Join Us Tuesday for Another Edition of The Comic Shoppe! The Boondocks Return!, Family Guy, Iron Man & Daryll B's Weekly Words of Pop Culture Wisdom!

As always, it's time to keep it structured and succinct! Join Daryll, Max and yours truly tomorrow evening at 7pm eastern to discuss the following pop culture tinged issues: our expectations for Iron Man 2, which is slated for its domestic release this Friday (it was released a week prior in the international markets, grossing 100 million thus far); our impressions of both The Family Guy's recently aired 150th episode and the Boondocks 3rd (potentially last) season opener; a recent Comic Book resources article posits when is it time to drop or refrain from reading a particular book; Ed Brubaker's graphic novel effort, Incognito gets the green light treatment and our weekly discussion regarding our latest comic book purchases. So don't be shy..call us live with your comments and/or protestations at 646-200-0104 oe via email/IM at thecomicshoppe@yahoo.com. See you guys (and gals) at the Shoppe broadcast at 7pm sharp! Excelsior!


The Comic Shoppe's Week in Review

Oh and here's the latest from The Comic Shoppe's Daryll B:

Iron Man 2 week so let me do the usual 10 shots across the Comic/Sci-Fi bow:

1) I opened this kettle of worms on last week's show and well New York Congressman Peter King fell right in http://www.deadline.com/2010/05/time-square-bombs-south-park-connection/#more-37587

2) Really CW? Another La Femme Nikita remake??? Mannnnn...well at least McG is being attached to the product and honestly judging by "Chuck", that's a great choice.

3) R.I.P. Lynn Redgrave.....Great lady...great actress.

4) Let the total guessing for IM2 begin http://www.deadline.com/2010/05/bulletproof-iron-man-2-already-grosses-10-million-overseas-155m-predicted-for-north-american-debut-weekend/

5) Kind of melancholy weekend for me...celebrated my birthday on Friday but lost a valued debate opponent in Alan Coil from the CBR comments sections. Alan always argued his points with an intelligent style and class that you could not to help but to gain a new knowledge about comics and fantasy. Thank you Alan, I hope to one day have 1/5th of the knowledge you had. http://goodcomics.comicbookresources.com/2010/05/03/r-i-p-alan-coil/

6) Boondocks premiere was on the nose about Obama and the hype/delusion that surrounded his entry into office. Best scene: Thugnificent on the Bill Maher Show. CLASSIC!

7) So how much does it take for you to drop a book? Well Sean T. Collins at Robot 6 links two interesting opinions about Blackest Night and Herogasm. As always, I have to give it up to the CBR commenters who bring a keen insight to the issue. http://robot6.comicbookresources.com/2010/04/with-comics-what-makes-you-say-okay-thats-enough/

8) Credibility check....I liked Death at a Funeral and Nightmare on Elm Street but as with Brave and the Bold #33 and Transformers, once I start analyzing WHY I liked them, my own arguments fall apart on me. I just have to be straight up with you all about this.

9) Terry Crews and Ice Cube together on a sitcom...I am either going to laugh my booty off or go into angry, disappointed shock. And is there any other rapper who has undergone as radical a change as Ice Cube and STILL remained popular?

10) Finally, Heroes season 5 is one the verge of approval but the folks at Topless Robot found a couple of things to manage their disappointment of that news... New G.I.Joe cartoon http://www.toplessrobot.com/2010/05/some_of_the_things_you_need_to_know_about_the_new.php and the Top 10 Bada$$ Batman comic moments http://www.toplessrobot.com/2010/04/batmans_10_most_incredibly_badass_comic_moments.php debatable and great fun.

That's it for me this week. I hope you all enjoy Iron Man 2.

Not To Be Preachy........But The Mind is Truly a Powerful Muscle......If Trained In Conjunction With the Body-Mature Fitness

While perusing the net this afternoon, I came across multiple stories centered around the amazing elder bodybuilder/fitness enthusiast, Ms. Ernestine Shepherd. Her story is truly inspirational and leaves one with the notion-there really are no (more) excuses. I just joined a second gym last week to break up the monotony and although I am energized, one still has to connect with stories such Shepherd's to realize that with the right mental fortitude anything can be accomplished. Shepherd, who is 73 years young, trains six times a week and runs approx. 80 miles in the same duration. And perhaps it stories like these, that remind me that we must root out the strain of self defeatism and victimization that literally paralyzes some folks of color from accomplishing goals they are fully capable of achieving. Here's more of Mrs. Shepherd's journey, courtesy of ABC News:

Body Building Grandma Ernestine Shepherd Bench Presses, Runs Marathons At 73
Grandmother Up Every Day at 3 a.m. and Says 'I Feel Better Than I Did at 40'


By SARAH NETTER
April 27, 2010



Taut abs and rippling muscles aren't exactly the stuff grandmothers are known for. But then again neither are marathons and cell phones that play the theme to "Rocky."
Body building grandma, 73, runs marathons, benches 150 lbs.

At 73, Ernestine Shepherd is in better shape than most people decades her junior. Up at 3 a.m. every morning, she spends her days running, lifting weights and working out other senior citizens at the Union Memorial United Methodist Church in Baltimore. She also works as a certified personal trainer at her gym.

"I feel better than I did at 40," she said. "I am very, very happy."

In less than 20 years, Shepherd has morphed from a "prissy" woman who never exercised to the Guinness Book of World Records' oldest female bodybuilder.

A die-hard "Rocky" fan -- "Sylvester Stallone is my man," she cooed -- Shepherd is preparing for a body building competition this weekend.

"I feel now that I am a very strong, positive and confident woman," she said. "Years ago I concerned myself about what people said concerning me. But when you get 70-something and you don't have that many years in front of you, you don't concern yourself with that."


Instead, Shepherd concerns herself with her carefully formulated diet -- 1,700 calories a day, mostly comprised of boiled egg whites, chicken, vegetables and a liquid egg white drink -- and packing in the workouts needed to maintain her stunning physique.

Shepherd runs about 80 miles per week and bench presses 150 pounds. Bicep curls are done with 15- and 20-pound dumbbells.

Married for 53 years and grandmother to a 13-year-old, Shepherd said she is exactly where she wants to be.

For the article in its entirety, click on the link below:

Body Building Grandma Ernestine Shepherd Bench Presses, Runs Marathons At 73


And not to be outdone, here's another peer of Mrs. Shepherd's reminding us that age truly is just a number:

Comic Shoppe 2nite at 7pm ET! Discussing South Park vs Muslims, The Decline of Sci-Fi on TV, Losers & More!

Let's keep it simple, folks! Join Max, Daryll and yours truly at tonight's Comic Shoppe show as we shed light on the following sci-fi/pop culture issues: recent terrorist threats aimed at South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone pertaining to an animated Muhammad character; the slow decline in science fiction television programming; the possibility of smaller budgeted Marvel films (i.e. Ant-Man...no pun intended); a Black Aqualad?; Ghost Rider 2 without Nick Cage?-and lastly, our favorite comic picks from the previous week. So feel free to join us live at 646-200-014 or via IM/email at the comicshoppe@yahoo.com! And remember-be there, be square and always be aware! Imperius Rex!


The Comic Shoppe's Week in Review

And while you wait for tonight's broadcast (consider it our version of a cinematic intermission), check out this sci-fi video short forwarded to my attention from the good folks at BlackScienceFictionSociety.com. The film is entitled The Raven and was helmed by Peruvian director Ricardo De Montreuil. Enjoy!

A Few Disheartening Tales Serving As Proof That We May Be Nearing the End Of Civilization....

In the last few weeks I have come across a number of human disinterest stories that just boggles the mind and frankly makes it difficult to elucidate in a coherent manner. First, there was the story of a Colorado businessman that lost his finger due to an errant youth hell bent on separating him from his newly purchased iPad. And then there's the tragic death of a retired Hempstead, NY (Afronerdic haunting grounds) physician, Dr. Rebecca Twine-Wright who was mowed down on her front lawn by an 18 year old Oxycodone addicted driver who shortly after the incident exclaimed that she was relieved that Dr. Wright was "old." Wright, 69, who held several degrees and was described as an accomplished person of note, was simply tending her garden when she was struck by the allegedly drug addled youth. Click here for video of the driver at her very best. And lastly, the above video shows the demise of a 31 year old homeless person who lost his life while helping a woman who was being accosted by a thug who ultimately (and fatally) stabbed the hapless Samaritan. What makes this story even more tragic and unconscionable was the 2 hour surveillance footage that showed the dying man being ignored by passerbys, One individual was even brazen enough to inspect, roll the body, take a picture with his camera phone and still not call the authorities! Wow! I will refrain from editorializing on these issues and save my verbal assault for the next Afronerd Radio broadcast.....again, wow!

Just Pontificating Before We Get Into Comics, AZ's New Racial Profiling Law & Why You Can't Be a Good Samaritan!

Well, I know this is a innocuous matter but I just can't (or rather I refuse to)
understand the current state of music. As of late, I have been mesmerized by the infectious groove of the The Gorillaz' latest single, "Stylo" performed live in the above Colbert Report video clip. After taking a look at the latest Billboard listing, it appears that Stylo has only made an impact on the Alternative chart (presently 24th). I guess Afronerd readers are keenly aware of my constant lament-substantive and creative music is purposely being censored! How can a song that features the iconic Bobby Womack, the creative Gorillaz, the lyrical prowess of Mos Def and a cool video that features Bruce Willis miss? I have yet to hear this on any local hip hop station and yet the traffic for the Youtube video is north of three million views! Anyway, that's enough of my official rant.....next up, more ruminations of a serious nature and a preview of tomorrow's Comic Shoppe broadcast. And for your further edification, check out the official Stylo video:

For Tomorrow's Comic Shoppe-Discussing the Obvious: The "Kick Ass" film, Our Weekly Comic Faves & Daryll B's Words of Wisdom!

Hello again comic and pulp fiction fans! The Comic Shoppe will be open for the business of heavy graphic novel/sci-fi/fantasy discussion tomorrow at 7pm eastern. Join Dburt, Daryll and Max as they discuss the following: Marvel's Kick Ass movie performed below industry expectations but will word of mouth boost ticket sales?; more on our favorite comic books from the previous week and in taking cues from The Shoppe's Daryll B, we will also add to the discourse the issues brought up in his weekly Afronerd blog entry:

Interesting news from C2E2 starting with:
1. We all wondered what the Disney/Marvel business would mean to their animation division, well wonder no more. My problem with these plans is Iron Man is coming back but Spectacular Spider-Man and Wolverine & The X-Men is out??? Come on Marvel!!! http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=25819
2. Walking Dead adds Brandon Routh and Jeffery DeMunn to the show. Can you say must watch? http://www.spinoffonline.com/2010/04/17/the-green-miles-jeffrey-demunn-joins-the-walking-dead/ and http://blog.newsarama.com/2010/04/12/the-walking-dead-series-just-got-a-little-bit-super/

3. O come on...they can't mess up the Jonah Hex movie can they? http://www.spinoffonline.com/2010/04/16/is-warners-jonah-hexed/

4. Can you say Hellboy 3? http://splashpage.mtv.com/2010/04/18/mike-mignola-hellboy-3-hellboy-2-guillermo-del-toro/

5. I personally liked Kick-Ass more than the comic....but I absolutely LOVED The Losers. Iron Man 2, the bar is set high for you once again.

6. I have heard of stupid lawsuits but this is the first I heard about Jeff Smith's Bone trying to been banned from libraries in Minnesota. This mother is waaaay off her rocker. If anything this is the book series to try and get kids INVOLVED in comics. http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=25816

7. Heinberg, Cheung, YOUNG AVENGERS! http://www.newsarama.com/comics/c2e2-avengers-children-crusade-100417.html

8. I may not like some of the paths taken but it is hard not to get a little geeked up for the Flash and Green Lantern plans. http://www.newsarama.com/comics/c2e2-flash-green-lantern-100418.html

9. Vampire Jubilee??? Say what??? http://www.newsarama.com/comics/Marvel-X-Men-Teasers-100409.html

10. Kevin Conroy vs Christian Bale? I going with Conroy...lol http://tomztoyz.blogspot.com/2010/04/video-kevin-conroy-disses-christian.html

11. DC vs Trade Waiting? http://blog.newsarama.com/2010/04/16/dc-hopes-to-push-back-against-trade-waiting-will-it-work/

12. More Amanda Waller on Smallville!!!! Pam Grier has been awesome...and that confrontation with John Jones..totally hot!

13. I had worries about the New Doctor Who, with the premiere this past weekend consider them a little eased but the new companion may be the most annoying at first glance.

Enjoy Afronerd readers!

Remember It's Part 2 of Afronerd radio-Tonight at 7pm Eastern! More on Gabby vs Howard vs Jamie & Bill O'reilly vs Black people!

We ran out of time yesterday so it's time for par deux! A bit more on the Howard Stern vs Jamie Foxx vs Oprah vs Gabby Sidibe issue; Rev. Sharpton's recent National Action Network event in Harlem-NYC; Bill O'Reilly explains why he is laying off of Black topical coverage; a preview of tomorrow's Comic Shoppe discussion on the "Kick Ass" film and some parting words on the death of two great men-Civil Rights icon, Benjamin Hooks and noted journalist, David Mills.

Finally! Afronerd Radio Returns This Evening At 7pm Eastern! Howard Stern vs Jamie Foxx, Sharpton on TV-1, O'Reiily vs Racial Stigma & More!

It's definitely time to get back to business! Afronerd Radio returns for another fiery broadcast after a month plus long hiatus. Join us tonight at 7pm eastern as we discuss and bring heavy analysis to the following topics: the stalled Jamie Foxx vs Howard Stern beef over Oprah and Gabby Sidibe-what's it all about Gabby?; Rev. Sharpton appears to be one upping Tavis Smiley with his recent Harlem Black Agenda event/symposium; Fox's Bill O'Reilly recently exclaimed that he has lessened his coverage on Black topics for fear of being labeled a racist; yours truly actually saw marvel/Icon's Kick-Ass film and loved it; the untimely passing of Civil Rights' icon Benjamin Hooks and fellow blogger/journalist, David Mills (of the blog Undercover Blackman for the uninitiated) and lastly of course more exposure to tunes not played on conventional radio.....see you at 7pm!

Check The Comic Shoppe Tonight at 7pm (ET)-And Of Course Words of Wisdom From the Shoppe's Daryll B!

Join Max, Dburt & Daryll as they pontificate on all things pulp! The topics to be discussed are the following: our favorite graphic novel/comics from the previous week; Blade becoming an x-man? Our thoughts; Green Lantern’s suit might be CGI influenced; More on the Captain America film and the transformation needed to pull it off and a preview of the comic book movies slated for release this summer as well as Elephantmen being optioned for movie rights. Stop by at 7pm eastern for a lively discourse!

From March 23rd transcript:

So here it folks, it 6am on a Tuesday Morning in NY and I know I have to turn in a blog to Afronerd before we do another show. I am just sitting here with nothing pressing to write about except:

Great story by Greg Hatcher talking about his class of gifted cartooning youngsters. Once you read the article and see the pics you'll know which one I liked right away..(Hint: dude posing in pic, with pic AND artist is kinda a big deal in the Marvel U. right now) Now we have to convince Greg to shave hs head bald and get a wheel/hoverchair. Of course his wife might not be too keen on this... http://goodcomics.comicbookresources.com/2010/03/20/last-weekend-at-emerald-city-2010-or-the-cartooning-class-reunion/

Greg Burgas usually thinks outside the box and this article is no exception: http://goodcomics.comicbookresources.com/2010/03/22/how-kurt-busiek-unwittingly-ruined-marvel-and-dc-superhero-comics/
I love Busiek, but I can't deny that Greg brings up good points here.

The boys at The Weekly Crisis got into a pretty nice analysis on JMS and Wonder Woman...the good and the ill http://www.weeklycrisis.com/2010/03/jms-wonder-woman.html

Chris Evans is Captain America!?!?! http://www.newsarama.com/comics/Evans-Captain-America-100322.html Hmm does this mean a Fantastic Four / Avengers crossover movie is out of the question now?

I really don't know how I feel about this http://www.heatvisionblog.com/2010/03/warner-bros-prepping-film-adaptation-of-bleach-manga.html#more I mean Forbidden Kingdom was ok, Dragonball was bleh, Akira seems to be D.O.A., Avatar for 4 minutes of trailers looks ok and as I said to BlaqueRonin I have to worry about the other 94 minutes now. Death Note is coming and now Bleach? Looks like American Cinema wants to taint all of my cherished Anime love.

Fox vs Warner Bros AGAIN!!! http://www.latinoreview.com/news/bryan-singer-giant-killer-9513

We knew it had to happen: http://www.latinoreview.com/news/michael-bay-gives-transformers-3-update-9514 Can you say "Hot Rod"..? I know you can...

As far as quick tv news:

Survivors Season 2 begins tonight at 9pm on BBCAmerica.

Meanwhile Merlin returns to SyFy along with the new season of Stargate Universe on April 2....

This Friday is the Midseason break episode of Caprica....

and if you didn't like last week's Human Target with Lennie James from Jericho as Chance's Evil Protege' Baptiste I dunno what to tell ya...except this week has Timothy Highland from Highlander and Sanctuary and a certain lil "Boomer" from Battlestar Galactica named Grace Park...

Enjoy The Blog....Enjoy My Craziness...but above all else, Keep Fantasizing Afronerd Readers!

Oh..and check out this alternate Boondocks promo...

Check Out Tomorrow's Comic Shoppe Broadcast at 7pm-More on the Capt. America Movie (Bucky's in it!), Blackest Night Ends, Millar's Nemesis & More!

Shades of Grey - An Examination of Race Relations in Comic Books from jaystealth on Vimeo.

First up, let me give a grand hat tip to Sergio Mims of the Shadow and Act Black cinema blog for informing me of the above Shades of Grey comic themed documentary (a work in progress as it is currently billed). Shades appears to be an excellent and much needed piece on the historical depiction/representation of minorities in the world of pulp. And now for tomorrow's Comic Shoppe broadcast....stop by this Tuesday at 7pm (eastern) as Max, Daryll and yours truly discuss the following comic/sci-fi/fantasy issues: First we hear that Chris Evans (formerly, Johnny Storm of the Fantastic Four franchise) has been picked to play the lead in The First Avenger: Captain America and now Sebastian Stan (Hot Tub Time Machine, Gossip Girl) is set to star as Cap's sidekick, Bucky; DC's comic event Blackest Night came to a close with a (not so) surprise ending; Mark Millar proclaims his recently released Nemisis comic to be far superior to Kick Ass; our thoughts on this past weekend's Wondercon-San Francisco and our favorite graphic novel reads from the past couple of weeks. So feel free to join in our conversation by contacting us live at 646-200-0104 or via email/IM-thecomicshoppe@yahoo.com. And remember...make yours the Comic Shoppe!

The Comic Shoppe's Week in Review

Howard Stern VS Jamie Foxx Regarding Gabby Sidibe's Career!

First, Howard's take......



And now Jamie Foxx's Foxxhole Radio Show (also a Sirius XM production)...

Part 1



Part 2



I'll reserve my comments and analysis for an upcomingAfronerd Radio segment. Stay tuned!

"We Count" or The More Aptly Named "State of the Black Agenda....ahem Black Union-RELOADED"

Well It's been a week since President Obama signed his health care bill and the world has irrevocably changed...or has it. The neo-tea party movement, inclusive of many of my hard line fellow Republicans are incensed, frustrated and plodding (or is that plotting) toward this years mid-term elections. In spite of my Republican voter card, I remain indifferent to the concept of alleged socialized medicine. I suspect that many conservatives would label me a RINO (Republican In Name Only) since I am supportive of this president and simply not a right wing ideologue. I prefer the "wait and see" approach. The bill has not yet been finalized and there's no public option attached, so it's more of a boon to private insurers as they will expect anywhere from 30 to 40 million new customers. But you're probably asking-"what does this have to do with the above clip?"

If you have been paying close attention to recent internet chatter, there was a pretty heated on air spat between Rev. Al and PBS commentator, Tavis Smiley pertaining to the need for a "Black Agenda." And believe it or not, I actually sided with Sharpton! It's his contention that it may not be prudent for the nation's first Black president to openly broadcast or spearhead a Black agenda-emphasis on the word, openly. So what does Smiley decide to do? He streamlines his decade old State of the Black Union event, names We Count, holds it at Chicago State University and invites the same cast of tired Black progressives from the previous incarnations. Many believed that this latest event was just a round table excuse to bash President Obama for failing to focus on Black issues. The irony is...."Obamacare" passes during the same weekend as the Smiley affair-undoubtedly helping millions of Black and Brown folks who are the chronically uninsured. I implore you to take a look at the above clip decide whether the invitees have egg on their faces or were they speaking truth to power. I like my eggs scrambled.

An interesting piece from NPR's Michelle Alexander.....But I Don't Agree Wholeheartedly-"The Nation: The New Jim Crow"

While taking a walk down the cyber halls of the NPR website, I came across an article from NPR's Michelle Alexander entitled, The Nation: The New Jim Crow in which she posits that the breakdown of the Black family in conjunction with minority incarceration rates is analogous to the discrimnation/segregation standard of the pre-Civil Rights era. I believe the issue is far more complex and nuanced than her assertion. Here's an excerpt, courtesy of NPR.com:

Obama's mere presence in the Oval Office is offered as proof that "the land of the free" has finally made good on its promise of equality. There's an implicit yet undeniable message embedded in his appearance on the world stage: this is what freedom looks like; this is what democracy can do for you. If you are poor, marginalized, or relegated to an inferior caste, there is hope for you. Trust us. Trust our rules, laws, customs, and wars. You, too, can get to the promised land.

Perhaps greater lies have been told in the past century, but they can be counted on one hand. Racial caste is alive and well in America.

Most people don't like it when I say this. It makes them angry. In the "era of colorblindness" there's a nearly fanatical desire to cling to the myth that we as a nation have "moved beyond" race. Here are a few facts that run counter to that triumphant racial narrative:

• There are more African-Americans under correctional control toda—-- in prison or jail, on probation or parol—-- than were enslaved in 1850, a decade before the Civil War began.

• As of 2004, more African-American men were disenfranchised (due to felon disenfranchisement laws) than in 1870, the year the Fifteenth Amendment was ratified, prohibiting laws that explicitly deny the right to vote on the basis of race.

• A black child born today is less likely to be raised by both parents than a black child born during slavery. The recent disintegration of the African-American family is due in large part to the mass imprisonment of black fathers.

• If you take into account prisoners, a large majority of African-American men in some urban areas have been labeled felons for life. (In the Chicago area, the figure is nearly 80 percent.) These men are part of a growing underca—e -- not class, ca—e -- permanently relegated, by law, to a second-class status. They can be denied the right to vote, automatically excluded from juries, and legally discriminated against in employment, housing, access to education, and public benefits, much as their grandparents and great-grandparents were during the Jim Crow era.

To review the article in its entirety, click on the link below:

The Nation: The New Jim Crow

More of my opinion and synopsis after the jump............

Ok, I know it's been approximately two weeks since that "jump" but you know what they say....better late than...

Anywho....after reading Ms. Alexander's NPR piece, I became frustrated and disheartened with its non sequiturs. At times I honestly try to keep my contrarian sensibilities in check but in the last few years I can't help but view matters from a more centered perspective instead of a wholesale tribal viewpoint. A glaring example that irked me was this excerpt from Alexander:


"There are more African-Americans under correctional control today in prison or jail, on probation or parole than were enslaved in 1850, a decade before the Civil War began."

I'm not doubting the above statement is factual but its the implications that Alexander is attempting to convey about minority incarceration versus historical chattel slavery that are problematic. Sure, one can liken colonial servitude to new millennium imprisonment but the obvious demarcation point lies with the unique concept of free will. Slaves were captured human beings that committed no infractions except for being able bodied and Black. Committing a crime, especially a heinous one, relies on some degree of personal decision making. We can pontificate on the disparity of sentences between our minority and White citizenry but to ascribe ubiquitous victimization to those who victimize others (especially our brethren) appears to be tiresome and disingenuous at best. But let's hear from our readers...any thoughts? Are we really looking at rising incarceration rates in Black and brown communities as the new age Jim Crow?

The Comic Shoppe Returns! Tues at 7pm-Discussing Predators, Agent Smith as The Red Skull, Watchman 2 ? and Daryll B's Latest Op-ed!

We're back and in full effect! Join Max, Daryll and yours truly, tomorrow at 7pm eastern as we discuss the latest pop/pulp culture news. During Tuesday's Comic Shoppe broadcast, we will discuss the following topics: our impressions of the Robert Rodriguez' reboot/sequel, Predators; Watchman 2? (maybe or maybe not); Sarah Connor's Summer Glau gets a new superhero gig, courtesy of NBC; further analysis of DC and Marvel's Blackest Night and Siege major event story lines; Agent Smith (Hugo Weaving of the Matrix films) to play Captain America's Red Skull?...and lastly our favorite graphic novel reads from the last few weeks. And feel free to stop by with your comments/questions at-646-200-0104 or via email/IM-thecomicshoppe@yahoo.com. And remember make yours the Comic Shoppe!

The Comic Shoppe's Week in Review


And now, the latest words of pulp wisdom from the Shoppe's Daryll B:

I suppose I am in a position now to have to back up what I have said on the show about DC's Blackest Night and Marvel's Siege events and know that I will because I have 5 common arguments about both events. These arguments will let you all decide whether I have valid points or just have event fatigue:

1. It is not uncommon to have 2 or more writers having different "voices" for the same character and that is fine because we all don't think the same. However, when it is the SAME writer giving their character two different personas/voices in the same event? That is all sorts of wrong to me. Johns, with Hal Jordan and the Corps and Bendis, with Osborn along with most of the Avengers have been guilty of this on numerous occasions.

2. Both events for all of the groundwork being laid down for years seem to be rushed. Think about this, for both events and all the manipulations to get to where they are now, you would think the Big Bads in both would have a better handle or plan than what has been shown.

3. Don't get me wrong, I am a Fanboy by nature BUT I do not want plot sacrificed for "OOOOH Fanboy-gasm" moments. You folks have heard me rant on things like Ganthet needing a green lantern ring or Sentry dispatching Ares the God of War in 3 pages in the MIDST OF A WAR! Do these writers think the majority of their readers are dumb? ...ok ok *deep breathe*

4. Speaking of events not lining up, for example just look at the Siege timeline between New Avengers, Dark Avengers, Siege, Invincible Iron Man and Thor involving the Thor beatdown and Maria Hill. You would think editorial would line these events up better. I wouldn't laugh too much DC because the lining up of GLC and GL has been horrid also. Think about this: In one book you get an explanation on how to defeat the Black Lanterns. You would think that the Lantern in question would spread that news out RIGHT AWAY to his comrades? Try 2 issues later and it is a member of a different Corps who does it.

5. Inconsistent power levels and too many extraneous books for my tastes. How do the Hawks get taken out right away in 3 pages but Ma Kent, Batman and Robin last 3 issues with light injuries? How does Sentry all of a sudden have powers topping a God's? Did we need the oversaturation of books from both companies that lightly touched on the event?

Saying all of this, there are some gems in my hatred. Avengers: Initiative and Green Lantern Corps have been BETTER than the stupid events they tie into. The Suicide Squad/Secret Six crossover and the Dark Reign: Electra and Zodiac minis were great in their own rights. I am just frustrated that I could see potentially epic stories of greatness here from both companies that have been utterly wasted.

Quick Hits:

I love the interviews that Newsarama does in and around the fantasy industry. However DON'T give me an interview you did a year ago that I read about Chuck and try to pass it off like you just did it before THIS season: http://www.newsarama.com/tv/Chuck-Levi-Gomez-Interview-100305.html

I have to give Newsarama credit though, they had the news of Smallville's renewal up a good 8 hours before the rest of the comics 'net verse.

Here you go Dburt, the first official video for the London Souls. The song is called "The Sound" and I caught it on MTV2 late night over the weekend: http://www.mtv.com/videos/the-london-souls/485467/the-sound.jhtml#id=1632531

Got to give credit to Greg Burgas over at Comic Book Resources for his article on politics and superheroes. Definitely a good read for heavy thinking comic fans: http://goodcomics.comicbookresources.com/2010/03/01/the-political-leanings-of-superhero-comics-revealed/

Thank you Gail Simone for your work on Wonder Woman. Best of luck on Birds of Prey. And a hearty welcome back to comics to Devin Grayson who did a great story involving Jean Grey, Cyclops, and Wolverine in last week's Girl Comics #1.

Green Lantern movie in 3D...now that's awesome...wait got one thing else....Boondocks Season 3 scheduled to begin May 2nd according to Adult Swim

Thanks for reading Afronerd followers and until next time, Keep Fantasizing.

More on Precious-But This Time It's A Debate-Columnist Stanley Crouch Vs NYU Film Professor Sheril D. Antonio

More on this debate, last night's Oscars and Precious' Monique in a few......

Okay, it's a week later but again, better late than never! After viewing the above exchange, I was a bit surprised at Mr. Crouch's stance on the Precious film. Crouch has been a vigilant critic of the minstrel elements endemic in current (and commercial) hip hop culture and yet he is somewhat conciliatory as it relates to this particular cinematic effort. The only thing I can surmise (and this might also be construed as a capitulation on my part) is that the film and by extension Ms. Sidibe's acting prowess (and Monique's, of course) might be better appreciated if this type African-American depiction didn't exist in a vacuum when compared to other current Black works. The majority culture (aka "White") possesses a "full plate" when it comes to artistic diversity. Black multi-faceted cultural displays exist but are not readily accepted, promoted or exposed. In other words, Precious (as a film and archetypal film) sets a standard and utterly exists alone for Black cultural representation. Without an appropriate counter balance, Precious promulgates a dangerous message of minority failure. But I've said this before....again, am I wrong? More comments from our readers....

Check Out The Comic Shoppe, Tues at 7pm-Discussing How I Just Discovered The UK's "Being Human; Nolan Doing JLA & Supes?, Next DC Animated & More!

To keep matters succinct....stop by tomorrow at 7pm in order to listen to another pop/pulp culture and comic laden broadcast, thanks to the Comic Shoppe crew! Join Daryll, Max and yours truly as we shed light on the latest sci-fi/comic/fantasy oriented issues: our thoughts on the next DC animated effort (after the JLA Crisis saga) will be Batman: Under the Red Hood; it appears that Chris Nolan (and his brother) may have influence over not only the Supes reboot but also a prospective JLA film; my recent discovery of the BBC's Being Human (think Three's Company as a dramedy with supernatural creatures); more independent comic book highlights and lastly, our favorite graphic novel reads from the previous year. So feel free to call us "live" at 646-915-9620 or via email/IM-afronerdradio.com.


The Comic Shoppe's Week in Review


And now here's the latest op-ed from the Comic Shoppe's Daryll B!

Hi Afronerd Followers. Once again it is time for a little quick fantasy fun with Daryll B.:

This is the current Comic Critics strip http://goodcomics.comicbookresources.com/2010/02/28/comic-critics-107/ and no other comic hits the life and times of comic book fans and fanatics like this. Kudos to Sean Whitmore and Brandon Hanvey for allowing me to laugh at myself every week.

If you are a science fiction / fantasy fan and have not read any of Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time novels, I cannot recommend them enough. Here is the interview with Brandon Sanderson over at CBR: http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=25006 He is essentially Jordan's Heir to the "Time" throne.

Can Dynamite over-saturate the Green Hornet market enough? 5 freaking books planned by April for release? Are you guys taking tips from Marvel's handling of Deadpool? I have to give Dynamite credit though for picking up Charliene Harris (True Blood's Author) and the rights to Dabel Bros. library. That is quite the catalog of books to manage.

Flash Rebirth #6...HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHA Could Johns could swipe enough beats from Mark Waid's run or what?

Speaking of "copying"..all the credit in the world to Radical Publishing in their handling of the Nick Simmons fiasco. This is the original blog that kicked the controversy off: http://community.livejournal.com/bleachness/446299.html and a fun retrospective does by the fine bloggers at Newsarama: http://blog.newsarama.com/2010/02/26/incarnate-controversy-keeps-heating-up/ Dude, seriously, if you are going to plagiarize someone's work...Bleach (among others) is like in the top 5 selling Manga WORLDWIDE. You stupid man...Gene talk to your boy!

Hmm is it me or does this feel like a panic move by DC in the Superman rights case? http://blog.newsarama.com/2010/02/28/dc-fires-lawyers-in-siegel-superman-case/ You know who is paying close attention to this? Kirby, Marvel and Disney..for obvious reasons.

That's it for me this week as I try to contemplate what I just read in Blackest Night and Siege. Yes, I am still trying to make heads or tails of these events. You look up glutton for punishment in the dictionary and you will see a smiling Daryll B. a la "Buddy Christ" from Dogma.

Until Next Week, Keep Fantasizing Folks!

Tonight's Double Feature, Courtesy of Afronerd Radio Studios-Attack Against The Minstrels-Starring Author, Ytasha Womack & Bold As Love's Rob Fields!

Well here we go again...it's that time! Tune in tonight at 7pm (eastern) for another episode of Afronerd Radio when we interview author, Ytasha Womack pertaining to her latest literary effort, Post Black: How a New Generation Is Redefining African American Identity and award winning blogger and self described Black Rock Evangelist, Rob Fields as they discuss the concept of an alternative Black cultural standard. How can Blackness be defined (or RE-defined) in the 21st century. This is NOT the show to miss! Feel free to call in for questions and comments at-646-915-9620 or via email/IM-afronerdradio@yahoo.com. See you at 7!

Afronerd Radio Interviews Ytasha Womack & Bold As Love's Rob Fields

Check Out The Comic Shoppe Tuesday at 7pm ET-Independent Comics, JMS Returns, General Pulp News & Words from Daryll B.!

It's that time again faithful listeners/readers! The Comic Shoppe opens for business and frank pulp discussion this Tuesday at 7pm eastern. Join Max, Daryll and yours truly as we shed sci-fi/comic book/fantasy light on the following issues: TV.com's take on the best and worst comic book to television adaptations; are we seeing a resurgence in Asian stereotyping in comics? Perhaps the recent Mr. Negative crime lord storyline in Amazing Spiderman?; the return of one of my favorite graphic novel writers, J. Michael Straczynski, as chronicled by Newsarama; our independent comic book recommendations and lastly, our favorite graphic novel reads from the previous week. So stop by for a chit chat and/or join our discussion at-646-200-0104 or via email/IM-thecomicshoppe@yahoo.com. And remember...Imperius Rex, folks!


The Comic Shoppe's Week in Review


And now the latest in pulp fiction news, courtesy of the Comic Shoppe's Daryll B:



Sorry for being away for so long Afronerd readers/followers. The combination of snow, school, the pesky thing called the Winter Olympics have combined to form a perfect storm in which I couldn't think too straight about the worlds of sci-fi to form a coherent blog in a timely fashion. This however, does not mean that I did not keep an eye on things comic and sci fi related. I have 10 quick hits for you folks if you are interested:

1. I stand by what I said on the ComicShoppe about Captain America #602. I did not see anything wrong with the context or the environment in which "Tea Party" was used. ESPECIALLY since the sign in question was taken from a real life sign. (seen here http://reason.com/assets/mc/_ATTIC/ngillespie2/teabagthedems.jpg) I was more angry that Marvel n the whole, chose to cave in to the perceived pressure instead of standing by their work.

2. I got word about this exhibit through Newsarama at the Caribbean Cultural Center here in Manhattan revolving around Marvel's black superheroes and their iconic images. Here is the link to the NY1 spotlight on this: http://www.ny1.com/8-queens-news-content/ny1_living/113749/exhibit-celebrates-black-comic-book-superheroes
I promise you all I will try to make it there in the next couple of days to give a full report.

3. Hands up if you agree with me that Lost has lost you with the first couple of episodes of this final season. And to piggyback on this point, can you remember a show that constantly botches its momentum like Smallville does? JSA and Zatanna build up a momentum just to have "pink kryptonite dusted chocolate candy" derail it. No I am not exaggerating about that. The only thing about last week's show that was redeeming what the Chloe / Tess confrontation, and even by then the mystery had fallen flat because of revelations that the audience already have gotten this season. You folks know me when it comes to continuity and superheroes' personality so answer me this: What Superman do you know heat visions a double skyscraper in the middle of a crowded city and makes NO effort to get bystanders out of the way? BTW, this WASN'T because of the kryptonite, he did it WILLINGLY.

4. No worries all, I still have not changed my mind on the utter mess that both Blackest Night and Siege have been as company wide crossovers.

5. OK so now DC Comics are going to be run by Dan DiDio, Geoff Johns, and Jim Lee. Um, where is the news in this? From the last couple of years, I thought they were ALREADY running the company. 2 years ago, the fanboy in me would be overjoyed at this. Now the cynic in me says prove to me that you can do better.

6. Black History Month so I found this quite refreshing:
http://goodcomics.comicbookresources.com/2010/02/16/scotts-classic-comics-corner-spotlight-on-alvin-a-c-hollingworth/ I love learning about history and to learn a little about a black creators history in comics is fascinating.

7. I know it is not science fiction but Tiger Woods is the worst acting cylon I have ever seen. Where's his emotion chip? Data showed more emotion on the Star Trek The Next Generation than this dude.

8. To keep my sense of sardonic humor going, check this list out:

http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/geek-to-me/2010/01/the-worst-movie-sequels-ever.html I have a couple more bad sequels but that list is mind numbing enough.

9. I know Max will disagree with me on this but the impact of Hercules situation was ruined to me by Marvel mass solicitations once again. I saw it, I read it, but any true emotional impact is gone. It did not hit me like what Sentry did to Ares in Siege because all shock, anger, sadness, whatever was gone.

10. After reading Dark Avengers I came to the realization that the Marvel Universe Version of me is probably dead 10 times over by now. No way would I live through all the stuff that has happened to New York over the years. I wonder how Willie Lumpkin and anyone in the Spidey Universe does it?

Thanks for reading all and until next time, keep fantasizing!

Afronerd Broadcast-Monday nite at 7pm eastern: Discussing Tiger's Apology; How The Media Treats Black History, Answering A Field Negro's ? & More!

Next week we will definitely be back on the regular Sunday schedule, but we will be broadcasting tomorrow (7pm ET) to discuss and analyze the following: Tiger Woods' public apology aired this past Friday (who was he really apologizing to and was it necessary?); how some media outlets (both Black and White) appear to be making parodies out of Black History Month as opposed to disseminating information and lastly, while perusing the cyber halls of the Field Negro blog last week, FN posed an open question to his White readers regarding yet another White college ghetto/minstrel themed frat party -here's an excerpt as it relates to his question:

So here is my question to white folks reading this: (Honest answer please)

When you see a black man in a Hickey Freeman suit, starched white shirt, wingtips, a very nice silk-tie, and a brief case walking down the street, are you thinking...well let me give you a quote from the flyer at UCSD:

"For guys: I expect all males to be rockin Jersey's, stuntin' up in ya White T (XXXL smallest size acceptable), anything FUBU, Ecko, Rockawear, High/low top Jordans or Dunks, Chains, Jorts, stunner shades, 59 50 hats, Tats, etc....We will be serving 40's, Kegs of Natty, dat Purple Drank- which consists of sugar, water, and the color purple , chicken, coolade, and of course Watermelon. So come one and come all, make ya self before we break ya self, keep strapped, get yo shine on, and join us for a day party to be remembered- or not..."

.....so is that what you are thinking when you see the black man in my hypothet? Is your imagery of black folks so messed up that this is the only way you can identify with something having to do with Black History Month?

So for tomorrow's show let's flesh out the question and answer and for a visual, check out where your higher education dollars are going:



And click on the link below for the Field Negro blog entry in its entirety:

Ain't no party like a Compton party....

Oh and one more thing, since it is BHM and this weekend marks the anniversary of Malcolm X's assassination, check out this rare interview unearthed by the good folks at WNYC Radio, circa 1960. As expected it's quite prescient pertaining to Black issues, circa 2010:

Simply Beautiful.......

The above video really does not require an extended caption or an op-ed dipped in extreme verbosity. Just as your auto may need a tune up every once in awhile, so did the "gentleman" with the braids. This was a one to grow on moment for the younger man....don't "sleep" on the elderly-simply beautiful. Comments?

On A Rare Occasion One Has To Do A Sequel-Afronerd Radio Pt. 2-Sarah Palin & Black Students; Avatar=Tarzan 2010? Church Invaded by Thugs-7pm 2nite!

As expected, I put a bit too much on my plate yesterday, so we will be broadcasting an addendum/par deux Afronerd Radio show tonight at 7pm eastern. The topics to be discussed: a few more words on John Mayer; Sarah Palin's "professorial" pejorative remarks being aimed at President Obama; the connection between Palin and the decline in Black student enrollment in prestigious NYC school; gangbangers shoot two youths while they were attending a Richmond, CA church and finally why Avatar may be more about race and the retelling of Tarzan than technological advancement. It's part 2 special folks....join us by calling in with your comments and questions at 646-915-9620 or via email/IM-afronerdradio@yahoo.com. See you soon.


Afronerd radio's Week in Review....Part 2

Oh, and don't forget about tomorrow's Comic Shoppe show....here's a preview:

Join Daryll, Max and Dburt tomorrow at 7pm eastern as they discuss the following: an analysis of the new Justice League-Crisis on Two Earths DVD; Valentine's Day (the movie) outshines The Wolfman-66.8m to 36.4m this past weekend; the return of the Green Hornet thanks to Matt Wagner and Kevin Smith, respectively; Are Captain America and Marvel Un-American? James Hudnell of Andrew Breitbart's Big Hollywood blog thinks so and if time permits, an analysis of our favorite graphic novel reads from the previous week. And speaking of the Justice League:

Afronerd Radio Returns With a Vengeance! Tonight at 7pm (ET)-Topics-John Mayer, The Term African-American, Sarah Palin & Black Students? + More!

Okay folks, the Superbowl is over, my hometown Jets didn't make it and therefore I really didn't have a stake in this years contest albeit, I tangentially approve of this year's winners-The Saints! But let's get to the matters at hand...tune in this evening at 7pm eastern for another fiery edition of Afronerd Radio as we discuss the following: John Mayer's racially confused and insensitive remarks from Playboy magazine; Japanese snowboarder, Kazuhiro Kokubo, gets reprimanded (and rightfully so....) by Olympic officials for wearing street gear while representing his native country; the connection between Sarah Palin's tea party comments and the decline in the numbers of Black students in elite NYC public schools; revisiting Chris Matthews' "I almost forgot Obama was Black" comments during the president's SOTU address and if time permits, I would like to bring further analysis to the racial criticisms levied toward the Avatar film. So stop by with your questions, comments and protestations by calling us live at-646-915-9620 or via email/IM-afronerdradio@yahoo.com. Imperius rex, folks!


Afronerd radio's Week in Review

And while you wait for this evening's broadcast, take a gander at one of my favorite neo-Samurai, Jim Jarmusch films, Ghost Dog:

Well It Looks Like Another Celebrity Has To Do The Racist Perp Walk (And Obligatory Mea Culpa)-Ladies & Gents, Mr. John Mayer!

I really detest delving into salacious, Mediatakeout oriented gossip fare but I think this latest racial dust up speaks to a larger issue. It appears that for the last few hours, several statements that were made by blues-pop guitarist, John Mayer have caused quite a bit of controversy among the cyber crowd. And this occurs in the midst of Black History month, no less. To be more specific, in this month's Playboy magazine, Mayer pontificates on the following: 1) Black people love him; 2) his struggle is similar to that of a black man's and 3) his nether region is "prejudicial" when it comes to Black women. If you haven't guessed, I am paraphrasing what was actually said. For further clarification, check out this snippet, courtesy of well, Playboy:

PLAYBOY: If you didn’t know you, would you think you’re a douche bag?

MAYER: It depends on what I picked up. My two biggest hits are “Your Body Is a Wonderland” and “Daughters.” If you think those songs are pandering, then you’ll think I’m a douche bag. It’s like I come on very strong. I am a very…I’m just very. V-E-R-Y. And if you can’t handle very, then I’m a douche bag. But I think the world needs a little very. That’s why black people love me.

PLAYBOY: Because you’re very?

MAYER: Someone asked me the other day, “What does it feel like now to have a hood pass?” And by the way, it’s sort of a contradiction in terms, because if you really had a hood pass, you could call it a nigger pass. Why are you pulling a punch and calling it a hood pass if you really have a hood pass? But I said, “I can’t really have a hood pass. I’ve never walked into a restaurant, asked for a table and been told, ‘We’re full.’"

PLAYBOY: It is true; a lot of rappers love you. You recorded with Common and Kanye West, played live with Jay-Z.

MAYER: What is being black? It’s making the most of your life, not taking a single moment for granted. Taking something that’s seen as a struggle and making it work for you, or you’ll die inside. Not to say that my struggle is like the collective struggle of black America. But maybe my struggle is similar to one black dude’s.

PLAYBOY: Do black women throw themselves at you?

MAYER: I don’t think I open myself to it. My dick is sort of like a white supremacist. I’ve got a Benetton heart and a fuckin’ David Duke cock. I’m going to start dating separately from my dick.

PLAYBOY: Let’s put some names out there. Let’s get specific.

MAYER: I always thought Holly Robinson Peete was gorgeous. Every white dude loved Hilary from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. And Kerry Washington. She’s superhot, and she’s also white-girl crazy. Kerry Washington would break your heart like a white girl. Just all of a sudden she’d be like, “Yeah, I sucked his dick. Whatever.” And you’d be like, “What? We weren’t talking about that.” That’s what “Heartbreak Warfare” is all about, when a girl uses jealousy as a tactic.

I really want to keep this brief. I have been criticized by some who visit Afronerd that I do not speak harshly enough when it comes to racial matters. It gets even more complicated when your blog espouses moderate conservatism, nerd culture and Bill Cosby-isms. The funny thing is.....that I really do liken much of the Afronerd mantra to some of the tenets propagated by the nation of Islam, Malcolm X specifically. When do we stop caring about White cultural standards and start dealing with the necessary corrections that are needed in communities of color to move forward? I actually am a fan of Mayer's music and even questioned why certain musical idioms within the Black cultural tradition can't get airplay on Black Radio-irrespective of the artist's nationality. But at the same time, I'm not shocked that a White artist (again, doing essentially Black music) said something off color and racist. As much as I shy away from abject tribalism, perhaps this time-as a collective, Black folks should seek correction and excellence while ignoring for lack of a better term, "white noise." Check out the Merriam-Webster's definition of white noise:

Main Entry: white noise
Function: noun
Date: 1943

1 a : a heterogeneous mixture of sound waves extending over a wide frequency range — compare pink noise b : a constant background noise; especially : one that drowns out other sounds
2 : meaningless or distracting commotion, hubbub, or chatter

I figured out a long time ago (thanks to my parents and a scoop of El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz) that there really was (and is) a grand lie perpetrated against folks of color, especially when it comes to matters of inferiority, intelligence and beauty standards. Our dysfunctionalism comes in when we start to believe the lie. I'm sure Mayer will explain himself......maybe he meant something else...but I don't have the time to figure out one's malapropisms. Listen to Malcolm, he compartmentalized this foolishness 40 plus years ago:

I Guess The Saints Really Did March in This Time-31 to 17, But Check Out This Group I Discovered During the Commercials-The Heavy!

I finally got around to upgrading my cell phone and I chose the app friendly Verizon Droid. One of my favorite applications is the Shazam service which allows one to use the phone's mike to identify songs. Low and behold, during the game, I heard the above James Brown inspired tune during a Kia Sorento commercial and Shazam!....retrieved the correct info. Check out some additional rock funk from The Heavy:

A Comic Shoppe Radio Preview-Are The Invaders in the New Cap America film?, Smallville Back to Form?, Forget The Hulk-Sentry Smash! And More!

Black Panther Animated, part 6


First up, check out the above treat courtesy of Marvel Animation, John Romita, Jr and Reginald Hudlin. Enjoy it while you can. Secondly, there's the preview that I promised....well, as the title of this entry entails, The Comic Shoppe team will bring pulp cultural analysis to the following: now the latest news is that the Invaders (Sub-Mariner, The Original Human Torch and Union Jack, etc) will make a significant cameo in next year's First Avenger: Captain America film; Smallville captures respectable Friday ratings with the airing of the JSA inspired Absolute Justice episode; Marvel's warped version of Superman does the unthinkable in the latest Siege event storyline; more on Avatar as a cinematic game changer (or not...think Tarzan in the 21st century, again) and lastly or favorite graphic novel picks from the previous week. Don't forget to tune in to hear our latest broadcast this Tuesday at 7pm eastern. Feel free to call in with your comments and questions at 646-200-0104 or via email/IM-thecomicshoppe@yahoo.com. But while you wait for the show, check out Smallville's Absolute Justice:

Making Up For Lost Time.....Afronerd Actually Disagrees With A Kindred Spirit....A Critique Of Dr. John McWhorter's "Rethinking African-American"

In the spirit of full disclosure, I was fortunate enough to conduct an interview with the esteemed Dr. John McWhorter (of the conservative Manhattan Institute think tank) right before then Senator Obama won the presidential election. Although McWhorter is a self-described liberal/centrist, he also unabashedly possesses a conservative bent in his writings and socio-political discourse. For the most part, there is very little that I have encountered in his books and op-ed pieces that I disagree with, except on this rare occasion stemming from a recent New Republic blog entry entitled, Did "African American" History Really Happen in Atlanta, Cleveland, Philly, and Detroit? Listening to the Census. And like most issues discussed in the blogosphere, McWhorter's article was subject to further analysis, courtesy of a New York Times blog entry entitled, Rethinking African-American. Check out this snippet from the McWhorter piece, which was also flagged by the aforementioned Times blogger:

A possible objection, I imagine, is that native-born blacks are African in a “different” way than actual African immigrants–but this would be a feint rather than an argument: clearly, the proper formulation, if we are to put it on the table, is that native-born blacks are African to a much lesser extent than African immigrants. In truth, a black man from Jacksonville has more in common with a white one from Tucson than he does with a man three years out of Senegal.

And I would argue that native-born blacks are so vastly less “African” than actual Africans that calling ourselves “African American” is not only illogical but almost disrespectful to African immigrants.

I would agree in part with Dr. McWhorter's assertion that there is a definite cultural ignorance or disconnect many Black Americans have with the Dark Continent but that alone should not deter Black folk from using the term "African-American" in matters of self-identity. Keeping my argument succinct, it all boils down to paying homage to our African forefathers who endured unimaginable pain and sacrifice during their 300 plus years of bondage in the Americas. As much as I have labored over the inability of many Blacks to overcome, if not compartmentalize, the victimization mindset that has made us spiritually and/or economically impotent post segregation, one should never forget our African origins.

There has always been a great deal of controversy aimed at those who identify as a "hyphenated" American. During the mid 19th through early 20th century, a fair share of public disdain was levied against White ethnics who chose to merge their native ancestry with a new American identity. But currently, in my estimation, those who maintain their European ancestry seem to receive very little vitriol when compared to their African and Hispanic counterparts. Why is there a governor imposed on Black self-description in this day and age? Is it really about overbearing political correctness? Let's hear from our readers on this....can one be African, African-American and Black? What say you?

Well I know Better Not To Compete With the Superbowl.....so If There's No Afronerd Radio broadcast...Let's talk Black History-The Wilmington Riots!

As the title clearly states, our Afronerd Radio broadcast will be preempted due to tonight's airing of the Superbowl, however I think it's imperative to reflect on seminal periods within the African Diaspora especially since we are in the throws of Black History Month. I readily admit that among some friends and colleagues I have been playfully chided for often exclaiming that there is still hope for Black folk and by extension Black popular culture. Despite the critique I have received (and it hasn't stopped...) for promulgating measured Black Conservatism (in addition to trumpeting the need for an alternative pop cultural counterbalance), it is an increasingly difficult endeavor to fault those who have a wary if not dystopic viewpoint of the future of Black culture. The elephant in the room, of course, is that our country is currently being presided by a man of color. Unfortunately, if you listen to some right wing pundits, the Obama administration might just have something in common with a fictional government depicted within an Aldous Huxley novel-but I digress.

Since this is BHM, I do find myself reflective on where African Americans are currently as well as what life was like post slavery. One question arises-have we actually learned anything from certain historical events that not only showed Black excellence but also the societal campaigns that sought to extinguish that selfsame genius? One such period in time centers around what has commonly been referred to as The Wilmington Insurrection of 1898 or The Wilmington Riots. To the consternation of many Black progressives and intellectuals, the term "pogrom" (and perhaps to a greater extent "holocaust") has often been used to describe historically targeted violence enacted against Jews and other Eastern European ethnics. But history bears witness to a number of racially motivated violent campaigns specific to people of color that certainly can be defined as a pogrom....case in point, the post Reconstruction riots in Wilmington, N.C..

Despite the tragedy of the riots, in which innumerable Black folk lost their lives, it was also a testament to the extent White supremacists will go to impede Black progress and autonomy. Much like the riots that occurred decades later (1921) in the Black business district of Tulsa, Oklahoma, what transpired in Wilmington essentially was the stomping out of the state's Black republican power structure by the White Supremacists that comprised the Democratic Party during this time in our nation's history. But what was it specifically about Wilmington that caused this rage and usurping of power from its Black citizenry? The simple answer is Wilmington was a majority African-American city with a burgeoning Black middle and professional class who also possessed a cross-racial Republican political power base as its backdrop. For your further edification, check out this excerpt from an article summarizing the PBS documentary, The Rise and Fall of Jim Crow:

Courtesy of PBS.org-

In 1898, Wilmington, North Carolina, located in eastern Carolina, where the Cape Fear River enters into the Atlantic Ocean, was a prosperous port town. Almost two-thirds of its population was black, with a small but significant middle class. Black businessmen dominated the restaurant and barbershop trade and owned tailor shops and drug stores. Many black people held jobs as firemen, policemen and civil servants. A good feeling between the races existed as long as white Democrats controlled the state politically. But when a coalition of predominately white Populists and black Republicans defeated the Democrats in 1896, and won political control of the state, Democrats vowed revenge in 1898. For many Democrats, black
Prior to the riot, almost two-thirds of Willmington's population was black, with a small but significant middle-class. Headline: A Day of Blood at Wilmington
political power, no matter how limited, was intolerable. Daniel Schenck, a party leader, warned, "It will be the meanest, vilest, dirtiest campaign since 1876. The slogan of the Democratic Party from the mountains to the sea will be but one word ... Nigger." The Democrats launched their campaign by appealing
to the deepest fear of whites -- that white women were in danger from black males. The white newspaper in Wilmington published an inflammatory speech given by Rebecca Felton, a Georgia feminist a year earlier: "If it requires lynching to protect woman's dearest possession from ravening, drunken human beasts, then I say lynch a thousand negroes a week ... if it is necessary." The article infuriated Alex Manly, a Wilmington African-American newspaper editor. He replied by writing an editorial sarcastically noting that many of these so-called lynchings for rapes were cover-ups for the discovery of consensual interracial sexual relations.

To keep my diatribe simple, African-Americans come from a proud enterprising and politically conservative (god forbid!) stock. We have overcome some insurmountable travails where once we were in slave quarters to now the White House....let's start acting like we've been here before. Perhaps a dramatic piece encapsulating this tragedy would be more apropos than an Oscar nomination for the film, Precious-I'm just sayin'. For more on the Wilmington riots, click on the links below:


Wiki's Take on The Wilmington Insurrection

PBS' The Rise and Fall of Jim Crow

New Comic Shoppe Broadcast Tonight at 7pm ET-Discussing Avatar, Last Week's Graphic Novels, Chuck, Smallville & More!

As if you didn't know.....The Comic Shoppe team returns tonight for another informative and fascinating pulp filled broadcast. Join Max, Daryll and yours truly as we discuss the following topics: our thoughts pertaining to the mid season return of many our favorite (and not so favorite) sci-fi/fantasy shows-Heroes, Chuck, Fringe and Smallville; last week's highlights in graphic novel/comic book runs; my thoughts on Avatar as it reaches the 2 billion in ticket sales mark; DC releases Milestone Forever;a new direction (toward a future war) for the Sgt. Rock movie and more comic related news courtesy of the Shoppe's own Daryll B. Feel free to stop and call our live show at-646-200-0104 or via email-thecomicshoppe@yahoo.com. And remember make yours The Comic Shoppe! And while you wait for the show, check out this latest piece from Daryll B:

Hi faithful Afronerd readers! It is I Daryll B. with some quick hits in and around the Fantasy world for you:

As stated on last week's show, I can not recommend the animated Black Panther series enough. Reginald Hudlin does out-do himself by actually IMPROVING upon the graphic novel source material in my opinion. There are not many things you can say that do that.

I saw Legion over the weekend and I have to say the movie was pretty uneven to me. I think that after reading stuff like the current Ghost Rider run, Preacher, Crimson, and even the Grant Morrison "fallen angel" arc; the whole traitorous angel / preventing the second coming / hell on earth scenario has gotten to be like zombies and emo-glittering vampires to me.

On a related note, have Dennis Quaid found a sci-fi rebirth or what? GI Joe, Pandorum and now Legion....

We will go over this one soon but Planet Hulk was great. A perfect follow-up to last year's Hulk Vs. and in its own way a set up to a Hulk movie series.

On a friend's recommendation I picked up a couple of the Marvel Knights 4 series focusing on the Fantastic Four. I'll admit I totally underrated this series. The first trade with Roberto Aguirre-Sarcasa writing and (the little known back then) Steve McNiven on art captures the team's voices perfectly. I rank it in my top ten Fantastic Four stories alongside the Waid-Wieringo and Lee-Kirby stories definitely.

I know Dan Jurgens is moving on to other things for awhile but I will miss his Booster Gold when he leaves in April. That being said, I don't mean to slight Keith Giffen's abilities. I'm sure he'll have fun with my fav time traveler outside of Doctor Who.

Reminder: The JSA Smallville 2-parter is this week on CW along with the season ender of Demons on BBC America. Kristin Kreuk and Brandon Routh are both on this week's Chuck and be on the lookout this week for news involving another major comic franchise's third movie. That's all I am going to tease you with today... Enjoy your week fellow readers and until next time, Keep Fantasizing!