Meet Dawud
Anyabwile and Guy A. Sims.
The Philadelphia-born brothers created the comic book series Brotherman: Dictator of Discipline and the 2016 graphic novel Brotherman: Revelation. Sims is the head writer of Big City Entertainment, which publishes the books, and Anyabwile is an Emmy Award-winning artist, illustrator and entrepreneur.
According to the Philadelphia Tribune, artifacts and memorabilia from their creation will be enshrined in The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.
The Blacksonian, y'all!
“What an honor,” said Sims. “I was at the museum last year before the announcement. At the time, I never thought the museum would be reaching out to us to have our work displayed. It’s an honor.“
The Brotherman series is described as "the continuing story of a man drawn deeper into the darkness to bring light to those who have lost all hope.” Antonio Valor is Brotherman's alter ego who lacks superpowers, but encompasses street-fighting skills and an advanced knowledge of the law.
“That’s actually the hook,” noted Anyabwile. “We never called him a superhero because he didn’t have any superpowers. His powers are tapping into the inner powers, which come from discipline and centering himself. He’s relatable because anyone can be the character.”
The brothers' comic book series came about interestingly. The brothers initially created a comic book based ad for their then New Jersey-based airbrushing business at the 1990 New York Black Expo, which developed into much more. A third brother, Jason Sims, became involved and the group self-published 11 comics. They made $800,000 in sales from 1990–1994.
“We never thought all those years ago that the character would be this influential,” Sims said. “Now it’s a part of history.”
There are two more graphic novels in the works, and for more info about the Brotherman comics, hit up the website here!
