Coming Together for Brotherman and Batman

Laylaa Randera, Manager of Community Projects, celebrates the opening of The Artist’s Experience: From Brotherman to Batman (on view at Phillips@THEARC through July 24).

If you’re a fan of comics, superheroes, or just incredible storytelling, you must visit Phillips@THEARC—what a lineup of talent we have in this exhibition! A huge thank you to Shawn Martinbrough for putting together this exhibition. What began as a conversation at a Creative Seedlings event, when Shawn was a guest speaker, has transformed into The Artist’s Experience: From Brotherman to Batman—a showcase of 20 Black sequential artists who’ve shaped the comic book universe as we know it.

Let’s be real—comics are more than just capes and catchphrases. They’re about storytelling, identity, representation, and pushing boundaries. Whether it’s Dawud’s Brotherman breaking ground as the first Black independently published comic or Denys Cowan putting his legendary touch on Batman, every artist here brings something unique to the table. Just like Peter Parker learned, “With great power comes great responsibility”—and these artists are using their power to inspire, uplift, and shake things up.

These last few weeks and months haven’t been easy in this reality we call now, especially here in Washington, DC. But if comics teach us anything, it’s that real superpowers aren’t just about flying or shooting webs. Our true powers—everyday powers like kindness, compassion, care, courage, and love—are what help us push through. When times get tough, it’s these everyday acts that keep us going. And our greatest power? Coming together. When we unite to uplift each other, to share light and joy, we become an unstoppable force—stronger than any other.

So take your time, soak in the work, and maybe even discover your next favorite superhero—or at least your next favorite artist. Join one of our many workshops led by an incredible array of artists or the artist talk with Shawn and David Betancourt to channel your creativity and build community. And remember, in the words of Batman: “It’s not who you are underneath, but what you do that defines you.” So let’s keep showing up, creating, and building something great together.