5/5 - (8 votes)

You’re gonna be fan of EPIC Ethel, if not already, as we are!

Hello Hab, we are so please to welcome you on Art Of Webcomics!
– Where do you come from?
I’m what they call a “Native New Yorker”, a city boy from Brooklyn. Though, most of my family is actually from North Carolina.
– How old are you? ( tell it or not !)
Yup. I can’t believe it either.

– Influences?
That’s a big one. In terms of “hustle” and entrepreneur grit, I’d say the late-great Jim Henson. Seriously, look up his history and how he got to The Muppets (and all his other great works). Artistically? Oddly enough, I get compared a lot to the 90’s era “Klasky Csupo”. Other than that: Lebbeus Woods, Mike Mignola, Rufus Dayglo, Xanti Schawinsky, Tomi Ungerer, Jamie Hewlett; or anything in the ligne claire style.
– Art school or not?
Nah, mostly self taught. I found that, over the years, a lot of what I learned came from experience, my peers, and just using Google.

– Favorite digital art software?
I know some folks are going to bang their head on a desk BUT, I’m hardcore on Adobe Photoshop. Other than that, I do also enjoy Autodesk Sketchbook.
– Your working method?
I try to keep a tight schedule, work on things in advance. Doesn’t always go as planned but I keep pushing. I love to have something on in the background, usually a podcast from The Joe Budden Network OR some sort of House, Bossanova, or vaporwave mix. And, I need to have my space and work area absolutely clean. Can’t work in mess.

So, in a sense, this is my way of “fighting back”, y’know?

– What your webcomic is about, in a symbolic way, the hidden sense?
EPIC Ethel initially started as this stupid, “gag-a-day” strip back in 2011-ish. I had no idea what I wanted to do or who my audience was. After many attempts, I landed on something. The comic centers around a group of Black women, living in Brooklyn, who have been gifted with supernatural abilities. The titular leader, EPIC Ethel, is an extremely reluctant “hero” who ends up having to defend her neighborhood from invaders on almost a weekly basis. This all stems from the rampant wave of gentrification that has swept my neighborhood (and the surrounding areas) over the past decade. So, in a sense, this is my way of “fighting back”, y’know?

They’re every day people who just so happened to get super-powers

– Tell us more about your main character, the hero(s)!
I honestly wouldn’t even call them heroes. They’re every day people who just so happened to get super-powers. EPIC Ethel isn’t the type to leap a tall building in a single bound to save your cat but if someone messed with the things or people she loves? Oh, it’s wrap for them. I know, you’re also wondering?what makes her so “EPIC”? That title was given to her by her neighbors when she first exhibited her abilities to control and manipulate fire, let’s just say she was a hit at the last summer cookout!
– How do you see your future?
Ideally, “Habtoons” becoming a grounded household name, not just in the comic scene but within the greater art world. Something I’ve been slowly grinding at with art exhibitions, panels, and so much more that I can’t reveal at the moment.

REST. Seriously, don’t underestimate the importance of rest & relaxation.

– Your next goal?
This is also a big one. Hmm. Next “small” goal is to finish the last few pages of the current EPIC Ethel chapter. Afterwards, I’d like to really put some effort into growing my “Webtoons” presence with another project I have in the tuck.
– Advices for beginners?
REST. Seriously, don’t underestimate the importance of rest & relaxation. A well tuned body creates well tuned work. And, listen to critiques but don’t get too caught up – create how YOU want to create because if you’re stressing and not having fun, there’s no point.

– Your technical secret trick?
Resting. I’m serious!
– Favorite quote?
“I’m rooting for everybody black!” – Issa Rae, 2017 Emmys
– Your social links and website?
Official Site: www.habtoons.com
Twitter/IG: @habtoons
TWITCH: @habohplays