Fans of HBO’s hit genre-blending series “Lovecraft Country” were sad to see the season end, but that doesn’t mean the network is leaving them hanging. HBO is keeping fans entertained by providing supplemental content, which includes a behind-the-scenes look at the Black woman behind Dee’s hand-drawn comics.
Afua Richardson is the real-life comic book artist who dreams up Dee’s creations – and she’s sharing with viewers what inspired her.
“I would read a lot of different kinds of stories growing up, but comics was a place where I felt like I most fit in,” Richardson said in an Oct. 20 video HBO released about her artistic journey. “It’s a really powerful form and unique form of storytelling.”
A self-described “Jane of All Trades,” Richardson is an award-winning illustrator. In addition to Lovecraft, she has worked on the comic book series “Black Panther: World of Wakanda,” “X-Men ’92,” and “All-Star Batman.” She also has her own series, “Aquarius the Book of Mer,” coming out, her website says.
Richardson said she channels the creativity she needs to draw Dee’s art on “Lovecraft” by viewing things from the character’s perspective.
“It’s kind of fun thinking about being a little girl and my mom traveling into dangerous places and then coming back for information. That sounds like a superhero to me,” Richardson said. “I get to draw Dee’s impression of what’s happening.”
Noting the lack of representation for people like her among comic book artists, Richardson said her work helps validate others.
“I realize there are not a lot of Black female artists in comics. People are looking for stories to validate them, to say that they’re worthy of being heroes,” Richardson said.
One Twitter user said he was following Ricardson because “1. She’s a sista and deserves the support of ALL Black men. 2. She’s talented as hell. 3. Because Black Lives Matter, especially hers…don’t argue or debate, you’ll lose.”
Richardson recently did a limited-edition print of her “Leti & Tic” piece and made it available to fans for purchase. It sold out, and fans thanked her for making it available.
Also a singer, songwriter, musician and voice actor, Richardson said people should do as the old adage advises and create the change they want to see.
“I really try to encourage people if they don’t see themselves reflected in the medium to get busy, to get to work, because it’s an opportunity,” Richardson said. “That means that there’s a story that hasn’t been told yet and the audience is there waiting for you.”
