Robert CornegyIII
Is a Brooklyn native with enough heart and courage to fuel an army. With the rise in popularity of superhero stories, lessons of self-empowerment and confidence are not uncommon. He aims to extend this narrative to those that are often underrepresented in these stories.
My mother introduced me to comics as a child. After a while, as, “da times changed”, I would read them online. However, I didn't see too many people who looked like me. I was pretty excited to read Dogon Publishing's The Archetype: Set in Stone because not only were brown faces spilling off the pages, but people who are differently-abled had a hefty spotlight too. It's always refreshing to see or read something that is out of the ordinary- because it is giving due attention to a historically ignored audience.
Synopsis Excerpt:
“A young boy in a world of futuristic technology, with myotonic dystrophy, transcribes prophecy through art and sculpture. But unlike most prophets his words shape the very world around him. He and his family live on the run from a shady group called the corporation, but in the end his greatest enemy might be time itself.” -The Archetype: Set in Stone
The story begins and we're already dunked into suspense. Who is this creature that growled? This boy look like he in the third grade and he’s sculpting or painting LIKE THAT? You betta’ paint. I’m pushing 30 and STILL struggle with Play Doh. But, who is that creature that growled? Can I get one too? The protagonist utters how it's time. Time for what? I haven't read a comic in almost a year so I'm a little rusty. I just felt snatched into drama (like a comic should be doing) and was sitting' in my room like:
It was refreshing to see a fluctuation of color. The purples, bursts of blues and hues of red. The scenes were clear, and I felt as though I was with the characters. The comic style is between the Ageless age and the Bronze age. It appears as though it could be a fusion. Some moments the style reminds me of Y the Last Man while other pages are reminiscent of Spider-Man (the 1970s to 80s version). I like it.
Although it's only 16 pages, the story is clear and engaging. It started with unclear suspense, but as I read along some questions were answered. It pulls the reader into the “origin story” while still maintaining clear and present conflict about what the ashy ass “The Corporation” is trying to do (Why these antagonists in dapper suits also try to mess around with magic?? Why? If ya’ll don’t go shine ya’ll boat shoes…) . Being that this is a short comic, I don't want to give away too much, but I will say this: I wish it were longer. Cornegy III left us hanging for real. I love doing this as a writer, but as a reader- DON'T LEAVE US LIKE THIS!
It feels like a pilot episode to see how the readers respond to it. I sure hope he gives us more soon. I have SO many questions- which I'm sure was intentional on Cornegy III’s part.
The Archetype: Set in Stone is Now Available on Amazon!
Robert Cornegy III E-interview
What are your top three favorite comic books?
The x-men, Watchmen and Spawn.
Were you inspired by your favorite comics as far as storyline or plot style?
Yes, definitely! They aren’t really similar at first glance, but a lot of the religious and societal elements of those series are apparent.
Do you have any cultural inspirations behind some of your symbols such as the ibexes?
Not so much culturally, watching an Ibex climb the flat face of a mountain, effortlessly, is an amazing sight. For me, they symbolize resilience, strength, and vision.
As a reader, I hate cliff-hangers. As a writer, I adore them. What made you leave us readers at a potential climax?
I had so much to tell you in this first comic, but in the end, I decided to hold it back a bit and leave the meaning ambiguous. I want you to experience it all just like our characters do. So at any point in the story, you more than likely won’t know more than the lead character. So, be ready to become an adventurer while you take this journey across universes.
I noticed you gave power and spotlight on an overlooked audience. Why?
I believe in the law of attraction. Watching the characters I related to, encounter and overcome great struggles, always made me feel like no matter what, I can succeed. I aim to do this for everyone not just those who are differently abled.
Do you have any hints about your next comic you'd like to spill?
Well, this first comic series is set on the technology half of the planet, but before we get to the next issue, we have a series from the magic half coming out that will really paint a fuller picture for those interested in what’s really going on. Its called “Juego de mani” (game of war).
Dogon Publishing…Why create a publishing company?
Well rather than wait for the world to catch up, we decided to publish independently to ensure we can create indefinitely without interference.
Does your publishing company only back comics or are there other genres?
For now, yes. But, we plan to chronicle real-life journeys in novel form as well.
Robert Cornegy III
is an artist, author and founder of the Young Heroes Undefeated Foundation. YHUF, is “a foundation committed to bringing joy and strength to the children who need it most.” Hailing from Brooklyn N.Y
The Archetype: Set in Stone is Now Available on Amazon!
Click Here to purchase your digital copy today!
10 years in this thing (slurps my luxurious ramen noodles and sips my bougie instant coffee). Anyway…I wanted to celebrate a decade as an indie author with the release of my eighth poetry collection, Rising From the Shadows. Pre-orders are now available for a December 10th release!