Monday, August 31, 2009

Black Superheroes On the Web

Black Superhero stories from around the web:

Re: The Black Panel at Comic-Con International

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

N-Word? PLEASE!

Use of a racial insult in
Comic Books

This is fair warning. As a famous oversized rapper once said, “it’s about to get ugly.”

It’s 2009 and the controversy lives on – the proper or improper use of a certain word. Who will be “allowed” to use the N-word and who won’t? The simplistic argument usually goes like this –“Why is it okay for Black rappers and comedians to use the N-Word and not okay for White people to say it?” “C’mon, it’s just a word. What difference does it make?”

But let’s be real. Everyone, even the densest of commentators suspects why the word is not for use in polite conversation. It has a complex history and despite all attempts to change it from an incredible ugly insult to a common everyday descriptive has failed. The word is a nexus for a number of sensitive issues – censorship, American history, power, and much more. It embodies issues that many Americans don’t ever want to think about, let alone talk over or deal with.

Well, if we can’t use it in conversation, how about the appearance of the N-word in comic books? Surely there couldn’t be a problem with the use of racial pejoratives in this fun filled, happy medium? Well, not exactly.
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Thursday, August 20, 2009

Maggott

Maggot (real name Japheth) was one of the X-Men I never got. He's South African and his mutant power is the fact that his digestive system leaves his body in the form of a couple of slugs (hence the name), to consume food. These slugs can apparently eat anything and after feeding they return to his body and provide him with nourishment and some added strength and agility. He actually has to do this to survive because it's the only way he can digest food. Oh yeah, when his strength and agility is enhanced he turns blue.
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Friday, August 14, 2009

Planet Asia Is A Black Superhero

It's a Marvel vs. Capcom joint. "I'm the Black Spider-Man..."

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Young Iron Man Gets A Black Superhero

The currently running 3-D animated Iron Man series called Iron Man: Armored Adventures has been a mixed bag for me. On one hand it's so far out of continuity that it gives me a headache not to mention that Tony Stark is a high school kid. On the other hand the series looks good and the re-imagination of the traditional characters is interesting.
Anyway next season we finally get a Black Superhero in the mix and it's not War Machine (though I think it ought to be). It's the Black Panther. Here's a taste:


Thursday, August 6, 2009

The Talented Tenth Returns

I've believe it's important to support writers, artists, etc. that create content I like. Being the writer for the Black Superhero Blog enables me to support Independent creators. I've decided to highlight some of these individuals each month, especially those that make it a point to share their work with me. One such creator is Chris over at HeroesLikeMe.com. He's written a novel that features Black Superheroes. I found the concept interesting and he was kind enough to share a copy with me. The book is entitled: HEROES LIKE ME: THE TALENTED TENTH RETURNS. Here's the synopsis:

"JOIN the Fiery Furnace, Shining Star, The Buffalo Soldier, Black Dove, The Human Pearl, The Maestro and the legendary John Henry-The Steel Driven Man as they uncover a global and evil plot which began during the 1800s and stretches to the PRESENT and the FUTURE. Are they good enough to be Heroes? Can they become The Talented Tenth that will save the world before the Salesman of Doom’s evil plans become reality?"

He's also put together a video to promote the novel. How good is it? Watch the video then head on over to HeroesLikeMe.com. Download the first chapter for free and find out for yourself. Enjoy!

Monday, August 3, 2009

What's So Terrific About Mr Terrific?

Mr Terrific, Michael Holt, is not the first hero in the DC Comics universe to bear that name. The original Mr Terrific had a photographic memory, was an Olympic athlete, and a martial arts master. That Mr Terrific became a hero because he seemed to have conquered everything else. Michael Holt, the latest Mr Terrific was also an Olympic athlete and is the third smartest man alive. He chose to take on the name of this particular hero after hearing his story while he was dealing with a personal tragedy.

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