( ENSPIRE Feature ) Brantley Received $143,000 For the Kickstarter Campaign
American contemporary artist Hebru Brantley launched a Kickstarter campaign for his first-ever graphic novel, “FlyBoy.” This ambitious project delves into the origin story of his iconic character, FlyBoy. Flyboy was inspired by the Tuskegee Airmen and a powerful symbol of modern Black heroism. Brantley’s artistic work has been collected by elites such as Beyoncé, LeBron James, and George Lucas. He set a goal of $75,000 for the FlyBoy Kickstarter on June 24, 2025.
The turnout was positive, and not only did he reach his initial goal within 24 hours of this campaign, but a week later, it soared past $143,000—nearly double his original target. This remarkable success is a testament to the power of crowdfunding in bringing a creator’s vision to life. “FlyBoy” is about a reluctant teenager unexpectedly propelled into the role of Flyboy, a revered Black superhero, to defend his family and community from growing dangers.
This narrative isn’t a typical hero’s journey; it offers a profound exploration of power, responsibility, and the meaning of legacy. A leading hero of Black excellence through intellect, empathy, resilience, and leadership. Rather than being defined by trauma or stereotypes, “FlyBoy” is a vibrant blend of Afrofuturism, retro Americana, and street-level realism. This graphic novel series centers on the theme of empowerment.
Backers of the campaign received exclusive rewards, with each tier offering a unique mix of perks, including digital and physical copies of FlyBoy, merchandise, trading cards, hand-drawn artwork, and more! The additional funds raised will allow Brantley to elevate the comic book and expand the “FlyBoy” series, promising compelling stories for fans. Through this graphic novel, Brantley continues to use his art to challenge notions of power, identity, and nostalgia, opening a new chapter in his powerful storytelling. Follow for more information on the Kickstarter through Instagram or visit his website https://www.hebrubrantley.com/.
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