Exclusive Preview: The World of Black [AF] Expands in Devil’s Dye

Any new superhero universe worth its weight in capes, tights and cowls has one primary goal: to expand. Black, created by Kwanza Osajyefo, Tim Smith 3, Jamal Igle and Khary Randolph, made three times its initial Kickstarter goal before getting picked up by Black Mask Studios, and its high concept—in this world, only Black people get superpowers—resonated with readers used to predominantly lily-white shared universes, and eager for books that explore social themes between super-powered beat-em-ups. Black [AF]: America’s Sweetheart saw Osajyefo and crew recruit artist Jennifer Johnson for a standalone original graphic novel that fleshed out new aspects of the Black world, Black [AF]: Widows & Orphans reunited the original team for new stories, and this December, the nascent universe takes its bold next step: a new series written and drawn by a fresh batch of creators.

Black [AF]: Devil’s Dye unites increasingly prolific writer Vita Ayala (The Wilds, Marvel Knights, Livewire) with new artist Liana Kangas. Over the course of the four-issue mini-series, protagonist Indigo is dispatched by her organization to investigate the spread of VANTA, a new designer drug that has all of the highs of ecstasy with none of the lows—unless you’re a super-powered Black person, in which case VANTA sends you into an uncontrollable violent rage. In advance of Black [AF]: Devil’s Dye’s final order cutoff date later this month, Paste has an exclusive preview of Kangas’ interior art. Be sure to request the first issue from your local comic store, or nab it on shelves and digital retailers December 19th.

Black [AF]: Devil’s Dye #1 Cover Art by Maika Sozo

Black [AF]: Devil’s Dye #1
Writer: Vita Ayala
Artist: Liana Kangas
Publisher: Black Mask Studios
Release Date: December 19, 2018
A brand new Black [AF] mini-series by breakout star Vita Ayala (The Wilds, Supergirl, Bitch Planet, Livewire, Marvel Knights) and your next favorite artist Liana Kangas.

When a new drug called VANTA hits the streets, word is it’s the hottest thing since Ecstacy. For regular people, it has all the highs and none of the lows of traditional drugs. There is some fine print, however—for empowered Black folks, the drug causes a total and violent loss of control.

The Project sends Indigo to investigate, and it soon becomes apparent that this is more than just a new designer distraction for the masses.

Indigo, together with former Detective Ellen Waters race to find the source of the substance poisoning their people, before it’s too late!

The superhero universe where only black people have super powers continues to expand, for the first time with a new creative team building onto the exciting world created by Kwanza Osajyefo, Tim Smith 3, Jamal Igle & Khary Randolph.