Black Comic Book Day Hits The ATL!
By Robert Jeffrey II February 9, 2012
On February 11th, lifelong comics’ fans and those new to the medium will have a chance to delve further into the field courtesy of Black Comic Book Day (BCBD). Events will be held in New York City, Chicago, and Atlanta, that will highlight the contributions of Black creators and others who create stories featuring characters of color. The daylong celebration will focus attention on this often overlooked branch of both mainstream and independent comics.
Atlanta will play host to a three day event which will run in tandem with the February 11th convention/signing, and also includes two panel discussions on February 4th and February 9th.
The organizer of the Atlanta BCBD event is Joseph Wheeler III, founder of the Onyxcon convention and creator of the comic series’ “The Aftermath Saga EVE MARSE” and “Brutha Yamz. He recently spoke at length with Black Sci-Fi.com about the upcoming events, comics, and other topics.
Black Sci-Fi.com (BSF): What is Black Comic Book Day?
Joseph Wheeler III (JW III): BCBD is a celebration. Created by Turtel Onli (Father of The ‘Black Age of Comics movement’) and Jerry Craft (famous cartoonist), it’s like a holiday to focus on the long history and origin of African Diaspora’s impact on popular arts such as comic books and related genres.
BSF: Can you talk a little about what comics which will be featured, and the creators involved?
JW III: We are honored to have give away books courtesy of writer Geoffrey Thorne, “Prodigal”, Kenji, “Witch Doctor”, and Onli Studios, including gift packs of comics from Criminal Records in Li’l 5 Points thanks to comics manager ZANO!
We also have vendors/guests from all over coming through, including:
- Mshindo Kuumba I – legendary illustrator
- Jay Potts – creator of the webcomic series “World of Hurt”
- Terminus Media – “Radio Free Amerika”
- MV Media – “Meji”
- Dawud Anyabwile – “Brotherman Comics”
- Afua Richardson – “Genius”
- CHRIS CRAZY HOUSE/C. Miller – “Nukklehedz”
- A possible appearance by Tananarive Due & Steven Barnes – legendary writers of Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Horror/Suspense!
-THE NEW ART ORDER- Brutha YAMZ
It’s going to be amazing!
BSF: Why switch up the format for this year (multi day mini-con, vs. one day panel discussion/ book signing)? Was there any particular reason for going more the route of a traditional con?
JW III: We decided to do a mini con for a few reasons.
ONYXCON needed the financial support of an affordable convention setting early in the year. It takes resources to put anything together with time, travel, and promotions. We also know that many folks wanted to be a part of the 600 people that attended ONYXCON 3 and missed it. So, here is a chance during Black History Month to expose people to a taste of ONYXCON in winter. BCBD is a Black History Month event worthy of a daylong event for info and knowledge of how the African Diaspora has been involved in what became known as comic books since humanity’s beginning!
BSF: What does an event like this do for creators? Is there something in particular that you feel they might take from BCBD’s?
JW III: From the panel discussion dates to the mini con, we offer our creators more opportunities to explain their art and why what they do is unique. We know that every creator is content to take part because they are showcasing direct to a primarily Black audience that is hungry for their diverse characters and concepts!
BSF: What will be taking place at this year’s ATL BCBD’s event?
JW III: At this year’s BCBD events we have two library day panels, one on February 4th at the Cascade – Southwest Library Branch and the other at the Auburn Research Library on February 9th. The finale is at the South Fulton Arts Center in College Park on February 11th.
We are dedicating the event to the late great Don Cornelius of Soul Train on Feb 11th. This is the longest running syndicated American network TV show in history. They showcased James Brown, Parliament, Prince, and so many other musicians that rhythmically and image wise strengthened Afro-futurism/Sci-Fi! The ONYXCON Drawing Wall will be showcasing on the spot talent in drawing! There will also be Black History note presentations and brief lectures on Blacks in comics and related genres.
There will be vendors with unique books, prints, and novels. We will have an African Martial Arts demonstration by Bro. Balogun, music vibes by Djay ZANO, and culinary treats by Sugar Mama’s Cakes & Catering.
BSF: How successful do you feel that outreach to non-traditional comics fans has been in spreading the word about the event?
JW III: The outreach to non-traditional fans is always accomplished. People who left comics in disgust of mainstream books lacking diversity are ONYXCON fans. Folks who still read mainstream & simply want more diverse stories not driven by a commercial agenda and formula love ONYXCON. It’s a natural and magnetic force. Real popular Arts fans want new stories that are well produced and good!
BSF: There is a wide array of independent creators hoping to get their stories to the marketplace. How would you suggest that creators utilize an event like this to do just that?
JW III: There are definitely more and more new creators on the grind. We add new visions with every event we do. Attending ONYXCON, ECBACC, Motor City BACC, Kid’s Comic Con, Bronx Heroes Con, the original BACC in Chicago, and other supportive conventions for new talent is mandatory for creators needing to make connections and network with a new and progressive marketplace.
BSF: What do you say to those who might argue “why do we need a Black Comic Book Day?”
JW III: Reality vs. Fallacy. Balance over imbalance. “World’s Greatest Heroes” – says who? There is no one perspective. Variety is good and natural.
BSF: What are future plans for Black Comic Book Day? Any plans on making this something that happens more frequently?
JW III: Well, for now February is home to BCBD and that’s sweet enough for this Georgia Peach.
For more information visit www.onyxcon.com and www.blackcomicbookday.com.
Robert Jeffrey II is an award-winning Atlanta-based freelance writer whose work has appeared in such publications as Ja Dore magazine, The Atlanta Voice newspaper, and Urban Voices In Comics. When he’s not ranting and raving about comic books, he’s actually writing them. Check out http://www.terminusmedia.com/ for his comic book story, Daddy’s Little Girl, featured in the anthology, Terminus Tales Presents #1: Platypus vs. Monkey.” Robert can also be found at http://robertspageofwriting.blogspot.com/.
