Some superhero stories give you powers. Others give you heart. The Affinity Theory gives you both—and then dares to go deeper.
Created by writer and worldbuilder Eddie Dee Williams, The Affinity Theory introduces readers to a sprawling, high-stakes universe where supernatural abilities aren’t rare—they’re regulated. In this world, having powers doesn’t automatically make you special. What matters is what you choose to do with them. That central question sets the tone for the saga, as a group known as the Elite Defenders is formed to protect Uri City from those who abuse their gifts.
But this isn’t your typical save-the-city comic narrative. This is an adult superhero epic grounded in love, trauma, power, and Black emotional truth. The defenders in Williams’ world don’t just fight villains—they fight for their humanity, their identity, and their relationships. And at the center of the storm is a woman named Symone Watson.
Symone, code-named Starburst, is a commanding, intuitive leader with abilities that dazzle, but it’s her vulnerability and emotional complexity that truly shine. As she leads the charge in a world shaped by war, politics, and betrayal, readers are pulled into her internal battles—ones about love, loyalty, legacy, and what it means to carry power while still wanting softness. She’s surrounded by other deeply layered women—like Stephanie, Enchantra, and Director Mallack—who navigate power structures, impossible choices, and timelines that refuse to stay linear.
This is where The Affinity Theory separates itself. It’s not just about superpowers. It’s about the interior lives of the people who hold them. And for Black women, especially, it’s a welcome departure from stories where they’re often sidelined or flattened. Williams leans into the messiness, the magic, and the emotional stakes of his characters’ lives. His saga spans not only action-packed battles and secret missions, but also relationships that are intimate, complicated, and full of soul.
In a conversation with Urban Magazine, Eddie Dee Williams opened up about his inspirations, the importance of centering Black women in superhero narratives, and why The Affinity Theory is the grown, romantic, emotionally rich saga the culture’s been waiting for.
“I’ve been privileged over the years to sit with amazing women—individually and collectively—and listen to their stories of complexity, vulnerability, and danger,” he said. “I took that to heart and ensured that all my characters, especially the women, have immense depth, so that a reader can identify with the characters they see.”
Symone Watson, he explained, is a fusion of his wife, his mother, his daughters, and the women who helped shape his world. “Symone’s strength, tenacity, passion, wit, compassion, and drive are a representation of the strong women in our lives who go out day after day and make magic happen.”
But the emotional heartbeat of The Affinity Theory isn’t just in its lead. It pulses through every connection—especially the romance arcs that thread through the story. Williams was intentional about their placement.
“The romance arcs are not just random acts sprinkled in the plot,” he said. “They are vital components of the saga, intricately woven into the fabric of the narrative so that the readers not only care about the heroics, but also about the power of love, connection, and family.”
One of those love stories—between Symone and her co-lead, Malcolm—is both fiery and profound. “Their relationship is the answer to this question: what would you do if you met your match, your prototype—and there was nothing standing in your way?” he shared. “Symone wants someone who can give her the fight of her life. Malcolm wants someone inspiring. Together, they’re electric.”
The world of Uri City is also a mirror to the real one. Though powers are common in Williams’ universe, they come with consequences. Being gifted doesn’t protect you from discrimination—it can make you a target. “Being a gifted Black person, we deal with that every single day,” he said. “Our brilliance will be celebrated by some and denigrated by others, oftentimes for reasons unrelated to the brilliance itself.”
Williams doesn’t shy away from these parallels. He leans in. “I wanted this team to be an eclectic, cohesive group of individuals who care about each other’s well-being, not just the powers they possess,” he said. “When you read these characters, I want you to see yourself. I want you to feel at home.”
And that feeling—of being seen, represented, and emotionally held—is what he hopes women readers carry with them long after the last page.
“I want every young woman who picks up Echoes and its predecessor to know that she can be a badass and live in her soft era,” Williams said. “She is powerful in her own right and as a part of a whole. I want her to say, ‘That’s me.’ I want her to feel seen. And I want her to know that no one can silence her or take her power away.”
For those tired of recycled superhero tropes and starved for stories that honor both strength and softness, The Affinity Theory is the beginning of something rare. A saga where Black women are centered, love is layered, and powers aren’t just about fighting—but feeling.
Ready to dive in?
The Affinity Theory and its follow-up, Echoes, are available now—and trust, this saga is just getting started. If you’re craving a story where Black women love hard, lead fiercely, and fight through timelines with layers of loyalty and longing, this is the universe you’ve been waiting for.
Grab your copy on Amazon or Barnes & Noble and get lost in Uri City, where every choice is a turning point—and every woman is written like the main character.
Andrea Harris-Walker
Andrea Harris-Walker is the publisher and editor-in-chief of Bacon Magazine, a publication dedicated to exploring culture, food, and storytelling through a fresh and insightful lens. With a passion for journalism and a commitment to amplifying diverse voices, she curates compelling content that celebrates community, creativity, and culinary heritage. Under her leadership, Bacon Magazine has become a platform for meaningful conversations that bridge tradition and modern perspectives.
