Film Fad recently had a chance to talk to Darryl “DMC” McDaniels about his comic book production company Darryl Makes Comics (DMC-Comics). The history of Run DMC as pioneers in hip-hop and culture is well documented but what is not as well known is that DMC actually was into comics much deeper than he was into music. Music was a fall back for him. Kind of crazy when you think that his fall back sold 10s of millions of copies and changed popular culture in America along the way. If that is any indication the world of comics better watch out.
Now on the 3rd issue (Issue 1, 1.5, and 2) “DMC” is hitting its stride. Just looking at the comic you can feel the passion that oozes out of it. The book feels like an anthology. “DMC” centers around a rapper who uses his powers to fight crime as a vigilante. Edgardo Miranda-Rodriguez has signed on as Editor-in-Chief and former Shady Records A&R executive Rigo Morales is also on board with the project. The amazing visuals are the work of a team of artists including, Mike and Mark Davis the Mad Twiinz (“Black Dynamite,” “The Boondocks”), Jeff Stokely (“Six-Gun Gorilla,” “The Reason for Dragons”), Felipe Smith (“Peepo Choo,” “Ghost Rider”), Chase Conley (“Black Dynamite”), Shawn Crystal (“Arkham Manor”), and colorist Chris Sotomayor. If those talents weren’t enough “DMC” also features cover art by Sal Buscema and Bob Wick and graffiti pioneer MARE 139 (“Style Wars”).
With all of the talented pencils drawing the book the pens involved are equally as talented. Darryl worked with Damion Scott (“Batman,” “Robin,” “Solo”) to create the story as Ronald Wimberly (Vertigo/DC, “Something Wicked This Way Comes,” “Prince of Cats”) served as creative consultant on the script.
While talking with Darryl it was evident where his passion lies. It was also evident that he sees the comic as much more than just a comic. He envisions it as a way to reach the youth and show them positive imagery. He wants to show them a world where they can be anything and aren’t pigeon-holed into the roles that society would assign them as often happens in neighborhoods like the one he grew up in, Hollis, Queens. Hopefully they can see this and be inspired to be greater.
Take a listen as Darryl “DMC” McDaniels breaks all of this down for us in his own words!