www.ambiente.us AUGUST / AGOSTO 2008
ROBERT WALKER:
A Superhero in Ink
by Herb Sosa
As a self taught illustrator who has worked for both Marvel and DC, Robert Walker has inked his own
path in the Comics business. First launching his own company Digital Noixe Productions and a book
called Delete in 2004, Walker followed this huge undertaking and its success with the book O+Men
in May of 2007. His own chiseled physique, shaped by years of martial arts, resembles one of his
superheroes. His O+men resemble nothing the Comics world has ever seen.
O+Men features an array of HIV-positive
superheroes: Nightcry, a white gay guy
('an edgy Batman'); Burn, a lesbian; K-Oss,
a black bisexual jock; Precious ('a Paris
Hilton type'); Goth, a former drug user;
Agony, a black ballerina; Eros, a male
model; Slumber, a Dominican man ('a
Freddy Kruger type'); and Memory, an
Asian female punk rocker.
I originated from Jacksonville Florida and
came to New York as if called to the city
knowing that there was something more
for me here in New York that I could
accomplish rather than stay in Florida,
My Mom tells me I was drawing at a very
young age probably around 6 or 7 .
Cartoons and comics have always
seemed to be a part of my life for as long
as I could remember. There has always
been a connection to create images
that were larger than life, whether they
be human or alien, the idea of being
something more than what we are has
always fascinated me. Strength, power
and destruction and the ability to find a
medium in which all three can exist
seems to be an unending quest both in
the comic world and in real life.
HS: What advice do you have for a young LGBT person wanting to get into the publishing business?
RW: My Advice, If you have an undying hunger and passion for anything, just do it! My passion (The
publishing business ) is “A BUSINESS”. Keep that in mind, because you must have a full spectrum of
knowledge and understanding of what publishing is all about. It goes way beyond just the passion
and creative process. Make sure you create a circle of business partners you can trust and most of
all rely on to bring out the best in you. Always remember to have a plan “b” just in case case your
initial ideas don’t come to fruition. Finally, have fun, don’t loose focus as to what drives you to
create and inspire. Publishing is a canvas of expression and ideas. Don’t be afraid to expose yourself,
be vulnerable. Truth is often the most vivid color you can ever use to express yourself to others.
HS: How has, if at all, being African-American and/or Gay, played into your career?
RW: That’s a BIG question…to be honest I’d like to say it didn’t have any bearing on my ability to
create and do what I love doing, but in actuality the story lines I develop and the characters I
create come from a place in me that reflect the world and the perspectives of what I have seen
and have even become. Being an African American and being Gay are two very extreme situations.
From my experience being African American was really an issue in the comic book industry. The
comic book world have always been the "old boys network" in the major companies that I worked
for. I would always feel that African American artist or writers never really were as strongly pushed or
supported as others in the industry. Also, African American or minority characters were far and few in
between in the comic world. If a minority character was created he/she would never be in the
power status of Superman, Hulk, Thor or many other heavy hitters. Also, the gay issues in comics were
nonexistent till recently. Now gay is allover the place in comics, but a lot of times I think it's used as a
niche instead of really developing a character to really complex and really living a gay life. I
remember when HIV/AIDS were a huge issue in America/world, major comics in the industries were
really timid to touch on it. There were a few side characters that died from it in a few issues but really
didn't target the issues. I remember marvel tried to do a storyline that simulated HIV/ AIDS with a
virus called "the LEGAY" virus in the marvel universe. Only mutants would get this strain and die from
it. I thought this was a joke and a failed attempt and ridiculous way of trying to hit on the issue of
AIDS. I felt that it exploited the issue of HIV/AIDS to make a story rather than educated people
about HIV/AIDS awareness . Hence, the creation of DELETE and the O+MEN started to mentally
manifest through me to become a reality in the world.
HS: What does you mom say about O+ Men & your work today? Does she or other family members
read it? Their opinion?
RW: My mother and family have been such an important factor in my own artistic development both
creatively and spiritually. The idea that I could make a difference in this world came from the
support and love of my family. I feel the subject matter of my books are more important and
relevant to me. What makes them happy is that I am doing something that gives me a sense of
purpose and comes from a place true to myself. Drawing was always something they encouraged
and wanted me to do. I was always know as the “artist” in the family, I have to say, my artistic roots
stem from both my parents who had such an awareness to style, colors and creativity even music
and food. It was a part of them and it is very much a part of me and will always be something that
was passed on and I could never truly call my own.
The journey from the conception of the idea to today
The idea to create superheroes with HIV came to me after coming to terms with my own family
member death and watching so many people in my creative circle seem to disappear from this
devastating illness. It was in the late eighties when HIV/AIDS was uncompromising and seemed to
rise up in the world like a monster. I was very familiar with this sort of story line before, A monster with
no conscience, very much like so many of the comic books I have read and helped draw. But
somehow watching in the shadows as real life unfolded in front of me seemed so unconscious and
safe. I needed to do something, I needed to react and remind people of how to defeat the monster
of HIV/AIDS, of how not to fear it but more importantly to recognize it and come to terms with its
place amongst us. The realization of making the larger than life heroes of the comic book genre
succumb to HIV seemed so relevant and vital in showing the comic book audience that fiction can
imitate life and in actuality is already doing so. I wanted the pages of my books to cause awareness
by not only educating but connecting with an audience that sometimes thinks they too are
invincible
Are you an avid comic reader otherwise?
Yes, very much so...I like seeing the development of familiar characters and storylines being
transformed and shaped for a world that seems to always want more from their heroes. Besides
Hollywood 's take on what makes a good movie, its great to see the creators of both the new and
old superheroes find ways to keep the visual elements of a comic book fresh, vivid and alive for
each generation turning its pages. Not only do I read the comic books, I love watching the movies
and cartoons that are created, upgraded and integrated using animation from all over the world.
Tuning in on Saturday morning cartoons here in America is like watching a spectrum of creativity
from all corners of the world come together and interact all with the inevitable goal of making kids
go WOW!
What's your target audience?
Is this also an effort to spread awareness specifically amongst kids?
"What is my target audience?”… I'm asked that question quite often, and in actuality I cannot give
you a specific age number, but I’d rather say, whenever an individual is aware of his or her own
sexuality. Not that my books are solely based on sexual content but more importantly I think I try not
to stray from sex and sexuality and recognize it as a force to be reckoned with. Ideally, heroes
always save the day, but when the day is over and the heroes are faced with there own immortality,
how then do they react and thrive? As far as awareness amongst kids, I would like to think that I
could connect with kids of all ages, using comic books not only to entertain but also enlighten. It's an
extraordinary time to be alive, technology seems to be capable of doing almost anything its wants
to. But my vision would be to have my books shared round the world in places where technology
doesn't seem to matter as much as life itself.
HS: What about TV, the big screen or action figures? Any of this in your future?
RW: I would love to see my books made into movies. Yes! Push the education of tolerance and
HIV/AIDS awareness in the entertainment industry! I'm all for it! The storylines of superheroes saving
the day with super powers and arch enemies, have been told and retold, but why not tell the story in
a new way, to educate. Why not go deeper, put a new face on HIV/AIDS. Put a new twist that will
have the capacity to reach an audience that needs to be spoken to, educated, entertained and
saved all at the same time. My storylines may be darker and unfamiliar, but the light of awareness
they shine may last longer than any special Hollywood affect. It would take a special director to
dare himself, challenge him self to tell the story of my characters. The intricate layers they cope with
go far beyond the outside forces of just monsters and evil mutant villains. It’s that internal struggle
that need to be shown in a larger than life sort of way. The combination of de-constructing power
while building strength ties in so beautifully with the true meaning of just how fragile we really are
even though we sometimes feel invincible. Its a universal story that needs to be told for a new
world were numbers don’t lie and life is lost in the crossfire of the young who still seem to think they
are untouchable to something so unforgiving as HIV/AIDS. That’s why I created these books, that’s
my vision, to redefine what we know, the same way HIV/AIDS has done to sex. Eat your heart out
George Lucas!
Why superheroes as characters?
That’s and easy question, I chose superheroes as the characters because superheroes are invincible;
they are larger than life expressions of how we wish we could be and sometimes feel. I practice
martial arts, Kraa Maga, one of the things I love about its teachings is that things are not what they
appear to be. Anything can be used as a weapon. A battle isn't over until it’s over. Well for
Superheroes, I thought about de-constructing the whole concept of what heroes are made of, and
redefine them in a new world with new issues. I wasn't afraid to present superheroes with something
the world might not recognize as having HIV, but numbers don’t lie. Death and HIV/AIDS go hand
and hand when it comes to uneducated individuals that just weren't aware of the facts of this
disease. But like anything new and different, at first we may have to squint our eyes to see it, but
eventually we have the ability to open them and see the complete picture.
HS: Describe some of your characters and what makes each unique. Are any of them based on
people you know?
RW: NIGHTCRY is a character that has super human unstoppable powers that only surface within the
shadows of the night. He’s the leader of the OMEN. A gay man who once led an instant gratification
type lifestyle until HIV put the breaks on all of that and gave him a reality check like no other. HOT
(originally called Burn) Is an ex-stripper as well as being a lesbian. She is an extremely sexy sort of
type vixen who at one point in her life became infected through a dirty needle while battling her
own drug addictions. Now she has the ability to control and manipulate fire in all its strength and
forms. GOTH, A reckless sort of dark child, who did anything and everything and never cared about
the repercussions of his actions. He can’t even determine how he contracted his HIV status,
because he doesn't remember. What’s worse is he doesn't care. His powers are based on the fact
that he can never die. He can harness the characteristics of whatever has attempted to kill him, but
always be able to defy death. PRECIOUS; An agile superhuman force to be reckoned with, Her
strength is beyond comprehension yet she embellished such a low self esteem in so many ways that
the word ironic defines her existence. Once blinded by love, her first boyfriend infected her through
unprotected sex. She now lives in such denial she refuses to even mutter the word positive in her
own thoughts. AGONY; A battered woman who’s decent from grace was spawned from an abusive
husband who not only stole her voice but also her spirit. She’s an extraordinary premier dancer that
became infected due to her husband’s appetite for ramped, nameless sex. She now possesses the
powers to inflict the deepest sense of despair, pain and mind distorting manipulation. EROS: He is the
pretty boy of the Omen circle. His chance encounter with HIV came about while he was involved in
a long term relationship. It happened in a moment when luck had turned its back on him and a single
act of negligence turned into a lifetime of regret. His extraordinary good looks and sexual appeal
are the basis of his strength. He can utilize the power of attraction and reshape it into an extreme
channel of telekinetic energy. SLUMBER born with the misfortune of having HIV, yet despite this
infliction he managed to excel in the art of Krav Maga, a form of extreme martial arts and self
defense. His ability to manipulate the subconscious mind and transport himself into the dreams of his
victims allows him to transpose their thoughts into what he envisions they should be. MEMORY;
Fighting in bloody street brawl, this brash runaway teen was left with more than just bruises and scars.
In an instant her status had changed to positive and she now found herself up against a new enemy
with a 3 letter name HIV. Her powers to go back in time so as to influence the present are limited,
especially when it came to rewriting her own fate. K-OSS; The jock of the crew, a fine tuned athletic
specimen of a man that makes the girls come running, as well as a few of the boys (keep that bit of
information on the down low) Playing the field took on a whole new meaning at one time for this foot
ball star. Now the games changed, and automatically there’s an instant team disadvantage
whenever you playing against HIV. Amplified, heightened states of awareness are the foundation of
his powers. A chaotic onslaught of confusion and distortion involving all human senses combine
together to leave the enemy contorted and perplexed.
HS: Which, if any of the O+men, most closely resembles you personally? Why?
RW: Well, I would say the characters on the O+MEN resemble many different people from many
different backgrounds around the world or will. I would definitely say Nightcry, slumber, Hot, and Eros
have definite glimpses that remind me of my personality; but also Agony, GOTH, and K-OSS as well.
All of these characters derive from my imagination, but I also believe that this book was destined to
become a reality in the universe and it chose me to be the vessel to make that happen. So, for
some reason I guess the universe saw my being for this creation (O+MEN) to happen. Hence, Many of
the characters may resemble a lot of my personality as well as others out in the world. We all are
connected if we look deeply; so the O+MEN will resemble all people.
HIV/AIDS is that image that is hard to see at first, but like any disease, like any monster, it has its
weakness and strength, it can be conquered, it can be handled, it can be recognized by seeing it in
a way we might not have thought or seen before. My way is Superheroes and comic books. - Robert
Walker
HS: What about you personally. Are you involved? Does your partner get the comics business?
RW: I've been involved with my partner for a couple of years; He gives me so much love and support.
To be honest, he’s not as much a comic book fan as he is a cartoon fanatic. But he knows what my
vision is. He knows what I want to accomplish with my books. A lot of time goes into the creative
aspects of developing each book; He’s the right kind of energy to have around because he does
graphics arts on the side. So he’s very aware of the process of creativity. We try to catch all the
super hero genre movies, and he’s always the first one to say “You’re going to be up there
someday.” We got something special; mind, body & soul. After all is said and done, and the pages
are all drawn, and the ink has dried, it’s good to have somebody to turn to, to hold, and just be.
HS: What about the fame & notoriety that has come with your success? How do you and those
around you cope with it?
RW: Well, it’s been happening more and more, I've been
to so many different types of gatherings, on panels and
featured in all sorts of publication. People recognize
me but don’t quite remember my name as much as
they do my face and even my body. That’s alright
with me, The die hard comic book readers ask me
for my auto graph, which make me feels really
good, but also reminds me of how far I came from
once being that little kid that grew up in Jacksonville
Florida with a dream and a couple of Spider man comic
books. I am humbled by the whole experience thus far.
I've been told my books have made an impact in
peoples lives, People write to me regularly with
stories from there hearts, So many uplifting
ones so many not so wonderful ones. My
demographics are so broad and range
in all ages, I’m glad to be out here,
doing this, making a difference. It
matters more than words can ever
convey, again I am humbled by it all.
HS: Any books signing or events in
Miami ? We would love to see you
down here.
RW: Actually I plan to make it there
when the cold winter months come
here in the big apple. I will be
promoting the 1st issue of the
ongoing regular series of the
O+MEN in Dec. My Ideal signing
would be on the beach with a
straw hat, sunglasses and
lemonade in hand with fit bodies
enjoying the atmosphere. What
a way to spread HIV/AIDS
awareness huh?
HS: What is next for you? Any new projects you want to share with us?
RW: Yes there is. You'll find out soon enough.
WORD ASSOCIATION:
New York City – Gotham city
Jacksonville - home
Kraa Maga - power
HIV/AIDS – the arch enemy
Men – tangled complexities of flawed perfection
Ink - blood
Success – Awareness
Favorite item of clothing – my Gucci underwear
Favorite Food – king crab legs
I want to be remembered... – as making a difference
Copyright © AMBIENTE MAGAZINE. Do not reproduce without citing this source.
ROBERT WALKER:
A Superhero in Ink
by Herb Sosa
As a self taught illustrator who has worked for both Marvel and DC, Robert Walker has inked his own
path in the Comics business. First launching his own company Digital Noixe Productions and a book
called Delete in 2004, Walker followed this huge undertaking and its success with the book O+Men
in May of 2007. His own chiseled physique, shaped by years of martial arts, resembles one of his
superheroes. His O+men resemble nothing the Comics world has ever seen.
O+Men features an array of HIV-positive
superheroes: Nightcry, a white gay guy
('an edgy Batman'); Burn, a lesbian; K-Oss,
a black bisexual jock; Precious ('a Paris
Hilton type'); Goth, a former drug user;
Agony, a black ballerina; Eros, a male
model; Slumber, a Dominican man ('a
Freddy Kruger type'); and Memory, an
Asian female punk rocker.
I originated from Jacksonville Florida and
came to New York as if called to the city
knowing that there was something more
for me here in New York that I could
accomplish rather than stay in Florida,
My Mom tells me I was drawing at a very
young age probably around 6 or 7 .
Cartoons and comics have always
seemed to be a part of my life for as long
as I could remember. There has always
been a connection to create images
that were larger than life, whether they
be human or alien, the idea of being
something more than what we are has
always fascinated me. Strength, power
and destruction and the ability to find a
medium in which all three can exist
seems to be an unending quest both in
the comic world and in real life.
HS: What advice do you have for a young LGBT person wanting to get into the publishing business?
RW: My Advice, If you have an undying hunger and passion for anything, just do it! My passion (The
publishing business ) is “A BUSINESS”. Keep that in mind, because you must have a full spectrum of
knowledge and understanding of what publishing is all about. It goes way beyond just the passion
and creative process. Make sure you create a circle of business partners you can trust and most of
all rely on to bring out the best in you. Always remember to have a plan “b” just in case case your
initial ideas don’t come to fruition. Finally, have fun, don’t loose focus as to what drives you to
create and inspire. Publishing is a canvas of expression and ideas. Don’t be afraid to expose yourself,
be vulnerable. Truth is often the most vivid color you can ever use to express yourself to others.
HS: How has, if at all, being African-American and/or Gay, played into your career?
RW: That’s a BIG question…to be honest I’d like to say it didn’t have any bearing on my ability to
create and do what I love doing, but in actuality the story lines I develop and the characters I
create come from a place in me that reflect the world and the perspectives of what I have seen
and have even become. Being an African American and being Gay are two very extreme situations.
From my experience being African American was really an issue in the comic book industry. The
comic book world have always been the "old boys network" in the major companies that I worked
for. I would always feel that African American artist or writers never really were as strongly pushed or
supported as others in the industry. Also, African American or minority characters were far and few in
between in the comic world. If a minority character was created he/she would never be in the
power status of Superman, Hulk, Thor or many other heavy hitters. Also, the gay issues in comics were
nonexistent till recently. Now gay is allover the place in comics, but a lot of times I think it's used as a
niche instead of really developing a character to really complex and really living a gay life. I
remember when HIV/AIDS were a huge issue in America/world, major comics in the industries were
really timid to touch on it. There were a few side characters that died from it in a few issues but really
didn't target the issues. I remember marvel tried to do a storyline that simulated HIV/ AIDS with a
virus called "the LEGAY" virus in the marvel universe. Only mutants would get this strain and die from
it. I thought this was a joke and a failed attempt and ridiculous way of trying to hit on the issue of
AIDS. I felt that it exploited the issue of HIV/AIDS to make a story rather than educated people
about HIV/AIDS awareness . Hence, the creation of DELETE and the O+MEN started to mentally
manifest through me to become a reality in the world.
HS: What does you mom say about O+ Men & your work today? Does she or other family members
read it? Their opinion?
RW: My mother and family have been such an important factor in my own artistic development both
creatively and spiritually. The idea that I could make a difference in this world came from the
support and love of my family. I feel the subject matter of my books are more important and
relevant to me. What makes them happy is that I am doing something that gives me a sense of
purpose and comes from a place true to myself. Drawing was always something they encouraged
and wanted me to do. I was always know as the “artist” in the family, I have to say, my artistic roots
stem from both my parents who had such an awareness to style, colors and creativity even music
and food. It was a part of them and it is very much a part of me and will always be something that
was passed on and I could never truly call my own.
The journey from the conception of the idea to today
The idea to create superheroes with HIV came to me after coming to terms with my own family
member death and watching so many people in my creative circle seem to disappear from this
devastating illness. It was in the late eighties when HIV/AIDS was uncompromising and seemed to
rise up in the world like a monster. I was very familiar with this sort of story line before, A monster with
no conscience, very much like so many of the comic books I have read and helped draw. But
somehow watching in the shadows as real life unfolded in front of me seemed so unconscious and
safe. I needed to do something, I needed to react and remind people of how to defeat the monster
of HIV/AIDS, of how not to fear it but more importantly to recognize it and come to terms with its
place amongst us. The realization of making the larger than life heroes of the comic book genre
succumb to HIV seemed so relevant and vital in showing the comic book audience that fiction can
imitate life and in actuality is already doing so. I wanted the pages of my books to cause awareness
by not only educating but connecting with an audience that sometimes thinks they too are
invincible
Are you an avid comic reader otherwise?
Yes, very much so...I like seeing the development of familiar characters and storylines being
transformed and shaped for a world that seems to always want more from their heroes. Besides
Hollywood 's take on what makes a good movie, its great to see the creators of both the new and
old superheroes find ways to keep the visual elements of a comic book fresh, vivid and alive for
each generation turning its pages. Not only do I read the comic books, I love watching the movies
and cartoons that are created, upgraded and integrated using animation from all over the world.
Tuning in on Saturday morning cartoons here in America is like watching a spectrum of creativity
from all corners of the world come together and interact all with the inevitable goal of making kids
go WOW!
What's your target audience?
Is this also an effort to spread awareness specifically amongst kids?
"What is my target audience?”… I'm asked that question quite often, and in actuality I cannot give
you a specific age number, but I’d rather say, whenever an individual is aware of his or her own
sexuality. Not that my books are solely based on sexual content but more importantly I think I try not
to stray from sex and sexuality and recognize it as a force to be reckoned with. Ideally, heroes
always save the day, but when the day is over and the heroes are faced with there own immortality,
how then do they react and thrive? As far as awareness amongst kids, I would like to think that I
could connect with kids of all ages, using comic books not only to entertain but also enlighten. It's an
extraordinary time to be alive, technology seems to be capable of doing almost anything its wants
to. But my vision would be to have my books shared round the world in places where technology
doesn't seem to matter as much as life itself.
HS: What about TV, the big screen or action figures? Any of this in your future?
RW: I would love to see my books made into movies. Yes! Push the education of tolerance and
HIV/AIDS awareness in the entertainment industry! I'm all for it! The storylines of superheroes saving
the day with super powers and arch enemies, have been told and retold, but why not tell the story in
a new way, to educate. Why not go deeper, put a new face on HIV/AIDS. Put a new twist that will
have the capacity to reach an audience that needs to be spoken to, educated, entertained and
saved all at the same time. My storylines may be darker and unfamiliar, but the light of awareness
they shine may last longer than any special Hollywood affect. It would take a special director to
dare himself, challenge him self to tell the story of my characters. The intricate layers they cope with
go far beyond the outside forces of just monsters and evil mutant villains. It’s that internal struggle
that need to be shown in a larger than life sort of way. The combination of de-constructing power
while building strength ties in so beautifully with the true meaning of just how fragile we really are
even though we sometimes feel invincible. Its a universal story that needs to be told for a new
world were numbers don’t lie and life is lost in the crossfire of the young who still seem to think they
are untouchable to something so unforgiving as HIV/AIDS. That’s why I created these books, that’s
my vision, to redefine what we know, the same way HIV/AIDS has done to sex. Eat your heart out
George Lucas!
Why superheroes as characters?
That’s and easy question, I chose superheroes as the characters because superheroes are invincible;
they are larger than life expressions of how we wish we could be and sometimes feel. I practice
martial arts, Kraa Maga, one of the things I love about its teachings is that things are not what they
appear to be. Anything can be used as a weapon. A battle isn't over until it’s over. Well for
Superheroes, I thought about de-constructing the whole concept of what heroes are made of, and
redefine them in a new world with new issues. I wasn't afraid to present superheroes with something
the world might not recognize as having HIV, but numbers don’t lie. Death and HIV/AIDS go hand
and hand when it comes to uneducated individuals that just weren't aware of the facts of this
disease. But like anything new and different, at first we may have to squint our eyes to see it, but
eventually we have the ability to open them and see the complete picture.
HS: Describe some of your characters and what makes each unique. Are any of them based on
people you know?
RW: NIGHTCRY is a character that has super human unstoppable powers that only surface within the
shadows of the night. He’s the leader of the OMEN. A gay man who once led an instant gratification
type lifestyle until HIV put the breaks on all of that and gave him a reality check like no other. HOT
(originally called Burn) Is an ex-stripper as well as being a lesbian. She is an extremely sexy sort of
type vixen who at one point in her life became infected through a dirty needle while battling her
own drug addictions. Now she has the ability to control and manipulate fire in all its strength and
forms. GOTH, A reckless sort of dark child, who did anything and everything and never cared about
the repercussions of his actions. He can’t even determine how he contracted his HIV status,
because he doesn't remember. What’s worse is he doesn't care. His powers are based on the fact
that he can never die. He can harness the characteristics of whatever has attempted to kill him, but
always be able to defy death. PRECIOUS; An agile superhuman force to be reckoned with, Her
strength is beyond comprehension yet she embellished such a low self esteem in so many ways that
the word ironic defines her existence. Once blinded by love, her first boyfriend infected her through
unprotected sex. She now lives in such denial she refuses to even mutter the word positive in her
own thoughts. AGONY; A battered woman who’s decent from grace was spawned from an abusive
husband who not only stole her voice but also her spirit. She’s an extraordinary premier dancer that
became infected due to her husband’s appetite for ramped, nameless sex. She now possesses the
powers to inflict the deepest sense of despair, pain and mind distorting manipulation. EROS: He is the
pretty boy of the Omen circle. His chance encounter with HIV came about while he was involved in
a long term relationship. It happened in a moment when luck had turned its back on him and a single
act of negligence turned into a lifetime of regret. His extraordinary good looks and sexual appeal
are the basis of his strength. He can utilize the power of attraction and reshape it into an extreme
channel of telekinetic energy. SLUMBER born with the misfortune of having HIV, yet despite this
infliction he managed to excel in the art of Krav Maga, a form of extreme martial arts and self
defense. His ability to manipulate the subconscious mind and transport himself into the dreams of his
victims allows him to transpose their thoughts into what he envisions they should be. MEMORY;
Fighting in bloody street brawl, this brash runaway teen was left with more than just bruises and scars.
In an instant her status had changed to positive and she now found herself up against a new enemy
with a 3 letter name HIV. Her powers to go back in time so as to influence the present are limited,
especially when it came to rewriting her own fate. K-OSS; The jock of the crew, a fine tuned athletic
specimen of a man that makes the girls come running, as well as a few of the boys (keep that bit of
information on the down low) Playing the field took on a whole new meaning at one time for this foot
ball star. Now the games changed, and automatically there’s an instant team disadvantage
whenever you playing against HIV. Amplified, heightened states of awareness are the foundation of
his powers. A chaotic onslaught of confusion and distortion involving all human senses combine
together to leave the enemy contorted and perplexed.
HS: Which, if any of the O+men, most closely resembles you personally? Why?
RW: Well, I would say the characters on the O+MEN resemble many different people from many
different backgrounds around the world or will. I would definitely say Nightcry, slumber, Hot, and Eros
have definite glimpses that remind me of my personality; but also Agony, GOTH, and K-OSS as well.
All of these characters derive from my imagination, but I also believe that this book was destined to
become a reality in the universe and it chose me to be the vessel to make that happen. So, for
some reason I guess the universe saw my being for this creation (O+MEN) to happen. Hence, Many of
the characters may resemble a lot of my personality as well as others out in the world. We all are
connected if we look deeply; so the O+MEN will resemble all people.
HIV/AIDS is that image that is hard to see at first, but like any disease, like any monster, it has its
weakness and strength, it can be conquered, it can be handled, it can be recognized by seeing it in
a way we might not have thought or seen before. My way is Superheroes and comic books. - Robert
Walker
HS: What about you personally. Are you involved? Does your partner get the comics business?
RW: I've been involved with my partner for a couple of years; He gives me so much love and support.
To be honest, he’s not as much a comic book fan as he is a cartoon fanatic. But he knows what my
vision is. He knows what I want to accomplish with my books. A lot of time goes into the creative
aspects of developing each book; He’s the right kind of energy to have around because he does
graphics arts on the side. So he’s very aware of the process of creativity. We try to catch all the
super hero genre movies, and he’s always the first one to say “You’re going to be up there
someday.” We got something special; mind, body & soul. After all is said and done, and the pages
are all drawn, and the ink has dried, it’s good to have somebody to turn to, to hold, and just be.
HS: What about the fame & notoriety that has come with your success? How do you and those
around you cope with it?
RW: Well, it’s been happening more and more, I've been
to so many different types of gatherings, on panels and
featured in all sorts of publication. People recognize
me but don’t quite remember my name as much as
they do my face and even my body. That’s alright
with me, The die hard comic book readers ask me
for my auto graph, which make me feels really
good, but also reminds me of how far I came from
once being that little kid that grew up in Jacksonville
Florida with a dream and a couple of Spider man comic
books. I am humbled by the whole experience thus far.
I've been told my books have made an impact in
peoples lives, People write to me regularly with
stories from there hearts, So many uplifting
ones so many not so wonderful ones. My
demographics are so broad and range
in all ages, I’m glad to be out here,
doing this, making a difference. It
matters more than words can ever
convey, again I am humbled by it all.
HS: Any books signing or events in
Miami ? We would love to see you
down here.
RW: Actually I plan to make it there
when the cold winter months come
here in the big apple. I will be
promoting the 1st issue of the
ongoing regular series of the
O+MEN in Dec. My Ideal signing
would be on the beach with a
straw hat, sunglasses and
lemonade in hand with fit bodies
enjoying the atmosphere. What
a way to spread HIV/AIDS
awareness huh?
HS: What is next for you? Any new projects you want to share with us?
RW: Yes there is. You'll find out soon enough.
WORD ASSOCIATION:
New York City – Gotham city
Jacksonville - home
Kraa Maga - power
HIV/AIDS – the arch enemy
Men – tangled complexities of flawed perfection
Ink - blood
Success – Awareness
Favorite item of clothing – my Gucci underwear
Favorite Food – king crab legs
I want to be remembered... – as making a difference
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