The Black Power Interviews: Regency
Who are you? How long have you been a superhero?
I’m called Regency. I protect the city of Denbrook… and wherever else I’m needed.
Regency? Isn’t Regency a fictional character; the hero of The Laughing Devil: A Regency Adventure by New Pulp fiction author, Lowell O’Neal?
Well…yes and no. my adventures are told in a series of novels – and recently in Black Power: The Superhero Anthology. You ever read any of them?”
I have read Black Power: The Superhero Anthology, of course, but I have yet to read the Regency books.
There are five books in the series so far… and except for some of the names being changed and dates and locations, they’re mostly true.
How does Lowell O’Neal know so much about you?
You may have heard of Lowell’s parents. Preston O’Neal sat on the bench of the state Supreme Court and Sandra O’Neal was at one time the most sought after defense lawyers in the city. Lowell went to Harvard and graduated at the top of his class but instead of joining the family firm, he was approached by the government and opted for another kind of life.”
He became a Postal Worker?
Funny. Lowell was not only tops in law, but he was quite an exceptional athlete. That, combined with his aptitude in several other areas made him a prime candidate to be recruited into a special team.
Black Ops?
Blacker than a million midnights; an outfit codenamed Omega Elite.
After he left Omega Elite, Lowell settled in Brooklyn and wanted to fulfill a childhood dream of being a writer. Problem was the poor guy couldn’t give his stories and novels away. He collected a stack of rejection letters six feet high and was about to go back to law when he hit on an idea. He’d always been told in his writing courses that a writer should write what he knows, so he created an alter ego…
So… you’re telling us you’re Lowell O’Neal?
I said no such thing.
Then, O’Neal’s just pretending to be you?”
I never said that either.
Well, what are you… hold up… isn’t Derrick Ferguson the chronicler of your story in Black Power: The Superhero Anthology?
Yes.
Why didn’t O’Neal write it?
He gave the job to Ferguson.
Why?… Wait a minute… are Lowell O’Neal, Regency and Derrick Ferguson all one and the same person?
Are we? I never said we were. I never said we weren’t.
*Sigh* So, tell me about Derrick Ferguson, then.
Derrick Ferguson is a native of Brooklyn, New York. He’s lived there most of his still young life. He has been married for 30 years to the wonderful Patricia Cabbagestalk-Ferguson who lets him get away with far more than is good for him.
His interests include radio/audio drama, Classic Pulp from the 30’s/40’s/50’s and New Pulp being written today, Marvel and DC superheroes, Star Trek in particular and all Science Fiction in general, animation, television, movies, cooking, LONG road trips and casual gaming on the Xbox 360.
Ferguson is a native of Brooklyn. O’Neal settled in Brooklyn. Coincidence?
I, like God, do NOT believe in coincidences.
Ah-hah! So they ARE one and the same.
I never said that. I said I do not believe in coincidences; nor does God. I never said coincidences do not exist.
Moving on… so, who were some of your favorite superheroes growing up?
I’m a huge fan of the Pulp and New Pulp Heroes – Doc Savage; Fortune McCall; Lance Spearman; Dillon. As well as the superheroes of DC and Marvel.
Like Derrick Ferguson.
Ferguson has good taste; that’s all.
What do you think of Derrick Ferguson’s story, In Need of a Friend, in BLACK POWER: The Superhero Anthology?
It was brilliantly written. Action-packed and filled with intrigue and over-the-top characters. All the makings of a New Pulp masterpiece.
Well, thank you, Mr. Ferguson, for a great interview!
Nice try.
Umm… apologies, Mr. O’Neal.
Nice try again.
*Sigh* Goodbye Regency. And see you soon, dear reader. Check back later for more Black Power Interviews!
