NYCC 2024: The Art Game.
Being an artist in today’s pop culture ecosystem is nothing short of amazing. Outside the magic of Marvel, DC, and Image—the Big 3—many artists, illustrators, and pop culture enthusiasts are enjoying the rise of brand-new characters alongside reimagined ones. New storylines are fueling this fresh wave of art and creativity, with both indie storytellers and veterans contributing to the movement. At New York Comic Con (2024), I had the pleasure of speaking with some of the industry’s greats to discuss the state of the art game, as they themselves are pushing the boundaries of storytelling as well as navigating a space where diverse voices are finally being heard..
David Crownson
David Crownson
JW: I’m here with Mr. David Crownson, writer for Harriet Tubman Demon Slayer, awesome Human being and head of Kingwood comics , how are you doing today?
DC: I am great, how are you?
JW: I am great. Harriet Tubman Demon Slayer....certifiable 100. How many issues are you at now?
DC: There are six issues out right now and there is one more coming in 2025.
JW: Nice (2x), When is the Hulu movie dropping?
DC: Most likely 2026 or 2027, because of the writers strike.
JW: Got you. Out of curiosity, do you think a lot of the footage for the movie will be based in Atlanta?
DC: Maybe.
JW: Nice. What is you take on art and artist in 2024?, 2025?
DC: My take on the artistry?
JW: The Art Game?
DC: You have to be business-minded, but really focus on what you want to create, and align yourself with people whose integrity you respect and you also need to have integrity. Whatever you need to do to get it done—do it, as long as you're not stepping on people's toes or screwing them over. Even if you need extra money to keep things going, like picking up a side job with Uber Eats or driving for Amazon—do it, do it!
JW: Last Question, favorite video game?
DC: My favorite video game of all time is Spiderman for Playstation.
JW: Nice..
Rodney Barnes
Rodney Barnes
JW:I’ m here with the legendary master of horror, Mr. Rodney Barnes, how are you doing sir?
RB: I’m good there brother, how are you?
JW: I’m good, I’m good. Famous for Killadelphia and The Boondocks. Blacula: Return of the King actually had me going back to watching the original series Part 1 and 2 (Scream Blacula Scream). It is that awesome, when is book 2 dropping for Blacula?
RB: Probably a year from now. I’m trying to get another iconic character to team with Blacula. Any time you get these characters, you have to go through the studio and get the rights and go through the legal parts. But I have the story in my head, so hopefully about a year or so.
JW: Nice, Nice. Next Question, what do you think of the art game in 2024?
RB: In general, with comics?
JW: Comics, writing, media in general.
RB: Well, I think you have a lot of different voices and a lot of different people who haven’t been a part of the process who are now part of the process and it’s a beautiful thing.
JW: Amen. Next Question, favorite video game?
RB: Oh my God!! I’m old, I’m a take you back to Frogger, Donkey Kong. I’m a take you back to Pong, the original games...
JW: Wow. Respect.
Alitha Martinez
Alitha Martinez
JW: I’m here with Ms. Alitha Martinez, how have you been, how are you?
AM: I’m fine, how are you?
JW: I’m good. The work that you’ve done, especially on titles like NUBIA, are amazing. What do you have planned or what ideas do you have planned, or should be planned for her?
AM: Oh my God!!! I know that she is going to be in a new story soon, drawn by Kari Randall and written by Stephanie Williams and I love them so, so much. I’m so happy that NUBIA has survived beyond me, that I don’t really care what she does, Although I here she is in a video game now. So Whohoooo!!!!
JW: Do you know the video game?
AM: Oh my God, I don’t remember the name of it, they sent to me on Facebook and I was like ‘No way!!!’
Sidenote: The name of the Video Game is MultiVersus
JW: How do you feel about the art game in 2024?
AM: It’s as wild as ever!!! I’m so happy to see so much new art, so many great stories. The rising of Amanda Waller as a bad guy, to me she’s a super patriot, but still, I’m very happy, it’s been a good year for art.
JW: Do you think it is now the age of villains, where the villains are now the superheroes for 2024?
AM: Unfortunately, Yeah. I feel we’re getting a little shades of gray, but I believe that truth and justice will prevail and the heroes will rise properly and put them in their place. You know you got to have a good villain story to have a good hero story.
JW: Of course (2x). Final question, what is your favorite video game?
AM: DIABLO
JW: Part 1, 2...?
AM: All of them, DIABLO player forever.
NYCC 2024 provided some insight into the “art game” as some of the biggest creators in the industry provided their thoughts on where the art game is headed. David Crownson emphasized the importance of balancing creativity with a business mindset, urging artists to stay true to their vision while being resourceful—even if that means taking on side gigs to keep projects moving. Rodney Barnes highlighted how the art world is becoming more inclusive, with new voices making it a more diverse ecosystem and legend, Alitha Martinez, noted how bold storytelling, like the rise of complex villains, is capturing fans’ attention
Across the board, these creators and many others are breaking new ground in pop culture, showing how blending hustle with passion is driving the future of new characters, reimagined ones, and pushing the boundaries of storytelling.
Welcome to the Art Game. 2024. Respect.
