The Black Power Interviews: Ghost
Who are you? How long have you been a superhero?
My name is Malik. My last name isn’t important. I have been what you would call a superhero since I acquired the Ghost tech.
You wouldn’t call yourself a superhero?
I would call myself a survivor… and sensible. Running around in a cape and a g-string isn’t sensible and will probably get a fool killed, too.
What is the difference between a superhero and a vigilante?
A superhero is crazy as batshit. A vigilante is crazy as batshit and mad as batshit on your sharkskin suit.
DO Black Heroes Matter? If so, why?
Of course, they do. Why? Because our heroes define our values. Without them, we don’t value much… not even our lives.
What do you think about the current mainstream interest in Black characters in comic books?
It’s about time folks recognized how dope Black people are; especially us. Of course, mainstream interests are fickle, so longevity is with the independent Black comic book creators.
Who were some of your favorite heroes growing up?
Nat Turner, Harriet Tubman, and Buck, from that old Buck and the Preacher movie.
What about superheroes?
I really dig Luke Cage. He reminds me of my best friend Bryce – big, black, strong, smart and a ladies’ man.
You’re NOT a ladies’ man?
I’m a family man.
That’s admirable! Any other favorite superheroes?
I really like Brotherman. His only powers are his wits, his determination and his love for his people, but that’s enough to change the world and to ensure that “everything’s gonna be alright.”
Tell us a bit about the chronicler of your adventures in BLACK POWER: The Superhero Anthology.
I allowed this brother named Milton Davis to tell my story, which is entitled Ghost. I gave that allowance because Davis is a scientist, like some folks very close to me. I agreed to let the story be told in Black Power: The Superhero Anthology because the anthology is cutting edge, like my tech.
What is so cutting edge about the anthology?
First, and foremost, all the stories are about Black superheroes, which you rarely see much of. Yes, we are often the sidekick, or the advisor to the white hero, but rarely are we the hero ourselves.
Second, the stories in Black Power: The Superhero Anthology are not your typical cookie-cutter “spandex” stories. They are original, bold and deal with current issues without being preachy, or corny as hell.
Tell us more about Mr. Davis.
Milton Davis is owner of MVmedia, LLC , a micro publishing company specializing in Science Fiction, Fantasy and Sword and Soul. Milton is the author of ten novels; his most recent is the Steamfunk adventure From Here to Timbuktu. He is the editor and co-editor of seven anthologies; The City, Dark Universe with Gene Peterson; Griots: A Sword and Soul Anthology and Griots: Sisters of the Spear, with Charles R. Saunders; and The Ki Khanga Anthology , the Steamfunk! anthology, and the Dieselfunk anthology with Balogun Ojetade. MVmedia has also published Once Upon A Time in Afrika by Balogun Ojetade and Abegoni: First Calling by Sword and Soul creator and icon Charles R. Saunders.
Milton resides in Metro Atlanta with his wife Vickie and his children Brandon and Alana.
So what powers does your tech provide you with? What can you… Malik? Malik, where are you? Malik!
Umm…I guess this concludes this session. Check back tomorrow as we continue the Black Power Interviews.
