The Urban Legend (comics)
| Urban Legend |
|---|
| Cover For Urban Legend |
| Publication information |
| Josef Yohannes |
| First appearance Amazon.com and Play.com |
| Location 2012 in Norway |
| Supporting Characters |
| Matin, Marco, Mr. Fong, Sarah Parks, Walter Griffin |
The Urban Legend is an Eritrean/Norwegian comic book series created by Josef Tzegai Yohannes with art by NewTasty. It features a black superhero that uses martial arts skills to fight street crime.
Publication History
The Premiere Issue of The Urban Legend, titled “The Birth of a True Superhero,” was originally published by Josef Yohannes in January, 2012 in Norway.[1] A digital version of the comic was released internationally on Amazon.com and Play.com in August 2012.
Character Biography and Synopsis
Malcolm Tzegai Madiba is a 29-year-old high school teacher in the fictional city of Capital City (also known as the City of God). Corruption has forced the city to near-bankruptcy. With the police force cut back, crime has taken over the city. When Malcolm’s friend, a local business owner, is robbed and assaulted, Malcolm is troubled that the assailant has not been arrested or charged. That night, the assailant, Young Evil, discusses a money laundering plan with nightclub owner Sugar Bear. They are interrupted by Justin, one of Sugar Bear’s employees. Worried that Justin knows too much, Young Evil and his gang of thugs kill him in an alley near the club later that night. The next day, Malcolm learns that Justin – his cousin – has been murdered. Overcome with grief and burning with a desire for revenge, Malcolm swears that the criminals will pay. Shortly after, a young female newspaper journalist who’s been covering the crimes is cornered by Young Evil and his gang on the street. Before he can assault her, Malcolm, as the Urban Legend in a yellow and black costume, jumps in to fight Young Evil and his thugs using martial arts. When police sirens are heard, the injured criminals run off, leaving the journalist unhurt and alone as Malcolm slips away, covering his suit with a long coat.[2]
Supporting Characters
Allies
- Matin: Malcolm’s friend and co-worker at Tubman High
- Marco: A good cop and Malcolm’s friend
- Mr. Fong: Local grocery store owner and friend of Malcolm
- Sarah Parks: Freelance journalist for the local newspaper
- Walter Griffin: The Mayor of Capital City
Enemies
- The Devil’s Advocate: The leader of the criminal underworld
- Young Evil: Thug and nephew of Devil’s Advocate
- Mr. Carter: Devil’s Advocate’s unscrupulous lawyer
- Detective Fletcher: Corrupt cop on Devil’s Advocate’s payroll
- Sugar Bear: Sleazy nightclub owner and criminal
Reception
The initial run of the premiere issue of The Urban Legend, “The Birth of a True Superhero,” sold out in Norway. It made international debut at Comic Con International in San Diego in July 2012.
Notes
The series was inspired by a trip to Africa, when Yohannes, who is of Eritrean heritage, saw poor children playing and decided to create a hero for children of African descent all over the world to look up to.[3]
References
- ↑ Dagens Næringsliv 20. januar (Norway)
- ↑ Theurbanlegend.net
- ↑ NEW SUPERHERO, THE URBAN LEGEND, MAKES HIS WORLDWIDE DEBUT
* The Urban Legend Comic Book Issue * The Urban Legend Digital Comic Book Series Issue * Creator of The Urban Legend becomes Mandela Ambassador * Mandela Ambassadors * Nobels Fredpris * https://vimeo.com/126350123