Black Comix: African American Independent Comics, Art and Culture [Hardcover]

Damian Duffy (Author), John Jennings (Author), Keith Knight (Introduction)

Book Description

Release date: July 27, 2010

The immense popularity of comics and graphic novels cannot be ignored. But in light of the comics boom that has taken place over the past 10 years, the artists, writers and publishers that make up the vibrant African American independent comics community have remained relatively unknown – until now. Black Comix brings together an unprecedented collection of largely unheard of, and undeniably masterful, comics art while also framing the work of these men and women in a broader historical and cultural context.

With a foreword by Keith Knight and over 50 contributors, including Phonzie Davis, Jan-Michael Franklin, Frances Liddell, Kenjji Marshall, Lance Tooks, Rob Stull, Ashley A. Woods and many, more, the cross section of comics genres represented includes manga, superheroes, humor, history, science fiction and fantasy. This book is a must-have for comics readers.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 176 pages
• Publisher: Mark Batty Publisher; 1 edition (July 27, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0984190651
• ISBN-13: 978-0984190652
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 0.9 x 9.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #634,289 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Black Comix: A Gem of Shear Awesomeness!!!!!! Get It Now!!!!! November 30, 2010

By N Steven Harris

Format:Hardcover

The book is awesome!! But first, in the spirit of full disclosure, my work is featured in the book. Now, having gotten that out of the way I can continue.
THE BOOK IS AWESOME!!! I mean a collection of artist of African descent that do comics!! WHAT?! I wish there was something like this when I was coming up as a young artist. Although I confess, I did have some pretty good teachers. There are people, young and old, that need to see that there quite a number of us doing this work we call comics, within the mainstream context and outside the mainstream. There men and women creating and giving voice to our stories. Stories we say we want to see, and stories we haven't thought of seeing or thought existed. John Jennings and Damian Duffy have put together a real treasure here. The ideas, the talent...it's all humbling and awe inspiring. Not only are there ground breaking artist such as Dawud Anyabwile (formally known as Dave Sims) creator of "Brother Man" and Kenji, creator of "Witch Doctor", but John and Damian feature an historian, Professor William Foster III who chronicles the history of black in comics on the page and off, and they feature convention organizers that are artist as well such Turtel Onli, founder of the Da Black Age of Comics convention in Chicago and dubbed father of the The Black Age of Comics, Yumi Odum, founder of ECBACC (East Coast Black Age of Comics Convention)in Philadelphia, PA, Alex Simmons,creator of the Black Jack franchise, and founder of the Kids Comic Con in The Bronx, New York, and Joseph Wheeler III and Iyabo Shabazz, dynamic husband and wife team and founders of Onyx Con in Atlanta,GA. Some of the dynamic artists/creators included in this masterpiece are Larry Stroman, Grey, Mshindo, Afua Richardson, Arie Munroe, Robert Garrett, Leilani Hickerson, Ashley Woods, Shawna Mills, Eric Battle, Charlie "Fab" Goubile, Stacey "Blackstar" Robinson and many more. Black Comix is not only for entertainment purposes, but it can used be used for networking as well. There are websites and names in the back of the book to follow up with any particular artist that one may want to work with on a given project. Yo! This book has animators too!! Check out Chuck Collins and Brian McGee. This book will amaze and inform you. Sleeping on Black Comix is like sleeping through a revolution.
SO DON"T SLEEP!!! At that price it's a steal!!

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great addition to your Comix library December 1, 2010

By OmarB

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

When you look inside be prepared to see some of the most diverse work in comics. From inside the industry to the very fringes many great artists with a passion for their craft are featured. The book is a solid starting point to finding out more about comics created from an African American perspective. I have two; one for reading and one for gawking at the beautiful cover that John Jennings and Damian Duffy have put together. A good table book it's at least 1.5" thick and well designed this book should make a great addition to the library of comics and art collectors alike.

4 of 6 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars magical April 1, 2011

By Clayton E. Mastin

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

This book is incredible. It touches on many different artists & gives u just enuff to want to go out & get their stuff. The book is oversized, which is ideal for showing off some of the bigger pictures. Gorgeous thru & thru.