “Actionverse”.\u00a0 He is also a former standup comedian and a retired professional wrestler.\u00a0 Anthony is the founder and publisher of Aristocrats Comics, a new independent comics company dedicated to promoting diversity in both its characters and creators.\u00a0 For more about Anthony, visit www.ruttgaizer.com<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n Carlos Granda <\/b>is a Colombian artist whose work includes \u201cGeek-Girl\u201d, \u201cThe Jungle Book\u201d, \u201cPirouette\u201d and \u201cEscape From Monster Island\u201d.\u00a0 Besides handling his own workload, Carlos is co-director of The National Comic and Manga Hall, a group dedicated to nurturing and exhibiting the artwork of local artists in Medellin.\u00a0 For more about Carlos, visit www.granda-comicfan.daportfolio.com\/<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n Fred C. Stresing<\/b> is an American artist and graduate of the Savannah College of Artist and Design.\u00a0 Recently married, Fred now lives full time in the state of Georgia.\u00a0 His work as a colourist, letterer and cartoonist has appeared in\u00a0 books such as \u201cThe F1rst Hero\u201d, \u201cMunchkin\u201d, \u201cHello Kitty and Friends\u201d, \u201cBill and Ted\u2019s Most Triumphant Return\u201d and \u201cJim Henson\u2019s Fraggle Rock\u201d.\u00a0 For more about Fred, visit www.fcstresing.carbonmade.com\/<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n