We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Derek “Lonzo Starr” Allen. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Derek “Lonzo Starr” below.
Derek “Lonzo Starr”, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
Konkret Comics is a 2x Glyph Award Winning Publishing Company launched in 2019 by creator and writer Derek ‘Lonzo Starr’ Allen. Konkret Comics is a collective of artists, creators, and writers with a passion to create stories through a diverse lens that appeals to all audiences of all ages. There is a lack of diversity in the comic book industry and Konkret Comics plans to fill that void. We strive to break boundaries and stereotypes, giving a voice to creators from diverse backgrounds and telling our own stories. Growing up I failed to see myself reflected in my favorite stories. I never knew how many people felt the same way that I did until the movie Black Panther came out and sparked the conversation of representation to its highest level. Our mission is to not only continue that conversation but to solve the equation. We are the answer to representation.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My name is Derek Allen, I am the Founder and CEO of 2X Glyph Award Winning Publishing Company, Konkret Comics. Konkret was launched in 2019 and has been making waves in media spaces across the United States and around the world.
Ever since I was a child I always had a passion for creative writing. Growing up in the early 90’s, “The Uncanny X-men” had a huge influence on me. I was intrigued by the various superheroes and villains who all had different powers and abilities. These inspirations along with my love for astronomy, caused my imagination to run wild. Fueling me to create my own Earth-based cosmic hero named Akolyte
Konkret Comics specializes in creative writing in various mediums with an emphasis in comic book and blog writing on a variety of topics. Within the comic book world we specialize in the areas of adventure, horror, sci-fi, and traditional superhero storytelling. Services include script writing, line art, coloring, lettering, story editing, world building, consulting, and distribution.
As publisher of Konkret Comics, I cover all business areas with the company which includes overseeing advertising, marketing, creative direction, sales, as well as managing 10+ creators, writers, artists, and partnerships.
What sets Konkret Comics apart from other companies in this industry is our dedication to our fans and our attention to details. We listen to what our supporters say, we meet the demand head on. We are unapologetically us. The stories we tell are from the heart and always with the purpose to inspire and encourage young and old writers that this could be you. You can make your dreams come true. All it takes is the belief that you can do it.
One of my proudest moments is being nominated for over 14 Glyph Awards and winning 2 awards. That was an extremely humbling experience and I am grateful everyday.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
One of the lesson’s I had to unlearn that you do not need everyone’s approval. When I first started in this industry, I was told on many occasions that what we were doing was wrong. The way we promoted and marketed was wrong. My characters design was wrong. If I would have listened to these critiques, I may not be here today. Everything I did is the reason I am here. The very identity of myself and Konkret Comics is what most didn’t understand. They didn’t see the vision, but luckily I did.
How did you build your audience on social media?
We have always been very vocally on social media and many other platforms. During the Covid era, (2020) we were able to reach a lot of people that we wouldn’t normally be able to contact. Everyone was at home, sitting on their phones and looking for something to do. By going live and doing random giveaways, we created a loyal fanbase that still grows till this day.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.konkretcomics.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/konkretcomics
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/konkretcomics
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.comkonkretcomics
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/konkretcomics
- Youtube: www.youtube.com.c/konkretcomics
- Other: www.linktree.com/konkretcomics