Woody McClain Enters the Comic Book Universe with The Brotherhood — A Bold New Chapter in Black Storytelling

Actor Woody McClain is stepping into the world of comics—and he’s doing it with purpose, passion, and power.

Best known for his standout performances in Power Book II: Ghost and The New Edition Story, McClain is expanding his creative reach beyond the screen. In 2023, he signed a publishing deal with the Black-owned imprint Godhood Comics for his original series The Brotherhood, according to Black Enterprise (2023). The new project, co-written with rising DC Comics Milestone Initiative writer Dorado Quick, brings to life a dynamic story of brotherhood, legacy, and empowerment.

McClain, who has built a reputation for embodying complex and charismatic characters, says this venture is deeply personal.

“I’m excited to work with Godhood Comics and bring The Brotherhood to life,” McClain shared in a statement. “It’s an honor to create something that showcases the strength and resilience of the Black community. I can’t wait for readers to see what we have in store.”

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A Story Rooted in Brotherhood and Purpose

At its core, The Brotherhood follows a young man who accidentally discovers a secret organization of Black men that has, for generations, protected and uplifted their communities from the shadows. The series blends espionage, heritage, and heroism—described as “The Kingsman meets James Bond,” according to Variety (2024). The creators promise a cinematic narrative filled with action, depth, and social resonance.

But The Brotherhood is more than a spy thriller—it’s a reimagining of what heroism looks like through a distinctly Black lens. As Forbes notes, the project arrives at a time when more creators are reclaiming ownership of their stories in comics and beyond, following the success of initiatives like DC’s Milestone Media and Image Comics’ creator-owned model (Forbes, 2024).

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The Powerhouse Team Behind the Pages

Joining McClain and Quick on this groundbreaking series is Nicholas Maye, producer of the Oscar-winning short film Two Distant Strangers (2021), who will serve as editor. The collaboration also includes Tyler F. Martin, the visionary founder and publisher of Godhood Comics, known for championing independent Black voices in speculative fiction and Afrofuturism.

“Partnering with Woody is an incredible honor,” Martin told The Hollywood Reporter (2024). “Given his star power, he could have easily taken this concept to a major publisher. But his decision to collaborate with a Black-owned studio speaks volumes about his dedication to authentic storytelling and uplifting Black creatives. We’re creating something timeless.”

The series’ artwork will be handled by Illustrabox Studio, known for its bold visual storytelling and kinetic energy. Martin emphasized that the goal is not just to produce a comic, but to deliver a world readers can fully immerse themselves in—both visually and emotionally.

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A Personal Tribute to Family and Legacy

McClain, a proud graduate of Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University (FAMU), has long credited his family and HBCU background for shaping his drive and discipline. On social media, he revealed that The Brotherhood was inspired by the men in his family—particularly his grandfather and uncle.

“I created an action comic in honor of my grandpa and my uncle,” he wrote. “These men taught me to wait on no one and get it done. I’m counting down the days until the release of The Brotherhood—I just hope I made y’all proud.”

According to Collider (2024), McClain’s decision to move into comic book storytelling represents a growing trend among actors seeking creative ownership in expanding media landscapes. Like Donald Glover, Issa Rae, and John Boyega, McClain is using his platform to elevate narratives that have historically been underrepresented.

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Uplifting Black Narratives Across Mediums

For McClain, this project isn’t just a career move—it’s a mission. Through The Brotherhood, he’s creating space for multidimensional portrayals of Black masculinity, unity, and power. “This comic is about more than action,” McClain said. “It’s about responsibility, community, and legacy.”

As Essence observed, Godhood Comics’ partnership with McClain is “a significant cultural moment for Black-owned publishing,” marking a shift toward creator-led storytelling in genres traditionally dominated by mainstream corporations (Essence, 2025).

While the official release date for The Brotherhood has yet to be announced, early concept art and teaser imagery have already generated excitement across fan communities. The first issue is expected to feature limited-edition variant covers and digital releases via Godhood’s platform, making it accessible to global audiences.

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A New Hero’s Era

Woody McClain’s leap into comics is more than an expansion of his artistry—it’s an act of empowerment. By bringing The Brotherhood to life, he’s ensuring that Black stories, creators, and heroes stand at the center of popular culture’s next evolution.

As The Hollywood Reporter summarized, “McClain isn’t just telling a story—he’s building a world where representation and imagination coexist in equal measure” (THR, 2024).

With this bold new venture, Woody McClain proves that heroes aren’t confined to screens or pages—they’re forged in communities, inspired by family, and driven by purpose.

And for McClain, The Brotherhood is only the beginning.