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The N-Word of God
A dazzlingly illustrated postmodern epic of social commentary by ordained iconographer of the Coltrane Church, Mark Doox, who explores the story of Saint Sambo and Black existential wonder through the prism of his Byzantine and early Italo-religious style. The N-Word of God is a literary graphic novel of interconnected illustrated stories of social insight, cognitive surprise, wry mirth, and Black existential wonder. Artist Mark Doox transports readers back to the beginning of the universe when God fatefully declared Light and Darkness as opposing forces. Doox then follows this theme through a religious and societal retelling of his own gospel-like myth. With a devil figure that advocates for John Coltrane’s philosophy of ‘A Love Supreme,’ The N-Word of God challenges binary racial ideas making a case for the commonality and the dignity of all human beings. The striking art combines Christian iconography with caricatures and terms that have been used against Black people through which Doox artfully recontextualizes them as religious symbols of resilience, protection, counter-truth, agency, and new and pertinent revelation. With satirical wit and stunning illuminated manuscript-like illustrations, Doox has created a metamodern masterpiece of African American storytelling and Black signifyin’ wisdom. While Doox’s focus is always on the empathic center of his illuminating truths, The N-Word of God challenges the reader with unexpected ideas and connections in a must-have work of Black art and Black literature. Full-color illustrations throughout
344 pages, Hardcover
Published February 27, 2024
8 people are currently reading
158 people want to read
About the author
Mark Doox
1 book6 followersMark Doox is a conceptual artist, writer, and long-time iconographer. He is interested in exploring sequential art and issues of life, psyche, race, and spirituality. Born in Columbus, Ohio, his work has been internationally exhibited, collected, and featured in articles in periodicals such as The New Yorker, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times Magazine, Oxford’s Black Theology Journal, and Spin.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
July 8, 2024
It took me a fair bit to vibe with this one, but when it clicks it really worked for me. Mark Doox presents a satirical graphic novel which serves as a prophetic reframing on the concepts and modern myths about race, primarily from the Black/mixed perspective. It all sets in with the idea that "there could not be White people without there being Black people", which serves as the backbone for Doox's The N-Word of God. Page after page, Doox intermixes biblical language and images of divinity with modern colloquialisms to hammer home this point on the fragile notions of race that so dominate our current sociopolitical landscape. The art design is intentionally provocative and radical, but ultimately an honest expression of one's own frustration with discussions about race. It's highly funny too, with numerous barbs directed towards the innate white supremacist structure of large swaths of American society:
"If we must kiss white ass then let us kiss it with all wisdom. Let us kiss it in such a way that we might kiss is less...and less. And even perhaps someday...not at all."
This definitely won't be for everyone, and even structurally feels less like a comic since the images don't really follow a kind of sequential design. It's very caricaturizing, so some may walk away from this one feeling like Doox is minimizing a more thought-provoking discussion into a series of gags, but I truly found this engaging after sitting with it for a bit.
"If we must kiss white ass then let us kiss it with all wisdom. Let us kiss it in such a way that we might kiss is less...and less. And even perhaps someday...not at all."
This definitely won't be for everyone, and even structurally feels less like a comic since the images don't really follow a kind of sequential design. It's very caricaturizing, so some may walk away from this one feeling like Doox is minimizing a more thought-provoking discussion into a series of gags, but I truly found this engaging after sitting with it for a bit.
June 23, 2024
One of the most unique, provocative pieces of Afro-Surrealist literature.
March 6, 2024
I devoured this and found myself almost racing to the end. It is a spiritual and artistic masterpiece. Wry and poignant, it’s everything I wanted from a book. It is a masterpiece in book construction itself with the text appearing at points an illuminated Bible or storybook Bible. The iconography and development of the Byzantine Dadaism is stunning. I will leave it to others to pull out the Liberation theology from here in a cohesive statement. This review doesn’t even make sense. Call white people pink. I will treasure this for many years to come.
April 8, 2024
Beautifully challenging and prophetic work of wisdom literature and like all wisdom literature, I will need to sit inside the space Mark Doox creates through the striking visual economy of his Byzantine Dadaism and its searing textual accompaniment for awhile. I will treasure this work and certainly revisit it many times. It will be held alongside other spiritual writings on my bookshelf and I am ecstatic to hear Mark Doox is authoring another piece of work soon! "Say pink until the 'white' people say, uncle!"
December 19, 2024
Spiritually uplifting, affirming, a reminder to center Black Liberation Theology daily.
March 3, 2024
A powerful, unique and thought provoking piece of literary genius beautifully told and illustrated Mark Doox.
Read
May 21, 2024Forgot I picked up and finished this the other day. Really not sure how to rate this so might not? A challenging 2024 Fantagraphics graphic novel that delves into social commentary around racism/religion through blended images - think ancient Christian paintings combined with racist imagery like Jim Crow caricatures. A deep probe of anti-Blackness in America and the church.
February 28, 2024
Powerful, challenging, valid and beautiful.
February 22, 2024
“With our words, we make up our minds.”
Witty. Intelligent. Funny. Beautiful. One of the most important books I’ve ever read. The art is profound, and is adorned with religious iconography that not only compliments the text, but elevates the work as a whole. This isn’t just a book, it’s a piece of art. It’s a masterpiece.
Witty. Intelligent. Funny. Beautiful. One of the most important books I’ve ever read. The art is profound, and is adorned with religious iconography that not only compliments the text, but elevates the work as a whole. This isn’t just a book, it’s a piece of art. It’s a masterpiece.
June 30, 2024
4.5 stars
A surreal and often hilarious illustrated commentary on race in America. The provocative collage art interspersed throughout the text is done in the style of Byzantine icons; it’s a highlight and I wish there were more of them. The text is a wild ride that can be a challenge at times, but I ultimately found it equally entertaining and enlightening. Doox jumps between different tones in each section, opening with a cynical facetiousness before ceding to a parodic Gnosticism in the middle, and finally giving way to a seemingly more authentic voice leading up to his “elegant solution” at the end.
“Forgetfulness is better than forgiveness…For they that have forgotten need not to forgive anything for they remember naught of the past and little of the present.”
“If we must kiss white ass then let us kiss it with all wisdom. Let us kiss it in such a way that we might kiss it less…and less. And even perhaps someday…not at all.”
“The Black Neo-Con saw a dollar bill appear and cover the mouth of Saint Sambo.
…
‘This is a sign of Black wisdom.’
‘I know this wisdom!’ said the Black Neo-Con. ‘I use it often!’ he said.
‘I am aware,’ said Saint Sambo.”
“‘Various Shades of Brown’ are not the opposite of ‘Light Pink or Beige.’
…
And this is why—to give conceptual support to a reality of opposition, hierarchy, and conflict—we need for ‘Various Shades of Brown’ to become ideal and magically ‘Black.’
And likewise, ‘Light Pink or Beige’ must become equally ideal and magically ‘White.’”
“I laughed. I knew he was joking. He did that a lot. He made jokes for the effect of making a pointed meaning. So, I didn’t take him seriously.”
“But for many White people, ‘woke’ is merely an inconvenient thought intruding into their mental lives and bothering their conscience and the freedom to do whatever they want and feel.
It’s a foreign idea that indicates their genuine lack of empathy and compassion and their propensity toward denial or distortion of the real state of Black affairs. So wisely (for them), they make fun of it and change its Black meaning. And even more wisely (for them), try to sell Black people on the idea.”
“And I said ‘Satan Sambo, what do you think of those Black people playing the race card and crying victim all the time?’ (I said this knowing it might annoy him.)”
“This perceptual distortion and coup of the unconscious mind demonstrates the creative power of words. From ancient times people knew the power of words to shape our minds and perceptions. There is magic in them. To spell out a word is to cast a spell. That is why it is called ‘spelling.’ You dig?”
“It is purported that the Buddha said ‘With our minds, we make up the world.’ But I amend this saying.
I say, ‘With our words, we make up our minds.’ And with the use of words like ‘White’ and ‘Black’ as human descriptives, our minds have been made up already. Made up to dwell in a reality of opposition, hierarchy, and conflict before any outward action has been taken.”
“Words are the basic ingredients of the Great Spell this nation is under.
Different words—different thoughts—perhaps different perceptions and outcomes?”
“I am not a color
I am merely human
And my mere humanity
Is enough”
A surreal and often hilarious illustrated commentary on race in America. The provocative collage art interspersed throughout the text is done in the style of Byzantine icons; it’s a highlight and I wish there were more of them. The text is a wild ride that can be a challenge at times, but I ultimately found it equally entertaining and enlightening. Doox jumps between different tones in each section, opening with a cynical facetiousness before ceding to a parodic Gnosticism in the middle, and finally giving way to a seemingly more authentic voice leading up to his “elegant solution” at the end.
“Forgetfulness is better than forgiveness…For they that have forgotten need not to forgive anything for they remember naught of the past and little of the present.”
“If we must kiss white ass then let us kiss it with all wisdom. Let us kiss it in such a way that we might kiss it less…and less. And even perhaps someday…not at all.”
“The Black Neo-Con saw a dollar bill appear and cover the mouth of Saint Sambo.
…
‘This is a sign of Black wisdom.’
‘I know this wisdom!’ said the Black Neo-Con. ‘I use it often!’ he said.
‘I am aware,’ said Saint Sambo.”
“‘Various Shades of Brown’ are not the opposite of ‘Light Pink or Beige.’
…
And this is why—to give conceptual support to a reality of opposition, hierarchy, and conflict—we need for ‘Various Shades of Brown’ to become ideal and magically ‘Black.’
And likewise, ‘Light Pink or Beige’ must become equally ideal and magically ‘White.’”
“I laughed. I knew he was joking. He did that a lot. He made jokes for the effect of making a pointed meaning. So, I didn’t take him seriously.”
“But for many White people, ‘woke’ is merely an inconvenient thought intruding into their mental lives and bothering their conscience and the freedom to do whatever they want and feel.
It’s a foreign idea that indicates their genuine lack of empathy and compassion and their propensity toward denial or distortion of the real state of Black affairs. So wisely (for them), they make fun of it and change its Black meaning. And even more wisely (for them), try to sell Black people on the idea.”
“And I said ‘Satan Sambo, what do you think of those Black people playing the race card and crying victim all the time?’ (I said this knowing it might annoy him.)”
“This perceptual distortion and coup of the unconscious mind demonstrates the creative power of words. From ancient times people knew the power of words to shape our minds and perceptions. There is magic in them. To spell out a word is to cast a spell. That is why it is called ‘spelling.’ You dig?”
“It is purported that the Buddha said ‘With our minds, we make up the world.’ But I amend this saying.
I say, ‘With our words, we make up our minds.’ And with the use of words like ‘White’ and ‘Black’ as human descriptives, our minds have been made up already. Made up to dwell in a reality of opposition, hierarchy, and conflict before any outward action has been taken.”
“Words are the basic ingredients of the Great Spell this nation is under.
Different words—different thoughts—perhaps different perceptions and outcomes?”
“I am not a color
I am merely human
And my mere humanity
Is enough”
February 27, 2024
Whew! It’s a bit difficult to describe this determined body of work because there is a LOT to unpack. The author was truly on a socio-religious odyssey of sorts dropping healthy droppings of cynicism, criticism, acerbic humor bordering on blasphemy (because not everyone will find humor in this offering). He navigates a rocky landscape jabbing at American racism, social constructs, and Christian doctrine. He focuses on Americanized Christian dogma which spewed harmful rhetoric, dehumanizing antics, and sanctioned horrific acts upon African Americans. Not only does it have breadth and depth - it is heavy – it includes problematic gangbangers, Black Neo-Cons, White Liberals, aspects of Capitalism, pop culture/figures, the Founding Fathers, politics and the psychological and social impact of Black and White labels, etc. – key social ills in a logical fashion.
For example, he opens at the beginning with Genesis – creating a spin on the Biblical origin story pitting the proverbial “Let there be light” and its implied goodness theme to support rhetoric long standing beliefs that pitted Light/Whiteness/Goodness against Dark/”Darkyness/Bad-Evil.” The play on “Darkyness” is evident in the Saint Sambo depictions complete with dark face, large red lips, and frequently shown with watermelons and other stereotypical personas such as Uncle Tom, Aunt Jemima/Aint Jah Momma as The Virgin Mary, etc. and associated caricatures (i.e., Sambo).
Another is wordplay – Eniggerma is a portmanteau of “enigma” and “n—r” — he has fun twisting the phrase and proving his theory with this word. The images he created are purposefully triggering, and disturbing. The Sambo motif is repeatedly and prominently on display. But it’s intentional; he makes points regarding the underlying survival technique (to be viewed as dim-witted, happy, and non-threatening was inherently beneficial as a defense mechanism sooner rather than later). It also supports the “double consciousness” or wearing of a mask theory. The “parables” and experiences of Saint Sambo mirror those of Christ and at times are utterly crude and absurd (intentionally); but others are quite clever and funny. I admit - I cringed at most of the imagery (much inspired by the minstrel-era with disparaging and exaggerated features) and passages – this type of “teaching” is not necessarily for me; but I appreciate his creativity and ingenuity. He has an agenda with points to make. If the reader is patient, tolerant, and open-minded enough, it may be received and understood – which is what I think is the goal. Some will not agree; but it will get the conversation started.
Thanks to the publisher, Fantagraphics, and Edelweiss for an opportunity to review.
For example, he opens at the beginning with Genesis – creating a spin on the Biblical origin story pitting the proverbial “Let there be light” and its implied goodness theme to support rhetoric long standing beliefs that pitted Light/Whiteness/Goodness against Dark/”Darkyness/Bad-Evil.” The play on “Darkyness” is evident in the Saint Sambo depictions complete with dark face, large red lips, and frequently shown with watermelons and other stereotypical personas such as Uncle Tom, Aunt Jemima/Aint Jah Momma as The Virgin Mary, etc. and associated caricatures (i.e., Sambo).
Another is wordplay – Eniggerma is a portmanteau of “enigma” and “n—r” — he has fun twisting the phrase and proving his theory with this word. The images he created are purposefully triggering, and disturbing. The Sambo motif is repeatedly and prominently on display. But it’s intentional; he makes points regarding the underlying survival technique (to be viewed as dim-witted, happy, and non-threatening was inherently beneficial as a defense mechanism sooner rather than later). It also supports the “double consciousness” or wearing of a mask theory. The “parables” and experiences of Saint Sambo mirror those of Christ and at times are utterly crude and absurd (intentionally); but others are quite clever and funny. I admit - I cringed at most of the imagery (much inspired by the minstrel-era with disparaging and exaggerated features) and passages – this type of “teaching” is not necessarily for me; but I appreciate his creativity and ingenuity. He has an agenda with points to make. If the reader is patient, tolerant, and open-minded enough, it may be received and understood – which is what I think is the goal. Some will not agree; but it will get the conversation started.
Thanks to the publisher, Fantagraphics, and Edelweiss for an opportunity to review.
July 31, 2024
A very important book in understanding race relations in the USA. I say understanding because that's what it does. It helped me understand. It doesn't answer any questions or present any solutions to the injustices of Black Americans.
Instead, Doox presents the exaggerated "truth" of Christianity, from the Black perspective, and breaks it down through an exceptionally dry and sarcastic presentation of Saint Sambo. From the White Saviour Complex all the way down to the "Holy White Booty" of God. It's not for the faint of heart. Mostly, the book centers around the notions of Uncle Tom and Black appeasement to their White oppressors and the folly of such attempts. But it doesn't stop there. It addresses Jim Crow laws, prison populations, gang violence, etc. and incorporates it all into his Saint Sambo mythology.
I was most struck by Doox's exposition on the nature of the term 'Woke' and how it has been stripped away from Black Americans and how the strength of the word has been stripped away. A common theme in the book is that language is power and therefore plays a huge role in the oppression of Black Americans. It's not something that has crossed my mind in recent years, but after reading the passage on 'woke', I was struck my own ignorance of late. An honestly amazing excerpt that could stand on its own as a piece of social criticism.
These points are so brilliantly articulated through Doox's iconography work, the quality of which could adorn any Church from Birmingham to Baltimore. Nobody else could've done what Doox has done here.
Instead, Doox presents the exaggerated "truth" of Christianity, from the Black perspective, and breaks it down through an exceptionally dry and sarcastic presentation of Saint Sambo. From the White Saviour Complex all the way down to the "Holy White Booty" of God. It's not for the faint of heart. Mostly, the book centers around the notions of Uncle Tom and Black appeasement to their White oppressors and the folly of such attempts. But it doesn't stop there. It addresses Jim Crow laws, prison populations, gang violence, etc. and incorporates it all into his Saint Sambo mythology.
I was most struck by Doox's exposition on the nature of the term 'Woke' and how it has been stripped away from Black Americans and how the strength of the word has been stripped away. A common theme in the book is that language is power and therefore plays a huge role in the oppression of Black Americans. It's not something that has crossed my mind in recent years, but after reading the passage on 'woke', I was struck my own ignorance of late. An honestly amazing excerpt that could stand on its own as a piece of social criticism.
These points are so brilliantly articulated through Doox's iconography work, the quality of which could adorn any Church from Birmingham to Baltimore. Nobody else could've done what Doox has done here.
April 1, 2024
Wow. This book is chilling but hilarious but also really deep and I am still thinking through everything. Actually I think I need to reread it right now because the first time I was reading, I was kind of just along for the ride ("where is this going?"). The art is stunning, though at times disturbing (I say that as a compliment) and the conclusion is perfect. There are a few key phrases that are going to stick with me, but I don't want to say them here and ruin the experience for anyone else. I think it's fitting that I finished this book on Easter Sunday.
March 1, 2024
This literary graphic novel by the incomparable Mark Doox has got to be one of the most stunning, prophetic, beautifully illustrated African American storytelling pieces of all time. The depictions and story narrative pulls you in and does not let go! This gorgeous work should be on everyone’s book shelf!
March 3, 2024
I have not read a word yet but am reading every art work!! Very profound imagery which stands right along side the text in the power of their message! Moving through the images will help set the stage as they say, prepare the ground and enhance the reading of the words when I get there!! Congratulations to the author and artist Mark Doox!
February 29, 2024
Sharp wit, great images and a challenging but very immersive read. Recontextualizes being black in a whole new way. Anybody can read this, but being black and reading this is a different feeling. Most interesting book i've read in years, especially post George Floyd.
December 1, 2025
This was a great read, maybe not for everyone as it uses language that may be uncomfortable. This book uses satire expertly and the art is really cool. The beginning may seem a bit extreme but the ending delivers a really solid message.
April 13, 2024
I got lost in the prophetic language a couple of times, but that was my fault. Reminded me of William Blake more than I expected.
July 4, 2024
I recommend extending one's knowledge of Mark Doox by reading this article. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/25/bo...
Doox has created a work of amazing design and art to share his "gospel" of sorts, in a way that may ruffle some feathers - doesn't most art that challenges the current currency of society do this?
Some may see the ending as a punch line, but I see Doox's work as Visionary... and hope he will have those who understand his perspective given the tongue-in-cheek witticisms, sarcasm's and truisms intertwined in his metaphorical characters.
I am glad someone who may be accepted as knowing has spelled out the vision of a future of letting go of skin color with a simple and accurate application of how to change the world by changing language.
I've tried to share this perspective but as a tan [1 1/2 generation] American who others wish to identify as "white" my words have triggered some curiosity, more anger, rare aha's, and bewilderment more than anything.
No matter what you think, this book is worth reading and viewing to partake in and trigger discourse worth having, art amazing to behold.
Doox has created a work of amazing design and art to share his "gospel" of sorts, in a way that may ruffle some feathers - doesn't most art that challenges the current currency of society do this?
Some may see the ending as a punch line, but I see Doox's work as Visionary... and hope he will have those who understand his perspective given the tongue-in-cheek witticisms, sarcasm's and truisms intertwined in his metaphorical characters.
I am glad someone who may be accepted as knowing has spelled out the vision of a future of letting go of skin color with a simple and accurate application of how to change the world by changing language.
I've tried to share this perspective but as a tan [1 1/2 generation] American who others wish to identify as "white" my words have triggered some curiosity, more anger, rare aha's, and bewilderment more than anything.
No matter what you think, this book is worth reading and viewing to partake in and trigger discourse worth having, art amazing to behold.
March 1, 2024
Awesome book. So good. Impactful, profound, and striking.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews