Davien “Supa Davie” Watkins believes in heroes. In fact, he believes in more than “just” heroes, he believes in Superheroes. Not just one to just believe, Watkins has taken the next step, and created his own group of new-age, modern-day superheroes. He feels that his characters, Superhero Enterprises represent the new symbol of the contemporary youth culture here in America. According to Watkins, his company “…takes you back to a period in our history when, ‘Do the Right Thing’ was the principal theme.” Intent on telling stories with substance he went on to say that his company operates as a character-based business, publishing and merchandising various consumer products from its library of proprietary characters.
Watkins is a driven young man who not only loves comics, but has a strong affinity to music, and has a real desire to make a difference. To this end he is endeavoring to produce a product with a universal message that will reach today’s youth market. He believes that his iconic illustrations coupled with a rap-related narrative, and targeted for the streets is just what this market needs. It is his intent to stay rooted in the fundamentals of comicbook storytelling while drawing upon inspiration from the same street culture of underground hip hop clubs, recording studios, skateboard parks, concerts, and record stores that earned them their reputations as trendsetters in the entertainment business more than a decade ago.
“It’s the landscape that changes people,” Watkins explained, “We see celebrities all the time in LA, and shows like entourage that give then a real connection and attachment to this stuff.” He feels that music is a universal language and has chosen that to help get his message across. “The word music comes from the Greek term muse and now the mythology of comics has got a music superhero and music affects people.” Watkins explained that he was always something of a collector of trading cards and comics, but it was when he worked in the music business that he was really inspired by the likes of Menace to Society, Dr. Dre, Wu-Tang Clan, Jay-Z, and others.
A fan of DC Comic’s Green lantern and his ability to manipulate his power ring with the force of his will, Watkins has developed a team of his own unique characters, lead by Notes who is the company’s flagship character. It is Watkins intent to create interest in his characters, build an audience, go on line as social marketing through Facebook, twitter, and their own website. He introduced story content Oct 31 at the Long Beach Comic in LA
Right now he is focusing on digital distribution, with the intention of later going to a traditional/print distribution paradigm; producing a graphic novel for book stores and comic shops. “I want to bring in a new generation; bring in new kids to a modern day superhero,” Watkins told us. “The challenge is to make adult comic book fans happy while trying to build new generation. That’s what makes superhero fun, and makes me feel like a 15 year old.”
In the mean time, Watkins is busy cross-promoting his characters via the internet, through his music connections, and, well, pretty much wherever he goes — he is even talking with movie and licensing opportunities. In this fashion he is not only building good will, but getting his characters out there in such a way that he is building a positive energy flow with them so that when he is ready to unleash them onto the public, the public will be eagerly anticipating them. Currently there is a story online, with the promise of more to come. “I’m really excited about getting story out there,” Watkins says, “This part will be the most fun.”
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