Courtesy of Newsarama.com, the best website out there for comic book news, comes news of a new creator-owned project from one of the top African-American artists in the industry. 

Comic book artist Jamal Igle, known widely for his work on such books as Firestorm, Superman, Supergirl, Nightwing, and the Iron/Fist Wolvervine mini-series, has launched a Kickstarter campaign for his own creator owned project Molly Danger. 

A 22-year veteran of the industry and oft sought after artist, the project was one he’s been kicking around for over a decade and once even intended to be pitched as an animated series. But after finally achieving high industry success he was offered opportunities to draw big name characters and a regular paycheck and could not pass up those opportunities.   But after years of regular work, Igle eventually decided not to be under contract with any of the big-name publishers like DC or Marvel Comics. Wanting to strike out on his own, and pressured by even his mother to pursue his longtime creator-owned dream, he instead chose to focus on Molly Danger. 

Straight from his Kickstarter page Igle explains his main motivations:

"A few months ago I read Dr. Seuss's "Oh, The Places You'll Go" to my daughter Catie. I'd never read it, or at least I don't remember reading it, but I was profoundly moved by it. It was strange, but it's like a personal metaphor of the way my life has been going for the last two years. There are things happening around me, big things, personal things. Some will happen sooner than later. 

I find myself disturbed by the tone some things are taking in the industry. Darkness where darkness didn't dwell, bitterness for the sake of "relevance". It seems that in certain corners, there's no room for magic, and light. It bothers me more than I can say. This not to say that superhero stories can't be serious, or adult. However you can achieve those things without making them dire, and unlikeable. I need to be the one to make the changes I want to see.

I can only say "I" because my tastes only end at the tip of my nose. There is room for fun, there is room for magic, there is room for genuine good in comics. I need to be the agent of change now. I've been moving towards it, now I need to step up that effort.

Oh, the places I will go."

So far he’s raised about $32,708 of its overall $45,000 goal; he has 6 days to go.  If the book is successful, it looks to be a no brainer to translate into a cool, fun television movie or feature film. 

To support Igle on his all-ages project go to his Kickstarter page.

To read the Newsarama article in its entirety  go HERE