comic books, Karina Manashil, Kid Cudi, Kyle Higgins, Marco Locati, Moon Man, New York City, New York Comic Con, NYCC, ReedPOP, Scott Mescudi
October 18, 2024
by Carla Hay
Rapper/actor/multimedia artist Scott Mescudi, also known as Kid Cudi, has added another title to his long list of talents: comic book creator. On October 17, 2024, Kid Cudi returned to New York Comic Con (at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City) to promote his “Moon Man” comic book series, which debuted on Image Comics on January 31, 2024. He was at New York Comic Con in 2023 for a panel Q&A that gave a sneak preview of the “Moon Man” comic book series.
“Moon Man” which is based on Kid Cudi’s concepts, is about an astronaut/former fighter pilot named Ramon Townsend, who develops superpowers after an outer space accident where he saved people and became a hero. Kid Cudi appeared on the New York Comic Con 2024 panel with “Moon Man” artist Marco Locati (making his first appearance at any comic book convention) and two of his “Moon Man” business partners: Mad Solar president Karina Manashil (who moderated the panel) and Black Market Narrative founder Kyle Higgins. The panel included a sneak preview of the cover art for “Moon Man” Issue No. 7.
Kid Cudi commented on being a comic book creator: “It’s kind of crazy. With any new thing, you never really know how it’s going to pan out, especially when you’re trying a whole new career. Just seeing the response … has been incredible.”
He admitted that before he made his appearance at New York Comic Con 2023 to introduce “Moon Man,” he wasn’t sure what the audience reaction would be. “I didn’t know what I was walking into,” Kid Cudi said. “I just want to thank you guys for all the love and support. This is really a passion project. Thank you so much for being here.”
Higgins wouldn’t reveal too many details about where the “Moon Man” storyline is headed. He commented: “Without spoiling Issue 5 coming up, there are some things that happen, based on the choices that Ramon makes in the story, for his family, for his own beliefs, and for what he thinks or what comes to realize what he represents for the world with these abilities that are still growing and evolving. And that sparks change. But now, the world is going to react. We’re going to explore that in the next arc.”
Kid Cudi had this to say when asked how “Moon Man” inspires his new music: “How I decide the songs is I try to find a pocket of past energy … It’s very laid-back. There’s no pressure … I’m taking my time between songs. I love to be able to bring the essence of the Moon Man shit that’s in the music to life that’s in this comic.”
Kid Cudi also said he’s been going through old recordings that were never released and mentioned that he has “hundreds of beats” that he recorded during the sessions for his 2013 album “Indicud” that he says might see the light of day on a new album or might inspire “Moon Man” music.