Larry Fuller (cartoonist) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Larry Fuller |
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|---|---|
| Nationality | American |
| Area(s) | Writer, Penciller, Inker, Editor, Publisher |
| Pseudonym(s) | A. Christian Black A. Christian White |
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Notable works
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Ebon Gay Heart Throbs The New Funny Book |
| Awards | Glyph Comics Awards Pioneer Award, 2007 |
Larry Fuller is an African-American writer, publisher, and promoter of comics. He was important in the world of "underground comix." These were independent comic books made outside of big companies.
Larry Fuller, along with friends like Richard "Grass" Green and Raye Horne, helped make sure that Black comic creators had their voices heard. This was at a time when their artistic work was often overlooked. Fuller was good at using humor to talk about important social topics.
Contents
Larry Fuller's Life
Early Years and Military Service
In the mid-1960s, Larry Fuller joined the U.S. Air Force. He served at the Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota. This base was part of the Strategic Air Command.
Creating Ebon and Early Comics
After his military service, Fuller moved to the San Francisco Bay Area. This area was a big center for underground comix. In his late twenties, he had an idea for a new superhero. This hero would be an "authentic" African-American character named Ebon.
Fuller looked for an artist for over a year. When he couldn't find one, he decided to draw Ebon himself. He took art classes using the G.I. Bill, which helps veterans with education. He sometimes used poses from famous superhero artists like Gil Kane and John Buscema as inspiration.
The first issue of Ebon came out in January 1970. It was published by Gary Arlington. Many people think Ebon was the first comic book to star a Black superhero. While Marvel's Black Panther appeared earlier, he didn't have his own comic book title yet.
However, Ebon didn't become very popular. Most underground comix readers were white adults, and the comic didn't connect well with them.
Soon after, Fuller also adapted a story by H. P. Lovecraft called "The Ter'ble Old Man." He did this for a comic called Laugh in the Dark #1, which came out in 1971.
Awards and Recognition
In 2007, Larry Fuller received a special honor. He was given the Pioneer Award at the Glyph Comics Awards. This award celebrates people who have made important contributions to Black comics.
