Hebru Brantley, the acclaimed American contemporary artist known for his vibrant pop-art style and socially resonant themes, has launched a Kickstarter campaign to bring his iconic character FlyBoy to life in a brand-new graphic novel.
This marks a pivotal moment in Brantley’s creative journey, offering fans a deeper look into the backstory of a figure who has become a symbol of modern Black heroism.
Inspired by the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen, FlyBoy has long stood as a beacon of empowerment and imagination in Brantley’s work. The character has appeared in murals, sculptures, and immersive installations across the U.S., including large-scale public art pieces in New York and Chicago.
With this graphic novel, Brantley aims to explore FlyBoy’s origin story in full, adding narrative depth to a character that has captivated audiences for over two decades.
Launched on June 24th, the campaign set a funding goal of $75,000. Within hours, it had already raised over $62,000, signaling strong support from Brantley’s fan base. Backers can choose from a variety of reward tiers, including digital and physical copies of the graphic novel, limited-edition FlyBoy trading cards, exclusive merchandise, and original hand-drawn artwork by Brantley.
This crowdfunding approach not only funds the project but also invites fans to become co-pilots in shaping FlyBoy’s next chapter.
Brantley’s work consistently challenges conventional narratives around identity, nostalgia, and power. His use of bold color palettes and conceptual characters creates accessibility while provoking thought. The FlyBoy graphic novel continues this tradition, blending visual storytelling with cultural commentary.
For Brantley, this project is more than a book—it’s a continuation of his mission to redefine heroism through art. By giving FlyBoy a fully realized origin, he’s expanding the character’s universe and inviting readers to engage with themes of resilience, imagination, and legacy.
