Arts & Entertainment

NJ Native Explores Diversity Of Newark In His New Comic Book

"Nightmare In Newark" tells the story of a woman who plans to come out as a lesbian to her family – but is interrupted by an alien invasion.

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“Nightmare In Newark” by David Crownson and Brett Parson tells the story of a woman who plans to come out as a lesbian to her family – but is interrupted by an alien invasion.
“Nightmare In Newark” by David Crownson and Brett Parson tells the story of a woman who plans to come out as a lesbian to her family – but is interrupted by an alien invasion. (Photos: Image of David Crownson by Deneka Peniston, left; Image of cover art by Brett Parson, right)

NEWARK, NJ — Zoe Alvarez plans to come out as a lesbian to her conservative family at Thanksgiving dinner – but gets interrupted by an alien invasion. That’s the plot of David Crownson’s latest graphic novel, “Nightmare In Newark,” which taps into the rich diversity of the Brick City as its setting.

Crownson, a New Jersey native who hails from Hunterdon County, told Patch that he chose to set his comic in Newark because he feels it’s an underrepresented city in mass media.

“Newark is such a rich diverse city, with great restaurants and art culture,” Crownson enthused, adding that people can expect to see local landmarks such as Newark Penn Station, Tops Diner and others in the pages of his new comic book.

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Crownson is teaming up with artist Brett Parson on the project, best known for his work on multiple “Tank Girl” titles with original writer and co-creator Alan Martin. Parson has also worked with DC/Vertigo, Boom!, 2000 AD, Albatross Funny Books, Warner Bros. Animation, DreamWorks TV and Sony Music.

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Crownson has a record of success weaving representation and social commentary into his creative output. He’s the writer/creator of the best-selling comic “Harriet Tubman: Demon Slayer” – published by his company, Kingwood Comics – which is in development to become a Disney television series produced by Prentice Penny (HBO's “Insecure,” Netflix's “Uncorked”) and Sebastian Jones (Stranger Comics).

Now, Crownson is looking to bring the spotlight to the Brick City, a place that deserves much more exposure in mass media, he says.

“The only time I've seen Newark represented in media was ‘War Of Worlds’ in 2005,” he joked. “They only spend 15 minutes there … and the city gets destroyed!”

According to the project’s Kickstarter page, fans of the genre can expect to see the “irreverence, pacing and levity of ‘Friday’ meet the “high stakes and scares of ‘Cloverfield.’”

Those who enjoy helping out a small business can also find a reason to support the project. As the Kickstarter campaign says:

“Our biggest challenge as a small business is navigating a still ongoing global pandemic, especially with the cost of printing and shipping constantly increasing. Distribution channels are also narrowing, adding to the difficulties. If you're not a ‘Big Two’ comic (Marvel or DC) or a multi-million dollar franchise, it's nearly impossible to stay afloat. We can only succeed and thrive with your support!”

“Nightmare In Newark” is due for release on Thanksgiving 2022. Pre-order the 80-page first issue here.

AS SEEN IN NEWARK: ENTERTAINMENT ON THE RISE

There has been a new resurgence of interest from the entertainment industry in New Jersey’s largest city over the past few years.

Boosted by nearly $2 million in tax incentives from the state’s Film and Digital Media Tax Credit Program, Warner Brothers studios filmed several segments of the blockbuster comic book-inspired movie, “Joker,” in Newark in 2019.

The studio shot footage in the city, turning the downtown area into a seedy, 1980s-style Gotham City.

Newark issued only 15 film permits in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, as opposed to 57 permits in 2019. But filming rebounded big-time in 2021, with several well-known shows and movies choosing the city as a location, including "The Equalizer," "Law & Order" and "Wu-Tang: An American Saga."

The amount of filming taking place in Newark will only increase in late 2024, when a huge TV and movie studio is expected to be completed in the city. The new studio – done in partnership with Lionsgate – will create 600 jobs and produce more than $800 million of "annual economic impact," officials say.

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