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Gotham Under Cover
The World Of Batman
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Gotham Under Cover
The World Of Batman
by Osakwe Beale
Photographs by Chris Frierson
One step takes you off an elevator and into a different world. The world of Superman, Batman, Robin, The Flash, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern,Superwoman and Aquaman. It was like being magically transported into another universe.
It was the home of DC comics located in midtown, New York and "HarlemLive" was in the house. We stepped into Gotham City. With its buildings stretched from floor to ceiling this reporter could not help but gaze in awe at the details put into making it look real.
The only thing that keeps one anchored in reality, as opposed to some distanced nostalgic land, is the friendly receptionist waiting behind a desk fashioned to look like an air vent. Questions echo through your head as you walk by the life size statues (If you can give "life size" to imaginary characters). "Is this a place of business or a walk through a comic museum"? But as you walk through a little more you find out the answer is both. Where are we? why at the famed DC Comics. D.C. Comics is a pioneer in the push for comic's popularity creating some of the best known heroes and villains. The walls of the hallways are adorned with vintage posters of comic book covers from the 1930's to the 1990's.
The doors of the individual offices are also covered with comic book themes, each relating to a specific character. Behind one of these doors is Mr. L.A. Williams, editor of a comic book called IMPULSE. Williams got his start in comics after being an avid reader of comic books during his childhood. He admitted to reading them during class but applied it to science and recalls writing a paper on the chemical procedures needed to make Spider Man's web fluid. This was one of the many ways Williams incorporated comic books into his life. This process did not stop as he got older.
While majoring in African-American Studies at the University of Massachusetts, (UMASS) Williams got the idea of relating his theses to comic books. He wrote a detailed thesis on African-Americans and how they were portrayed in comic books throughout the years. His thesis made observations of how Black people were portrayed in comic books and how these images changed over the years. Williams' cousin, who knew someone in a key position at DC Comics told them about his paper and landed him an
interview. The person from DC comics had read William's thesis and decided that he needed to be interviewed for a job. This was the start of a soon to be career as L.A. worked himself up through the ranks, by sharing his ideas and taking on other positions. L.A. has served as Assistant Editor for such titles as; "Stars and Stripes," "Flash," "Azrael," "J.S.A," and "J.L.A." As Assistant Editor he was responsible for making sure the comic uses proper historical context and stays color constant from character to character, among other things. His duties also included alerting the the editor of potential problems and working closely with the writers and colorists for the comic. When asked what it meant to be an editor, Williams compared it to being a "casting director".
He feels that in order to produce a good comic he needs to "cast" the right artists, pencilers, writers, and colorists, along with the many others associated with the making of the comic. IMPULSE's theme centers around a teenager, Bart Allen, who is brought from the future and has problems "fitting
in"coping with school and fighting every super villain known to man. IMPULSE, the grandson of the Flash, a speedster, also has super speed and uses that to his advantage when fighting evil/and doing homework.
The comic provides a refreshing dose of reality as its real scenarios and situations can be related to the comic's target audience, kids("of all ages"). As a teenager I find many teen oriented mediums don't portray life accurately, but the problems Impulse faces are very real and can easily be a day in the life of the comics average reader, minus fighting super-villians. To guide Bart in the right direction is Max Mercury, chosen guardian for Bart. He also possesses super-speed and teaches Bart the rules of society and guides him in his battles. Overall the comic's comedic qualities make it very easy and exciting to read and captivate the reader to buy the next issue.
I personally like IMPULSE. Rather than have adult superheroes from the 1930's go at it I think it's cool to see a new face in the ring. Impulse has the
ability to become a top comic book and I think under the direction of one L.A. Williams it can and will happen. At 29 years old Mr. Williams is making his mark on the world through his new position as Editor for IMPULSE the comic after taking over the reigns from Paul Kupperberg. Good Luck L.A. L.A. Williams loves to hear from the fans and says "they have a great impact".
All letters sent to the comic are read and responded to (be patient it takes a lot of time!), and every month a few are selected to appear in the letters coloumn at the end of the book entitled; Impulsive Reactions.
To reach Mr. Williams by e-mail his address is: (to be added soon)