#BlackComicsMonth

[blackfolksmakingcomics]

I Just Woke Up

Howdy, hello, and salutations.

It’s been . . . too damned long since I’ve talked to you guys at BFMC, and a lot of it has to do with personal issues on the other side of the screen. There have been some dark times lately, but for the first time in a long time, I’m feeling pretty groovy. I’m losing weight, finally understanding where I want to go in this complicated relationship I’m in, getting back into my art and writing, creating some great things, and working on projects I’m not ready to reveal quite yet. In all, I’m stronger than I look.

Also, I’ve been trying to find my place in the whole Black Comic Fandom. Being shunned, scoffed at, and muted by the creator of #BlackComicsMonth for stating a differing opinion about shows all while questioning my blackness was the moment that broke me. That, and the dogpile that followed, kind of hurt too, but I’m a big boy. There’s also this weird belief that Black creators must only work on Black characters. That seems limiting, counter-productive, and counter-progressive. It’s almost like those who believe that wants to keep creators in a creative ghetto of sorts, and that’s no way to be. 

I mean, can’t I enjoy Black Panther, Storm, Luke Cage, Bumblebee, John Stewart, Vixen, Cyborg, Monica Rambeau, Misty Knight, Miles Morales, Ironheart (fourth picture), and Naomi McDuffie even though they all had White creators? In the same light, can’t I enjoy Kyle Rayner, The Question, Plastic Man, Superman, Batman, or other mainstream titles and characters who aren’t Black but written and drawn by Black creators? I can’t enjoy a show like Craig of the Creek, which doesn’t have a Black creator but has a predominately Black cast, and a show like OK KO! Let’s Be Heroes [second pic courtesy of Cartoon Network], which doesn’t have a Black cast of characters but does have a Black creator? According to some, no.

So, yeah, screw that ashy crowd.

I want to celebrate both Black comic creators and Black comic characters. I’m all for GOOD representations of the African diaspora across all mediums, including comics, including both the characters and the talent behind them. I love to showcase creators like Anthony Piper (whose Trill League just got picked up to become an animated series on Quibi), Nilah MacGurder, Sanford Greene, Jamal Campbell (the artist behind DC’s Naomi and Far Sector [third pic]), Afua Richardson, Ashley Woods, Jon Gray, and Khary Randolph among so many as well as writers like David Walker, N.K. Jemisin, Eve Ewing, Ta-Nehisi Coates, Mildred Louis, Chuck Collins, and others. I’d love to talk about more animated projects that caught my eye, like Wesley T. Louis’ The Mighty Grand Pinton (top pic). Black folks are still creating comics and so much more, and it’s a pretty awesome place. 

That’s the thing about loving a medium like comics. There’s no real way to enjoy them, just as long as we do. Opinions tend to differ. I know there are people that don’t like sites like BFMC. I’ve gotten a few hecklers now and then, but you know what? That’s cool. I’ll just keep on presenting these characters and creators to audiences that don’t know about them. That’s my mission here.

I don’t know what the next several months or two will look like in the future of this site, but I’m making it a mission to become more active here in 2020. 

If you like what I do around this site, do you mind helping a brother out? I don’t ask for much, but considering I’m a freelancer due to the fact that I’m currently a caregiver, funds are low and I can’t do a lot of things I want to do. I’m going to be fine, but if you could help, I’d greatly appreciate it. 

Amazon Wish List:

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2AMUWUOGE5QG1?ref_=wl_share

PayPal:

http://paypal.me/nemalki

I promise I won’t bombard you with this kind of message monthly. I just needed to put it out there. 

If you know any indie creators who need love, I’ll showcase them here as well. The more, the merrier. Let’s have fun again!

[graphicpolicy]

8 Awesome Things to Do At C2E2 2018

8 Awesome Things to Do At #C2E2 2018. @midnighterbae has the list of what you need to do!

From April 6 to April 8, 2018, Chicago will be the center of the  pop culture universe thanks to the Chicago Comics and Entertainment Expo (C2E2), which is held annually at McCormick Place right on Lake Michigan. C2E2 boasts of wide range of guests, who have worked in different mediums, including legendary comics creators, like Jim Lee, Chris Claremont, and Brian Michael Bendis; actors from your…

[capitalcomic]

Image comics | Más talentos asistirán a la IMAGE EXPO

Image suma artistas a su expo

Nick Pitarra y Tee Franklin asistirán a IMAGE EXPO en Portland, Oregon el próximo miércoles 21 de febrero. Aquellos afortunados que asistan a la Expo serán los primeros en enterarse de los proyectos que estos y otros artistas tienen preparados para Image Comics.

El exitoso artista Nick Pitarra es conocido por arte hiper-detallado y la colaboración que realizó junto a Jonathan Hickmanen la…

[the-last-hierophant]

The Geist and The Lady pin up in color. art by Antonio Ortega. #blackwoman #blacklove #blackman #blackheroesmatter #BlackHistoryMonth #blackcomics #blackcomicsmonth

[coloredcomics]

More time to draw! Put together a mock cover featuring a black super heroine which there aren't enough of in comics. Tried to capture some #beyonce vibes with the hair #blacksuperheroes #blackcomicsmonth #blackgirlmagic #heroines #superheroes

[lgbt-graphic-novels]

About the Author

Tee Franklin, author of Bingo Love and Jook Joint, is a Black, gay, disabled comic book writer. Franklin is the first Black woman to be hired by Image Comics, and she hopes to pave the way for more marginalized comic creators. She helps amplify Black comic creators through the hashtag #BlackComicsMonth.

[selfrescuingprincesssociety]

Tee Franklin, a queer and disabled Black comic book writer, has been tuned into the convo for years. An avid comic book reader since childhood, she created #BlackComicsMonth in 2015 so Black comic book creators could get their shine on.

“There is just a huge straight white bro [dominance] in comics,” she told CASSIUS. “You have a sprinkle of people of color here and there, but the fact that there are so many people that I did not know that existed—I just felt that I had to do something about it.”

[comiccrusaders]

Kickstarter campaign for story of star-crossed lovers who cross paths again 50 years later launches March 15th via Kickstarter. Written by Tee “Vixen” Franklin, art by Jenn St-Onge, with colors by Joy San

An encounter in a church bingo hall in 1963 begins the lifelong romance in Bingo Love, a graphic novel by writer Tee “Vixen” Franklin (Love is Love), artist Jenn St-Onge (Jem and The Misfits), colorist Joy San (Rumble for Toronto Comix), and letterer Cardinal Rae (DC, Image, Papercutz), to be introduced in a Kickstarter campaign launching March 15th, 2017. Franklin, whose writing credits include stories in Nailbiter, Love Is Love, and Elements, as well as the creator of #BlackComicsMonth, will be self publishing her first full-length comic through her own company, Inclusive Press.

The story revolves around Hazel Johnson and Mari McCray, two thirteen year old girls who, in no time, become the best of friends. As their relationship grows, they discover their deep love for one another, but the timing couldn’t be worse. Two girls in love are bound to be star-crossed in 1963, and their families forbid them from seeing each other again. Not only do the young women have to endure the pain of separation, but they’re also both married off to men they don’t love. They seem destined to live apart, permanently cut off from one another, but fate — and bingo — have another plan for them.

“Bingo Love is Black Mirror’s ‘San Junipero’ meets Moonlight,” said Franklin. “We want to tell the story of women who are gay, Black, and in love — and who learn to live without apology. We also want to show that love and passion are present at every age — and just as intense for women in their sixties as for teenagers.”

#gallery-0-4 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-4 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 33%; } #gallery-0-4 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-4 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

Bingo Love will be an 80-page, full-color graphic novella. Kickstarter stretch goals will include bonus stories by Marguerite Bennett (DC Comics Bombshells, InSEXTs) and Jules Rivera (Misfortune High), as well as D.J. Kirkland (Black Mage). Rewards will include Skype sessions with Kelly Sue DeConnick (Bitch Planet), Scott Snyder (All-Star Batman), and Steve Orlando (Midnighter and Apollo); portfolio reviews with Top Cow’s Bryan Edward Hill (Postal); and script reviews with Bingo Love’s editor Erica Schultz (Charmed), Al Ewing (U.S. Avengers), and Shawn Pryor (Cash and Carrie).

The Kickstarter campaign begins on March 15th, for more information visit www.bingolovecomic.net.

  Tee ‘Vixen” Franklin’s Inclusive Press Announces Black Queer Romance Graphic Novella Kickstarter campaign for story of star-crossed lovers who cross paths again 50 years later launches March 15th via Kickstarter.

[dynamitecomics]

Tweeted

Early #NCBD musings: I’m not a variant cover dude BUT between #Vampirella and #MarvelVoices, I’m picking up at least 8 copies. I’m supporting great talent and people. #BlackComicsMonth 😎✊🏾📚 pic.twitter.com/h3jyTVg57n

— Daryll Benjamin (@DaryllBenjamin) February 18, 2020

[siphen0]

Tee Franklin made waves this weekend at the American Library Association’s (ALA) Annual Conference when The Hollywood Reporter dropped the news of forthcoming BINGO LOVE, VOL. 1: JACKPOT EDITION in trade paperback and hardcover. The expanded editions will hit stores this November from Image Comics.

“The two bonus stories that were in the original Bingo Love—Bingo Love: Secrets by Shawn Pryor and Paulina Ganucheau and Bingo Love: Honeymoon by Marguerite Bennett and Beverly Johnson—were only supposed to be for the Kickstarter backers. I decided to create this Jackpot Edition so everyone would have access to the bonus stories that were noted inside of Bingo Love,” said Franklin. “As an added benefit, readers will also be getting three more short stories about Hazel and Mari… including a peek inside of Bingo Love, Vol. 2: Dear Diary. I had no idea when I wrote this story, people would be so welcoming to a story about two Black Queer grandmas. So, thank you all!”

BINGO LOVE, VOL. 1: JACKPOT EDITION will feature cover artwork by Paulina Ganucheau and will contain over 50 pages of bonus material, including stories from Marguerite Bennett (Batwoman, InSEXts) and newcomer Beverly Johnson, Shawn Pryor (Cash and Carrie, F.O.R.C.E.) and Paulina Ganucheau (Zodiac Starforce) and Gail Simone (CROSSWIND, Domino), with illustrations from Sara Alfageeh (Star Wars: Women of the Galaxy) and Ariela Kristantina (InSEXts, Mata Hari). Plus a sneak peek of BINGO LOVE, VOL 2: DEAR DIARY, with an afterword from Gabby Rivera (America, Juliet Takes a Breath).

BINGO LOVE is an original graphic novel created and written by Tee Franklin, with art by Jenn St-Onge, and colors by Joy San and follows the love story of two Queer, Black women and the love between them that spans decades.

When Hazel Johnson and Mari McCray met at church bingo in 1963, it was love at first sight. Forced apart by their families and society, Hazel and Mari both married young men and had families. Decades later, now in their mid-’60s, Hazel and Mari reunite again at a church bingo hall. Realizing their love for each other is still alive, what these grandmothers do next takes absolute strength and courage.

Franklin is a Black, Queer, disabled woman, known in the comics industry as an activist and advocate for creators of color, LGBTQ, and disabled communities. She is credited for starting the popular hashtag: #BlackComicsMonth, which aims to make comic book fans more aware of talented Black comic creators and their inclusive comic book characters and superheroes that already exist in the industry.

Franklin’s original edition of the BINGO LOVE title won the 2017 Queer Press Grant and raised almost $60k via Kickstarter. It gained traction in mainstream media for its progressive, LGBTQ-positive narrative.

BINGO LOVE explores the complications of coming out at an older age and how that decision affects their families’ lives.

BINGO LOVE, VOL. 1: JACKPOT EDITION (ISBN: 978-1534309838) will be available in comic book stores on Wednesday, November 7th and in bookstores on Tuesday, November 13th. It can be pre-ordered now on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-a-Million, IndieBound, and Indigo.

Expanded BINGO LOVE, VOL. 1: JACKPOT EDITION Hardcover/Trade Paperbacks Tee Franklin made waves this weekend at the American Library Association’s (ALA) Annual Conference when The Hollywood Reporter…

[yollocalli]

Written by Gerardo Salgado

“In the comic book industry you work for your comic book, panels, characters, and if they (Comic Book publishers and editors) see the popularity then they’ll see that and take notice but either way the community plays a huge role on bringing awareness.” - Chris Sanchez

The Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo (C2E2) is Chicago’s take on comic book conventions and one of the city’s most memorable events to attend. C2E2 takes place at McCormick Place during the Spring season and on the weekend of April 6th-8th we rejoiced with panels touching on topics such as students working with comic mediums, cosplaying on a budget, diversity in cosplay, as well as #BlackComicsMonth.

Many wonderful artists, along with television and movie stars - like Mark Millar, Phil Lamarr, R.L Stine, and Chicago’s favorite Svengoolie - get to feel that nostalgia with fans, especially those  intent on meeting, greeting, and experiencing everything at C2E2. The event makes any comic book geek flip with joy and wonder, especially when meeting their idols, and you can’t help but let that 7 year-old in you jump out and cry with glee.

When attending the convention, one walks into a whole new world that disconnects from the outside and separates itself from other industries. This convention merges diverse communities and different worlds into one while enabling  guests and cosplayers to be themselves, full of creativity, love, and enthusiasm for their craft and work.

Delving into the diverse communities of C2E2 provides an opportunity to cross paths with others while also gaining valuable knowledgeable especially through its many informative panels. As an example, as I wandered around to find a panel that felt close to home and close to my heritage, I stumbled upon one in a small hidden room. There, I was able to experience and take in the Latin genre panel, “Hispanics in Comic Books,” hosted by Chris Sanchez and John Marroquin. In the discussion, the artists provide a glimpse into this exciting movement that is gaining momentum in indie comics. They explained how Hispanic and Latino characters are being created and portrayed within the comic industry.

This panel shed some light on creating and opening up the culture within the market. It also taught those in attendance some aspects of Latin American history. Sanchéz and Marroquín questioned if it’s the comic book communities ability to merge these fascinating characters filled with culture which are then fleshed out as characters that are already well known in the Comic Book community. With existing Hispanic comic book characters, a few are not able to become well known or form their own story, and a small percentage barely become fan-favorites of the community. Even if they do, they are portrayed as an anti-hero, anti-villain, or just a villain. On a brighter note, some of these anti-characters might just make it as criminals who are trying to change their life around…. nonetheless, they are still criminals.

As they mentioned:“Kamala Khan (Ms. Marvel), Lunella Lafayette (Moon Girl), Miguel O'Hara (Spider-Man 2099), Miles Morales (Spider-Man), Robbie Reyes (Ghost Rider), Jaime Reyes (Blue Beetle) are well great and wonderful characters, but when are we able to see them in the big screen?”

The irony continued when they gave  citeful data, on the top three characters in movies of 2014, we (latinos) displayed the Hispanic Thug, the Latino Cop, and the Sexy Latina Woman. “I love Ant-Man, but look at his friend Luis (Michael Peña), he plays a criminal. Yes, he is funny in the movie, but he is representing a thief and a criminal. When can we see a Hispanic Superhero on the big screen or even TV Shows?” Marroquin added.

After talking briefly with attendees, Marroquin then touched upon the power that the Hispanic community has, oblivious about the artists, illustrators, and even publishers being aware of this great community, there is still no voice that is being amplified and demand for these characters.

Engaging further in the topic, Sanchez added that being part of the comic book community is a business, but it is a business that that kids, teens and geeks still read and value. He followed that by remarking on how comic books are now the big topic and a great source of income in the film industry. For example, within the competitive world of Marvel and DC Film, the Black Panther movie (about a Marvel Superhero and King of Wakanda, a fictional African nation in the Marvel Comics) grossed $1.2 billion during its theatrical run. As Marroquin followed, “African-Americans are very vocal about their superheros. When can we (Hispanics) raise our voice? Chicago has a big Hispanic community with a lot of love, but where is the voice?”

When it was time for audience participation and opening the floor for questions, the attendees were curious about racial stereotypes. One fan asked, “How can we as fans and creators change or eliminate the stereotypes of these diverse characters labeled as villains or anti-heroes?” In which, Sanchez responded, , “Make new characters without stereotypes. Bring new characters and new stories. We don’t need characters who don’t have father figures, or characters who live in the hood.”  He continued, “Look at Moon Girl as an example.”

At first glance, it is very true. Often people from the community praise upon characters close to them, meaning a superhero without  a father, or living in the ghettos or “hood,” which makes some people feel close to that character. That is great for character development and for diversity but that itself is just labeling a majority of the Hispanic characters as people from those places or those who reside in harsh living conditions. A lot of these storylines, unfortunately, are being created by caucasian male writers and illustrators because that is how they see us.

One attendee also asked about the origin and creation of these characters and why they are never fully Hispanic, African, or of other descents. It seems to be  always half this and half that aka half-and-half-ethnicities.Then Marroquin questioned, “Is it our fault, as in our community? Do we speak up about it? What should we do?”

Finalizing the panel, Marroquin and Sanchez touched on how culture is perceived within movies, comic books, and video games. They brought up two movies that acknowledged that Hispanic culture has been in filmmakers thoughts - “The Book of Life” (20th Century Fox) and “Coco” (Walt Disney). Both are distinctive films attracting the Hispanic community, but only one grossed well and created a vocal fan base while attracting a younger audience. Sanchez added, “It’s great to see ‘Coco’ being appreciated and supported by the community, and from other communities. Just look at the numbers! ‘Coco’ did great in Mexico and Japan! So seeing the support from everyone is amazing. Cultures should support other cultures, I agree 110%.”

Marroquin added on how different cultures can accept and support other cultures without racial stereotypes and generalizations, “I want it to become normal to the point that no one notices.”

I personally came to the realization that the Hispanic community has been active in the comic book world for awhile. Within the fan base, the forums, and the powerful characters, the love and support for diverse characters, and a wide range of cultures, is there, however, the community should be more vocal about their admiration for these characters in the film industry.

Evidently, Hispanic roots have and will continue to grow within this industry and it is just a matter of time, with continued support, for more of these superheroes to flourish.

[krossedmymind]

Final Zine | Bibliography

https://www.bleedingcool.com/2015/08/21/gendercrunching-june-2015-plus-ethnicity-at-dc-marvel-and-image/

http://www.elle.com/culture/a44396/diversity-in-comic-books/

https://www.newstatesman.com/culture/cartoons/2017/04/diversity-comics-marvel-s-attitude-closer-stone-age-new-golden-age

http://www.npr.org/2017/04/08/523044892/beyond-the-pale-male-marvel-diversity-and-a-changing-comics-readership

https://thanley.wordpress.com/category/women-in-comics-statistics/

NPR - Changing Colors In Comics

http://theblerdgurl.com/comics/nilah-magruder-actually-first-black-woman-write-marvel/

http://sylmatil.tumblr.com/post/125110221909/saving-the-life-that-is-your-own-the-importance

https://nerdist.com/nilah-magruder-marvel-comics-mfk-interview/

https://blackgirlnerds.com/comic-creator-you-should-know-olivia-stephens/

https://www.bleedingcool.com/2017/03/31/damage-control-wake-backlash-david-gabriel-elaborates-diversity-says-marvel-gets-sides-story/

https://aux.avclub.com/agents-of-the-realm-m-f-k-and-the-ascent-of-black-wo-1798244365

http://blackcomicsmonth.com/

https://www.autostraddle.com/drawn-to-comics-talking-to-mildred-louis-about-how-agents-of-the-realm-is-a-love-letter-328008/

http://www.mfkcomic.com/comic/chapter-1-page-2/

http://loveponcomic.tumblr.com/archive

https://www.agentsoftherealm.com/about

http://thesubstitutescomic.com/

http://mortalityplays.tumblr.com/post/65621846460/we-dont-go-there-at-night-read-the

http://nilahmagruder.com/#homeSlide

http://blackcomicsmonth.com/2016/02/11/blackcomicsmonth-2016-day-11-olivia-stephens-alone-preview/

https://www.tor.com/2017/04/05/lets-talk-about-marvel-comics-the-diversity-doesnt-sell-myth-and-what-diversity-really-means/

http://nibicomic.tumblr.com/aboutnibi

https://blackgirlnerds.com/comic-creator-you-should-know-mildred-louis/

https://captaincomicbook.wordpress.com/2016/06/17/interview-with-shauna-grant-of-princess-love%E2%99%A5pon/

http://www.theouthousers.com/index.php/features/136305-bubbly-princess-lovepon-with-shauna-grant-griotvine-interview-3.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlIo1vsvqOw

http://womenwriteaboutcomics.com/2016/11/23/creator-spotlight-olivia-stephens/

https://blackgirlnerds.com/comic-creator-you-should-know-myisha-haynes/

http://blackcomicsmonth.com/2016/02/05/blackcomicsmonth-2016-day-5-get-to-know-comic-creator-myisha-haynes/

[pbsoldier-blog]

P.B.Soldier Wednesdays Today's Threat. Tomorrow's Hope. Every Wednesday, we will post a page of my new science fiction graphic novel series P.B.Soldier. This week we are posting pages from the Episode 3.0 "Seek and You Shall Find" Like our FB page and to view additional pages in the series www.facebook.com/PBSoldiercomic Please feel free to share, comment and provide feedback on the series. Series hashtags: #pbsoldier #graphicnovel #comics #jointhemovement #sciencefiction #scifi #indiecomics #blackcomics #blackcomicsmonth Remember people stay phocused and always resist.

[comic-watch]

First Watch: Overwhelming Support for Bingo Love, LGBTQ Title Going Back to Print!

Are you a fan of Bingo Love? Support the LBGTQ Community? Please Comment! #BlackComicsMonth

Bingo Love, the original graphic novel created and written by Tee Franklin, with art by Jenn St-Onge, colors by Joy San, and cover art by Genevieve FT is being rushed back to print by Image Comics to keep up with overwhelming support from fans and retailers! Franklin first made waves when the title won the 2017 Queer Press Grant and raised almost $60k via Kickstarter and has gained traction in…

[bigkidtoysco]

I'm checking out #BlackComicsMonth: Diversity in Comics at New York Comic Con #nycc