I really do not know what made me think about writing this book. It probably was the fact that one of the major studios was releasing a new movie. The Black Panther. As a little kid, who read comic books and collected them as well. I had always imagined that one day my comic books would come alive. There would be Black super heroes and White Super heroes fighting together on the big screen. I guess that day has arrived. I am not taking anything away from BLADE with Wesley Snipes. However to me that was more of a Vampire kind of movie. I was thinking more along the lines of a super hero that saves the world. As opposed too a vampire thing. None the less. This book is more of a time line or reference points. Showing you as close as I can get too, the actual chronological history of when African/ Black person. First appear in modern comics. Plus I will examine the side-kick factor also. Oh one more thing. It was very hard to separate the racial issues that were prevalent throughout my research. Hopefully this will not take away, from what I am attempting to do. The portrayal of Blacks in comics will always be up for debate. The good, bad and the ugly. Me I am long past all the given stereotypes, basic bullshit and lies! The never ending racial divide. I appreciate the art and some of the great story lines. Do not get me wrong. I am an African American . I however do not hold any hate for the past. Why? because it is exactly that. The past. I think we should move forward. However do not forget the past. Just do not dwell on it! or in it! Let's move forward and set better standards and portrayal of all human beings. Regardless to race, creed, religion or color of ones skin. Something else that was very interesting, was that at any given time a comic book . Could easily make the crossover. To the big screen and in the good old days. It would probably be just a black and white T V. In this book I will not only look at super heroes. We will also take a look at the way blacks are portrayed period. Past the regular old stereotypes already attached to Black people. You know exactly what I am speaking about. The oversized and exaggerated features. Perception is very important. Especially in the minds of the young. Or someone that has no prior knowledge of a race, a culture or a people. Take for example Ebony White the stereotypical Negro side kick of The Spirit. Do you hate the character or are you happy just because there is a Black person in the comic. This will be an on going dilemma. In understanding the purpose of this book. I am here not judge anyone. What has happened in the past! has happened ! For that matter sometimes even today. This book is only attempting, to show you the chronological history of Blacks or people of color in comic books as well as comic strips. Sometimes newspaper prints. We will, to the best of my ability. Attempt to give you some type of road map, of how Blacks were seen and portrayed in these publications. At that time period in our history. You will notice that at some point in the book. I start to add my little editorial comments. Exactly how much of this abuse could I take. So in saying that bye bye. Have Fun !
About the Author: About the Author and Photographer Al W. Blue II. Coming from an African American and Seminole Indian heritage. Al has published MORE THAN 20 BOOKS. INCLUDING; African Americans on Album Covers, Race Records and the Poster's of the Era, Race Records and The African American Men who made them Famous, African Americans & Sheet Music Covers an Odd love Affair, Buffalo Soldiers, Indians and Black Cowboys, Book of Strange Medical Oddities, Gods and Goddess You might not know, Sleazy Magazine and Book Covers Volumes 1-3, Who Makes this Stuff Up?, Book of Strange Facts Volumes 1-3, Street Art volumes 1-3, African Americans on historical posters and Race records and the Women who made them Famous. Just to name a Few. Al's latest BOOK. STRANGE TORTURE AND KILLING DEVICES. IS THE AUTHOR'S 30TH BOOK. Born in Pompano Beach Florida and raised in Brooklyn New York. Al attended Pratt Institute and The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. AL was also the recipient of a youth grant for the Arts. From The Brooklyn Museum. His first book, Culture Shock was published by a small publishing company in 1981. He has worked on many film and video productions over the course of his life. Including: Stage Manager for both the National Black Arts Festival and The Montreux Jazz Festival. Working with Russell Simmons at the very beginning of Def Jam and Rush Management. AL was also briefly Involved with Vernon Reid and The Black Rock Coalition. Asked by his friend, Scott La Rock to be involved in the filming of his first major video. Al was the 1st AD for the acclaimed music video: My Philosophy. Directed By El Dezo. Al was also the Audio 2 for The Monique Show. Currently residing in Atlanta Georgia, Al still keeps a small apartment in New York City on the Lower Eastside. He also owns a small Film and Sound Production company. Director and Producer of two TV Shows. Rap Television and The Notorious M.I.C. T V Show. Short for Musicians International Collective. The show is still on the air and can be viewed on YouTube @ ALBLUEFILMS any day of the week. Al has lived abroad on several occasions, these trips Included: Paris, France, Spain, Germany, Morocco and many other parts of Africa. Currently working on several film scripts. Still traveling around the World and continually writing new books every year. YOU CAN VISIT BOOKS BY AL W.BLUE II ON FACEBOOK.