Encyclopedia of Black Comics

October 1, 2017

Howard (communications, Rider Univ., NJ; coeditor, Black Comics: Politics of Race and Representation) presents a conversational selection on African Americans who developed and influenced beloved black comics, superheroes, and cartoons. More than 100 color images (unseen by this reviewer) should make this a lively reference. The author explores creators, inkers, illustrators, website designers, and more, including National Book Award winner Ta-Nehisi Coates (who wrote several issues of a Black Panther comics reboot), Eric Orr (creator of Rappin' Max Robot), and visual cultural historian Deborah E. Whaley, among many others. VERDICT This single volume on black comics artists and writers, most of whom are not covered in other cultural encyclopedias, will fill a gap in many collections. For most public libraries.

Copyright 2017 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

December 1, 2017
Eisner-winner Howard (Black Comics: Politics of Race and Representation, 2013) presents a much-needed compendium of artists and writers of African descent who have made significant contributions to comics in the U.S. She covers everyone from Marvel and DC writer Christopher Priest to Aaron McGruder, creator of the sometimes-controversial Boondocks. In addition to old-school comics like Jackie Ormes' Torchy Brown, she includes contemporary cultural touchstones like Jamie Broadnax's Black Girl Nerds, which she founded and edits; Amalgam Comics & Coffeehouse, the only such business owned by a woman of color, Ariell Johnson, in the U.S.; and Ta-Nehisi Coates' reboot of Marvel's Black Panther, which inspired a forthcoming film. The hundred entries range in length from half-a-page to six pages and are presented alphabetically by personal last name; each includes a pull-quote summarizing the subject's achievements. Further reading, a select bibliography, and an index that includes character names are provided, which, along with ample illustrations and a conversational style, expand the book's appeal to a general audience. Recommended for high-school and public libraries and to selectors of graphic novels.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2017, American Library Association.)