Graphic Update: Black Dynamite -- The Comic

The things I'm allowed to read at work while on my lunch break...

Though I champion human rights and the understanding of culture across the board, there is something about poking fun at the stereotypes that plague us. The 2009 movie, Black Dynamite, was an indie hit written with such a specific style, it walked a fine line between homage and parody. I still argue that the film is both. This iconic character, created by Michael Jai White, has become a personal hero of mine for a number of reasons. All of which have nothing to do with the context of this universe of blaxplotation film, it helps though. But how does the iconic character translate to the page of a comic*? Actually, quite easily. 

Ars Nova and Ape Entertainment work in conjunction [again] to produce this one shot written by Brian Ash. The story is centered around a flashback to slavery in America where an escaped slave runs from his owner. The art style is in the vein of the pulp comics found in the late 70’s. Jun Lofamia is responsible for making all the rich colors and illustrations pop. The very cover is a coy homage to one of the first popular African-American superheroes, Luke Cage.

I think the strongest suit for the humor found in both the movie and comic is the rhythm and research. The movie’s backdrop was laced with funky bass guitars and horns. Wardrobe that mimicked the class, yet tackiness of this two-dimensional genre. Someone cared enough to record the soundtrack in analog. Someone cared enough to draw up and sew suits and clothing to match this time period. Given the small audience that would enjoy this small portion of entertainment, this much care seems almost overt.

Black Dynamite is a man of few words and of many actions. Here we see him coming to the conclusion that, in order to solve the problem of Slave Island, one must burn said island the f**k down.

In the comic, the colors and style of panel layout could have been a huge disaster. The comedic beats could have missed and offended in the process. I mean, the comic’s plot is centered around a black superhero who pimps and runs a detective agency out of a whorehouse. So, yeah, that’s Black Dynamite -- the character born out of strife of an oppressive white-America.

The comic’s shining moments are that it embodies all the lessons learned from a Naked Gun or Airplane film. The jokes are constant, and to the point where I had to go through the pages again to pick up the smaller bits. The setting places Black Dynamite on a manufactured plantation called Slave Island, where people can enjoy America during it’s “simpler time.” Think, amusement park geared specifically to people who clutch their purses and daughters when I’m walking on the same side of the street as they are. The subject matter may not be what most readers will instantly gravitate to -- much less, laugh about.

I liked this one shot. Again, my sense of humor may not match up with the average comic reader. I believe in order for us, as a community of humans, to evolve past our previous atrocities against one another, we have to be able to laugh. Because if we can laugh, then that means we are seconds away from talking. Possibly about something of importance. I think Black Dynamite would want it this way. Don’t you?

*Thanks to my pal @Damazing for supplying me with the comic for the review. Follow him on Twitter and make him tweet more.