The Caribbean Writer has recognized the work of graphic novelist Devon Pelle, who recently published his first book, “The Mortal Pulse – The New Humans,” under the pen name GuzBez, the University of the Virgin Islands announced.
The book follows a new generation of humans with powerful mental abilities who struggle without proper guidance, leading to disruptions in society. The story takes a turn when a mute boy from the U.S. Virgin Islands with telepathic powers forms an intense friendship in a girl’s dream, leading to a real-world encounter that reveals unexpected truths, according to the press release.
Pelle, a second-year English and Fine Arts student at the University of the Virgin Islands, said he was inspired to create the book by a desire to see stories he wished existed, the press release stated.
“Before the start of the pandemic, I’d watch a daily comic book podcast called “Cartoonist Kayfabe,” hosted by two comic book writers and artists from Pennsylvania,” Pelle said. “I remember one of the hosts mentioning that what drives him creatively is to create comics that he’d love to read but didn’t exist yet. “The Mortal Pulse” is that comic for me.”
He acknowledged that bringing his vision to life took time and effort. “Truthfully, I had early drafts of the characters drawn up but no idea of what to do with them,” he said. “I had read Wilmar Shiras’ “Children of the Atom,” and I wanted to explore some of the themes of gifted children who needed guidance and a sense of belonging at the risk of going astray. “The Mortal Pulse” starts with a character who has ‘found family,’ but who might not have the best influence on her.”
Pelle highlighted the importance of representing Virgin Islands heritage in his work, particularly on the book’s cover. “It was important to me to have the main characters, both Black Caribbean teens, depicted in full color on the cover,” he said. “I wanted no ambiguity, no denying who they were and where they were from.”
Even with a full class schedule and work commitments, Pelle remains dedicated to his craft. “Drawing has always been therapeutic for me. I think it’s what helps me get through those tough times,” he said. “My biggest push is how overactive my imagination can be. I’m constantly hounded by an idea or thought until I can get it down on paper, and that helps me turn my daydreaming into something productive.”
His artistic influences include webcomics, Japanese manga, and a variety of renowned creators. “Katsuhiro Otomo of “AKIRA” is a big influence as well as Hirohiko Araki of “JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure,” Pelle said. “There’s a certain playful ‘attitude’ that I loved seeing in Araki’s work and also Hugo Pratt’s “Corto Maltese” that I try to incorporate into my drawings.” He also cited Stan Sakai (“Usagi Yojimbo”), Dwayne McDuffie and Jean Paul Leon (“Static”), Kazuki Takahashi (“Yu-Gi-Oh!”), Oshimi Shuzo (“Aku no Hana”) and Barry Windsor-Smith (“Conan the Barbarian”).
Pelle credited his high school teacher, John Obafemi Jones, with helping him develop his artistic voice. “From the get-go, he identified my key strengths and always encouraged me to lean into them. I think whatever sense of individuality my style brings is almost completely thanks to that,” Pelle said.
The story of “The Mortal Pulse” is far from over. Pelle has already sketched out thumbnails and penciled the first page of the next installment. Beyond continuing the series, he hopes to teach others how to create comics. “I want to be able to read more Virgin Islands comics and write another comic for younger readers to enjoy,” he said.
The Caribbean Writer Editor Alscess Lewis Brown praised Pelle’s debut work. “Pelle’s compelling illustrative storytelling exposes not only the nature of our flawed humanity but also the redemptive themes that propel us forward,” Brown said. “We are always delighted to recognize up-and-coming writers. It is encouraging to welcome fresh voices, which to us is a sign of steady advancement toward improving literacy and literature, not only within the Virgin Islands but across the Caribbean region.”
The Caribbean Writer is published by the University of the Virgin Islands under the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences. For more information, visit www.thecaribbeanwriter.org.
