Marvel's Black & Minority Characters: Roundtable Discussion

[Arach Knight]

I don't blame him. Who would want to return to an argument after making such a poor statement?

 

[Zoken]

So... whats the next topic?

 

[OutcryX]

Why did this thread die?!?!

 

[The Storm]

Its happened before, don't worry it will come back to life some time soon. Did anyone know what Nicolas Cage's favourite comic book character is Luke Cage hence Nick's last name. (trying to get this thread going again)

 

[Angry Sentinel]

Ok let's revive this thing

why must a person "act black" or "Act white" or "act whatever". why must we be confined to such simplistic roles. the truth is that the stereotypes of each race's place is being outlined more and more people people OF THAT RACE. blacks who believe that they are supposed to sound a certain way and act in a certain manner only help those idiots who are stupid enough to still cling to detrimental racisms.

I dont think the original poster Meant "Acting Black" as a stereotype per-se. I just think they were using that classification to make the point that, it's currently how people still perceive each other... consciously or unconsciously.

In other words, we see a specific type of behavior all the time and instantly attribute it to a specific race. Let's be real, stereotypes have roots in truth. There are a large majority of people that will often fit any given stereotype. So it is very likely that their behavior is classified as being "common" and we all probably have at least one or two moments when we succumb to these feelings. It's only after some additional thought that we can begin to just look at the individual.

Exactly! It just encourages them. Ignorance begets ignorance. That's about as stupid as trying to determine if a person is "black enough" based on how dark their complexion is. As someone who's father is white and mother is black, I can tell you all that people actually have told me I'm "not black enough".


I'm like, "What does that mean?"

It means we have way toooo many races and with race (or categorization) comes more categorization, unfortunately. ALL HUMAN BEINGS SEEK TO PUT DEFINITIONS ON EVERYTHING! So the end result will be the "classic" stereotype. And you will either fit this stereotype or you won't.

Dont feel bad, I get the same thing sometimes. Most of us fanboy, Sci-fi, comic, techno geeks dont fit any "racial" stereotype. So they created different "social" ones for us.

 

[terry78]

Truth be told, if you see a black guy acting like a crusty old businessman and a white dude acting like Lil' Jon, your eyebrow will raise, because that's something out of the norm as far as what the media portrays.

 

[Angry Sentinel]

Truth be told, if you see a black guy acting like a crusty old businessman and a white dude acting like Lil' Jon, your eyebrow will raise, because that's something out of the norm as far as what the media portrays.

... and it's not just what the media shows us, we all see certain behavior and classify it. Yes we have been conditioned to do this as well, but I believe it can also be attributed to nature.... So are we by nature racists? Not specifically no, but we are by nature self-aware, and we do by nature attempt to "define" our surroundings. So some part of our actions or re-actions are very natural.

Now the blatant racial indignations, or intentional ones are definitely a concern. And YES they do still exist, just more secretive due in large account to their "unpopularity"(not PC)! Which leads to the next point...

Anyway, the broadcast was very interesting, as it pointed out that for as much as we *think* things have gotten better, we've made very, very little progress. And it was all about race: In other words, if O.J. had killed a Black woman that trial wouldn't have gotten half the publicity. If it had been a black man killing a black man--again, no big deal.

Some part of the reason for this situation is intentional... some is unconscious. Which is more, is for you to decide!

But mostly I want to speak to the broadcast you were referencing. A little while back, I read an article titled "The State of the African-American" in essence magazine or such. It gave factual accounts about our "economic stand point in America today(2003) in direct comparison to the civil rights era (1968).

Our total net worth then = one half of a percentage point
Our total net worth now = one half of a percentage point

PUT THAT IN YOUR PIPE AND SMOKE IT!!!

 

[Lightning Strykez!]

Looks like we got our prayers answered comrades! BEHOLD!!!



AWARD-WINNING AND NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR ERIC JEROME DICKEY
TO PEN SIX-ISSUE LIMITED SERIES OF STORM!

New Series Reveals the Epic Romance of X-Men Favorite Storm and Black Panther Series to Launch in February 2006, Coinciding With Black History Month


NEW YORK – Eric Jerome Dickey, critically acclaimed author of New York Times bestsellers Thieves’ Paradise, The Other Woman, and Genevieve, has signed on to create a spectacular, six-issue limited series of Storm, spotlighting the ever-popular X-Men heroine. The first highly anticipated issue is scheduled to debut in February 2006, coinciding with Black History Month.

Dickey’s Storm story arc will present an epic romance, revealing the untold love story of the world’s two most popular African American Super Heroes, Ororo (also known as Storm of the X-Men) and T'Challa (a.k.a. The Black Panther), the world's first African American Super Hero. Marking Dickey’s first comic book writing effort, the captivating series blends romance and adventure against the backdrop of Africa’s cruel plains. Emerging star David Yardin (Black Panther, District X) will illustrate the books.

“I never would have imagined that I'd get an opportunity to step into the Marvel Universe and work on Storm,” says Dickey. “She is such a remarkable character. And being allowed to incorporate T'Challa, the future Black Panther in the same series...wake me up because I have to be dreaming.”

The six-issue series follows how the famed African Prince T'Challa crosses paths with Ororo, an orphaned street urchin who only survives by sheer wit as her mutant powers are still in their infancy. As the story and romance unfold, the duo come together to fight against a mutual foe who seeks to put them in a cage and exploit them toward wicked ends.

“This is a truly groundbreaking storyline that will draw in readers from all cultural backgrounds,” said Joe Quesada, Editor-in-Chief of Marvel Comics. “Eric’s unique vision for this series will thrill traditional comic fans of Storm and The Black Panther, as well as appeal to a whole new audience drawn towards Eric’s remarkable storytelling ability.”


http://marvel.com/company/showarticle.htm?id=148



*Note from Lightning: This is major, MAJOR news!

 

[OutcryX]

Looks like we got our prayers answered comrades! BEHOLD!!!



AWARD-WINNING AND NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR ERIC JEROME DICKEY
TO PEN SIX-ISSUE LIMITED SERIES OF STORM!

New Series Reveals the Epic Romance of X-Men Favorite Storm and Black Panther Series to Launch in February 2006, Coinciding With Black History Month


NEW YORK – Eric Jerome Dickey, critically acclaimed author of New York Times bestsellers Thieves’ Paradise, The Other Woman, and Genevieve, has signed on to create a spectacular, six-issue limited series of Storm, spotlighting the ever-popular X-Men heroine. The first highly anticipated issue is scheduled to debut in February 2006, coinciding with Black History Month.

Dickey’s Storm story arc will present an epic romance, revealing the untold love story of the world’s two most popular African American Super Heroes, Ororo (also known as Storm of the X-Men) and T'Challa (a.k.a. The Black Panther), the world's first African American Super Hero. Marking Dickey’s first comic book writing effort, the captivating series blends romance and adventure against the backdrop of Africa’s cruel plains. Emerging star David Yardin (Black Panther, District X) will illustrate the books.

“I never would have imagined that I'd get an opportunity to step into the Marvel Universe and work on Storm,” says Dickey. “She is such a remarkable character. And being allowed to incorporate T'Challa, the future Black Panther in the same series...wake me up because I have to be dreaming.”

The six-issue series follows how the famed African Prince T'Challa crosses paths with Ororo, an orphaned street urchin who only survives by sheer wit as her mutant powers are still in their infancy. As the story and romance unfold, the duo come together to fight against a mutual foe who seeks to put them in a cage and exploit them toward wicked ends.

“This is a truly groundbreaking storyline that will draw in readers from all cultural backgrounds,” said Joe Quesada, Editor-in-Chief of Marvel Comics. “Eric’s unique vision for this series will thrill traditional comic fans of Storm and The Black Panther, as well as appeal to a whole new audience drawn towards Eric’s remarkable storytelling ability.”


http://marvel.com/company/showarticle.htm?id=148



*Note from Lightning: This is major, MAJOR news!

Hey Lightning...there is already a thread on this major major news

http://www.superherohype.com/forums/showthread.php?t=205611

And I am actually NOT looking forward to this mini series...and not even becuase of Storm or Panther....but becuase of Dickey...am I not much of a fan of his...but it will be quite interesting to see how he adapts from writing romance novels to action comics(unless its a romance comic...eww)

we will wait and see

 

[Lightning Strykez!]

Hey Lightning...there is already a thread on this major major news

http://www.superherohype.com/forums/showthread.php?t=205611

And I am actually NOT looking forward to this mini series...and not even becuase of Storm or Panther....but becuase of Dickey...am I not much of a fan of his...but it will be quite interesting to see how he adapts from writing romance novels to action comics(unless its a romance comic...eww)

we will wait and see

Yes, I'm aware of Sebita's thread...I just think the news had relevance here as well as it has to do with the future of Marvel's most popular Mutants of Color. It's good to see that Marvel is putting forth the effort to invest some quality in the writing department for Storm. She needs a good romance.

 

[LittleMissVixen]

edit

 

[Lightning Strykez!]

I've hosted a larger shot...it appears they have used Angela Basset as an inspiration for this artwork...

 

[terry78]

Yeah, that's how you do it. Or if Angela wasn't available, at the least -

 

[OutcryX]

Monica from Girlfriends!!! Yes! YEs!! YES!!! I just had an orgasm! She will definetly do!! Yes indeed!! The chick that plays Toni could do a good job too!! Yum-meee!

 

[Lightning Strykez!]

She is stunning indeed.

Some have suggested Michael Michele for the role...

...but just because she's black and beautiful doesn't mean she'll make a good strong (but this girl actually has a really commanding voice so aesthetics could be forgiven).

 

[OutcryX]

I dunno....I dont wat another fair skinned sista in the role...there are PLENTY of undeniable dark skinned beauties WHO CAN ACT TOO out there to do the role justice. But ms. M&M can get it...all of it

 

[Lightning Strykez!]

I dunno. None of these actresses have the clout and box office draw that Halle Berry has tho. I think it's kinda ironic that Marvel's best known female black character is played by Hollywood's best known black actress.

 

[GL1]

To make more glue:

I don't believe 'acting black' as far as racial stereotypes are concerned is so much a concern as being connected to the black community. I wouldn't say Jesse Jackson 'acts black,' but I wouldn't call him a sellout either. Same with Dr. King. Act however you want, but if, as a black person, ALL of your friends are wealthy caucasians and you show absolutely no concern for the African American community, then you have, apparently, turned your back on your culture, "forgotten where you've come from," and the like.

What do you guys think of the recent pairing between Storm and T'Challa in the comics? Does it reek of Easy-Bake Solution to you?

Thus far, according to the writers Storm's relationships with black characters have been the most poorly recieved by fans. Her tryst with white or non-black characters i.e. Forge, Wolverine, Cable, etc. have been more warmly welcomed. In fact, it appears that X3 will have her involved with the franchise's other big star Wolverine. Why is that? Why does the sense of interest die when she's not in an interracial relationship?

And does this underscore a larger social issue among white comic fans? Feel free to discuss.

I LOVE the idea of T'Challa and Storm's past... it's always played in my head as both of their first major romantic experiences. Between the interaction of Storm's worshipful tribe and T'Challa's developing nation, and the raw physical ability each of the characters have, it's awesome to imagine a plot unfolding, culminating in a heart-breaking battle between the two lovers on opposite sides of a brewing war. It just seems like a great story with a sad ending that should be told gloriously.

I have a feeling we won't get that, but a boy can dream, eh?

 

[terry78]

If someone acts similar to a Carlton Banks but has mostly black friends and is aware of what goes on in the community, that's what we call an intelligent brother, not a sellout. Now if he just doesn't care whatsoever and finds the idea of black people disgusting, then we gots a problem, capiece? ^

 

[Lightning Strykez!]

If someone acts similar to a Carlton Banks but has mostly black friends and is aware of what goes on in the community, that's what we call an intelligent brother, not a sellout. Now if he just doesn't care whatsoever and finds the idea of black people disgusting, then we gots a problem, capiece? ^

Carlton was an unmitigated mess for more reasons than his blackness.

Society today deals in strict absolutes. You're either all this way, or all that way--there is no allottment for middle-ground.

My father is white, but my mother is black and we lived in an all-white suburb, and I attended all-white schools. Yet the vast majority of my friends are black simply due to the way circumstances have turned out. I have many white friends as well, and I can "adjust" to either culture with ease. Doesn't make me a sell-out--it means I've struck a balance. I'm not "pro-black" any more than I am "pro-white"--I am biracial and can't afford to take sides.

 

[OutcryX]

This thread dies more than Jean Grey (ba-zing!)

 

[The Storm]

It certainly does!

 

[tamron]

Ok let's revive this thing
I dont think the original poster Meant "Acting Black" as a stereotype per-se. I just think they were using that classification to make the point that, it's currently how people still perceive each other... consciously or unconsciously.

In other words, we see a specific type of behavior all the time and instantly attribute it to a specific race.

That's exactly what I meant, which is why I put "acting black" in quotations. I figured I didn't have to explain it, silly me.

Golden Brooks has the right facial structure for Storm.

 

[Lightning Strykez!]

This thread dies more than Jean Gray (ba-zing!)

Well, it takes the Soul Of SHH to keep it alive. Ya'll ain't got no soul powuhzz!!!!

 

[Lightning Strykez!]