Urban Ministries, Inc. to Launch The Guardian Line series in September
The joining of two publishing superpowers promises to create a new concept in comic book development that appeals to more young readers than ever before.
Chicago, IL—UMI (Urban Ministries, Inc), the largest independent African American media firm and the leader in independent (non-denominationally affiliated) urban Christian and positive media content for over 35 years, announces the biggest launch in comics’ history for African American content—The Guardian Line. This series is the superbly styled, positive-themed result of the combined resources of UMI and creator of The Guardian Line Michael Davis.“We have been developing this concept for two years, committing all the necessary time and resources to perfecting it. We are releasing a product that is just right for the Urban audience,” states president of UMI, Carl Jeffrey Wright. “This series of comics will invite young urban readers to become part of a universe filled with memorable and inspiring characters who look just like them. Teenagers and kids in America face daily choices between good and evil. As The Guardian Line keeps them highly entertained and coming back for more, it will nudge them toward the good.”
Michael Davis is the co-creator of the Emmy-winning animated show Static Shock! and one of the founders of the Black comic publishing phenomenon Milestone Media. Davis has been looking for the perfect opportunity to produce a faith-based, positive comics series for ten years. He first conceived the idea in 1996 while serving as president and CEO of Motown Animation and Filmworks. After Milestone Media shattered all records in Black comic book publishing, Michael recognized the way to reach an even greater audience. “The Black church is the most powerful entity in Black America,” he states. “If you can create something that resonates in the Black church, you can reach the majority of African Americans.”As a child, Michael witnessed the ability of comics to teach and provide an escape from the trials of inner-city life. He states, “Comics kept me off the streets. After one summer of reading comics, my reading scores jumped by seven grade levels.” His partnership with UMI has afforded him the opportunity to utilize the power of comics to touch the Christian market.
“You can’t overstate the importance of literacy in America. A kid who doesn’t read well will struggle to compete for acceptance to a good college or will often simply drop out of school. How will that child advance in life?” Carl Jeffrey Wright muses. “Well-written comics series like The Guardian Line will offer at-risk students a chance to practice reading skills while thoroughly enjoying themselves. They create a chance to level the playing field.” The Guardian Line includes four separate series (Joe and Max, The Seekers, Genesis 5 and Code) targeting specific age groups. All the stories take place in the fictional New Hope City and feature the three essentials fans have come to expect in a Michael Davis universe: strong African American characters, a multicultural cast (some with extraordinary powers) and a guy named Larry. The focus of each series is the battle between characters chosen to fight evil, in the form of New Hope City’s nefarious nemesis, Steven Dark. The unveiling of The Guardian Line is scheduled for September 2006. The first series released, targeting the tween segment, will be Joe and Max, based on Michael’s experiences in elementary school. Additional titles will release weekly. The comics will then be released bi-monthly for a total of six issues of each series per year
