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Encyclopedia of Black Comics
The Encyclopedia of Black Comics, focuses on people of African descent who have published significant works in the United States or have worked across various aspects of the comics industry. The book focuses on creators in the field of comics: inkers, illustrators, artists, writers, editors, Black comic historians, Black comic convention creators, website creators, archivists and academics—as well as individuals who may not fit into any category but have made notable achievements within and/or across Black comic culture.
280 pages, Paperback
Published September 15, 2017
8 people are currently reading
293 people want to read
About the author
Sheena C. Howard
31 books84 followersWriter of fiction, non-fiction, film, comics and graphic novels | Howard University Alum | Eisner Award winner | Featured in Emmy nominated episode of State of the Arts | Appearances on BCC, ABC, PBS and more | All types of stories deserve to be told, and I'm here to tell them | Growth happens when you listen to the stories that make you uncomfortable and consume things that challenge what you think you know.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
June 20, 2020
An absolutely essential and invaluable resource. It’s a comprehensive look into an alternate universe of comics history that I never learned growing up as a comics history nerd in the 80’s and 90’s. I had to keep a notebook open next to me while I read it so I could make a list of creators and books to follow up on. So grateful to Dr. Howard and her team of talented writers and researchers for this gift.
March 1, 2019
ARC Review: Received for free via Netgalley for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
This is a cool read. Although I didn't sit and read through all the information present, I still got to learn more about African American comic writers. This isn't a full representation of the number of writers, but it's a start in knowing people who are helping change the game.
I liked this, and hope in the years to come there are more and more comic book writers and artists added onto the list, showcasing their talents to the world.
This is a cool read. Although I didn't sit and read through all the information present, I still got to learn more about African American comic writers. This isn't a full representation of the number of writers, but it's a start in knowing people who are helping change the game.
I liked this, and hope in the years to come there are more and more comic book writers and artists added onto the list, showcasing their talents to the world.
February 28, 2020
This is a hugely helpful resource that I used in writing my capstone thesis about diversity in YA graphic novels. It gave me some historical references that I was previously unaware of, and it also helped me dig into lesser-know current Black comics and artists.
February 9, 2018
This is a valuable resource for people researching the presence of people of color in comic book and comic strip history. The author is quite comprehensive, offering entries on writers and artists, and also publishers, convention organizers and syndicate editors. Sheen rehashes what is currently know about pioneers like George Herriman, creator of "Krazy Kat," who is now known to be at least Creole, and may have been "passing" in the early 20th Century. She also introduces us to artists who worked for major magazines as well as the black press, and many more modern day creators. Of course I read through it trying to see if there was anyone about whom I could say "I never knew he was black," but as it turns tuns out, I hadn't really considered what most artists or writers looked like before.
A very good resource.
A very good resource.
August 9, 2019
Encyclopedia of Black Comics from Sheena C Howard is a much needed beginning in filling the gaps in acknowledging black artists in every aspect of the comic/cartoon world.
As Howard acknowledges, this is not every single person who could have been included, the volume will go through additional revised editions and, hopefully, future writers will take up the call and do more research into specific periods and situations. So just ignore the naysayers who criticize the book for not including each and every black artist, such a book will take many hands and a lot of time to compile. This book serves to start that process, not be the end of that process. So forget anyone who simply doesn't understand and just wants to sound smart, they fail miserably.
This is a well researched and inclusive encyclopedia, touching on all of the jobs in the industry, not just the artist. For anyone interested in making a positive contribution, as compared to those who just sit back and complain, there are many opportunities here to branch out and add to the growing scholarship. Many of these people have been overlooked far too long in mainstream histories and even some within African-American Studies scholarship. Recovering them is every bit as important as including the names many people know about, though as the field grows everyone, hopefully, will be included.
While certainly an ideal reference work, this is also a book that rewards a complete reading. I approached it as I would a book of essays or short stories, I read an entry or two when I had time to read a little but not enough time to get back into a novel or a nonfiction book that forms one long argument. These entries are each self-contained and rewarding on their own, and as a whole they are an essential part of a better appreciation of what the real history of comics was like.
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.
As Howard acknowledges, this is not every single person who could have been included, the volume will go through additional revised editions and, hopefully, future writers will take up the call and do more research into specific periods and situations. So just ignore the naysayers who criticize the book for not including each and every black artist, such a book will take many hands and a lot of time to compile. This book serves to start that process, not be the end of that process. So forget anyone who simply doesn't understand and just wants to sound smart, they fail miserably.
This is a well researched and inclusive encyclopedia, touching on all of the jobs in the industry, not just the artist. For anyone interested in making a positive contribution, as compared to those who just sit back and complain, there are many opportunities here to branch out and add to the growing scholarship. Many of these people have been overlooked far too long in mainstream histories and even some within African-American Studies scholarship. Recovering them is every bit as important as including the names many people know about, though as the field grows everyone, hopefully, will be included.
While certainly an ideal reference work, this is also a book that rewards a complete reading. I approached it as I would a book of essays or short stories, I read an entry or two when I had time to read a little but not enough time to get back into a novel or a nonfiction book that forms one long argument. These entries are each self-contained and rewarding on their own, and as a whole they are an essential part of a better appreciation of what the real history of comics was like.
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.
November 3, 2018
'Encyclopedia of Black Comics' by Sheena C. Howard is an A to Z look at people of African descent who have had a hand in creating and discussing comics and comic strips.
I knew about famous contributors like Morrie Turner and Christopher Priest. I'm a fan of Joel Christian Gill's work in Strange Fruit and Tales of the Tenth. I was less familiar with some of the pioneers like Sam Milai. I confess to being surprised that George Herriman was an African American. Along with these there are founders of comic book conventions, scholars of sequential art, webcomic artists and so many more.
Throughout the book are some examples of artwork. Each entry is a page or so. It's all interesting and fun to page through and I learned so much. I'm glad there is such a resource out there.
I received a review copy of this ebook from Fulcrum Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.
I knew about famous contributors like Morrie Turner and Christopher Priest. I'm a fan of Joel Christian Gill's work in Strange Fruit and Tales of the Tenth. I was less familiar with some of the pioneers like Sam Milai. I confess to being surprised that George Herriman was an African American. Along with these there are founders of comic book conventions, scholars of sequential art, webcomic artists and so many more.
Throughout the book are some examples of artwork. Each entry is a page or so. It's all interesting and fun to page through and I learned so much. I'm glad there is such a resource out there.
I received a review copy of this ebook from Fulcrum Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.
October 7, 2019
I received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is not the first book that I've read about comic history, and I have to say I really enjoyed it. The information spans across a long timespan, which is important especially when talking about comic books because of how long their typical run-time is, and it really shows how black authors and artists have been able to grow in the industry. The setup of the book was colorful and the artwork that they chose to include was relavant and showed the time progression, but I wish there was a little bit more. That may sound silly, but I work in a high school and I know that some of our kids would be interested at the cover and then get bored when the inside is primarily words. It is also, of course, an encyclopedia and the important pieces are the text, but I think this book could push it even further with some more comic interactions. A good example would be Scott McCloud's "Understanding Comics".
This is not the first book that I've read about comic history, and I have to say I really enjoyed it. The information spans across a long timespan, which is important especially when talking about comic books because of how long their typical run-time is, and it really shows how black authors and artists have been able to grow in the industry. The setup of the book was colorful and the artwork that they chose to include was relavant and showed the time progression, but I wish there was a little bit more. That may sound silly, but I work in a high school and I know that some of our kids would be interested at the cover and then get bored when the inside is primarily words. It is also, of course, an encyclopedia and the important pieces are the text, but I think this book could push it even further with some more comic interactions. A good example would be Scott McCloud's "Understanding Comics".
November 30, 2023
This is an in depth & comprehensive look into an alternate universe of comics history that I never even knew existed.
For anyone interested in making a positive contribution, there are many opportunities here to branch out and add to the growing scholarship. Many of these people have been overlooked far too long in mainstream histories and even some within African-American Studies scholarships. It’s been a pleasure reading this & learning more about so many different people. These entries are each self-contained and rewarding on their own, and as a whole they are an essential part of a better appreciation of what the real history of comics was like back then.
For anyone interested in making a positive contribution, there are many opportunities here to branch out and add to the growing scholarship. Many of these people have been overlooked far too long in mainstream histories and even some within African-American Studies scholarships. It’s been a pleasure reading this & learning more about so many different people. These entries are each self-contained and rewarding on their own, and as a whole they are an essential part of a better appreciation of what the real history of comics was like back then.
November 30, 2023
This is an in-depth and comprehensive look into an alternate universe of comics history that I never even knew existed.
For anyone interested in making a positive contribution, there are many opportunities here to branch out and add to the growing scholarship. Many of these people have been overlooked far too long in mainstream histories and even some within African-American Studies scholarships.
It’s been a pleasure reading this and learning more about so many different people.
These entries are each self-contained and rewarding on their own, and as a whole they are an essential part of a better appreciation of what the real history of comics was like back then.
For anyone interested in making a positive contribution, there are many opportunities here to branch out and add to the growing scholarship. Many of these people have been overlooked far too long in mainstream histories and even some within African-American Studies scholarships.
It’s been a pleasure reading this and learning more about so many different people.
These entries are each self-contained and rewarding on their own, and as a whole they are an essential part of a better appreciation of what the real history of comics was like back then.
June 17, 2020
A really great resource on the histories and careers of some notable black people within the comic book industry. This book examines contributors to many areas of the creative process beyond the illustrators and story-writers.
A little dense to be written cover-to-cover with less artwork than I was expecting, this book is still an exceptional resource.
I wasn't very keen on the A-Z format however that is the traditional format of encyclopedias and it avoids issues with chronology.
A little dense to be written cover-to-cover with less artwork than I was expecting, this book is still an exceptional resource.
I wasn't very keen on the A-Z format however that is the traditional format of encyclopedias and it avoids issues with chronology.
August 19, 2018
I was gifted a copy of this book and decided to write a review.
I had no idea that so many people that look like me were part of the comic industry, This encyclopedia was a welcome eye opener. Thank you for compiling these short notes in Black History. At first I was hoping it was a listing of all the black characters in comics, but was then pleasantly surprised.
I had no idea that so many people that look like me were part of the comic industry, This encyclopedia was a welcome eye opener. Thank you for compiling these short notes in Black History. At first I was hoping it was a listing of all the black characters in comics, but was then pleasantly surprised.
November 3, 2018
Essential reading, whether you like comics or history. This is the book, frankly, I wish Fantagraphics could have done with their "Best American Comics Criticism." In other words, provide a focus on the breadth of those who created comics, not just focus on Herriman and his Creole history (which is a big deal, don't get me wrong).
March 2, 2020
This Encyclopedia is important. I am glad that this book was made to acknowledge African American Comic Book Writers, Creators, and Pioneers which is long overdue. Trevor Von Eden who co-created Black Lightning should be included in this volume and hope that there are plans to continuously update it.
This book is a must read for African American Comic Book fans.
This book is a must read for African American Comic Book fans.
February 8, 2023
To be clear, I DID NOT read every entry in this encyclopedia, but the many I did were incredibly detailed.
As the author states in her ACKNOWLEDGMENTS “The book you hold in your hands could not have been written without the contributions of various writers, researchers, and comic enthusiasts across various disciplines and fields. These are the many writers of the one-hundred-plus entries in this book. I am forever grateful for their time, support, and expertise.”
As she also states in her INTRODUCTION, her dissertation for her PhD required her to write a literature review on the history of Black comic strips and Black cartoonists, but she found that there were no comprehensive texts that provided a historical survey of either. Books that focused on the history of American comics seemed to have left out iconic Black comic artists and that to her was a glaring omission across both popular and academic literature. After reading many entries in the encyclopedia, I totally agree.
I was astounded at the achievements of some of these Black cartoonists. Groundbreaking is not even the word for many of the pioneers covered.
I’ve studied media on an undergraduate and graduate level, with film being my concentration and the systematic barriers that Black artists had to face is endemic across mediums. A lot of which in the media of cartooning and comics are elaborated in this encyclopedia which each entry.
As DR. HENRY LOUIS GATES JR. states in the FOREWORD “One of its defining features is the fact that fully one-third of the 106 biographies Howard has chosen for her pathbreaking volume are on African American women artists, publishers, comic convention founders, and other leading figures in the Black comics industry.”
This encyclopedia was incredibly detailed in that regard.
As comics veteran CHRISTOPHER PRIEST stated in the AFTERWORD “I’m sure many a researcher will reach for this volume because no other exists.”
I think this is an fantastic tome for anyone interested in being an artist, writer and or publisher in comic strips, cartoons and comics. As a young adult I started studying film, but I got started in storytelling writing and drawing my own comic books in elementary school and I would have loved to read an encyclopedia like this back then.
Even as an adult I find this encyclopedia incredibly inspiring.
As the author states in her ACKNOWLEDGMENTS “The book you hold in your hands could not have been written without the contributions of various writers, researchers, and comic enthusiasts across various disciplines and fields. These are the many writers of the one-hundred-plus entries in this book. I am forever grateful for their time, support, and expertise.”
As she also states in her INTRODUCTION, her dissertation for her PhD required her to write a literature review on the history of Black comic strips and Black cartoonists, but she found that there were no comprehensive texts that provided a historical survey of either. Books that focused on the history of American comics seemed to have left out iconic Black comic artists and that to her was a glaring omission across both popular and academic literature. After reading many entries in the encyclopedia, I totally agree.
I was astounded at the achievements of some of these Black cartoonists. Groundbreaking is not even the word for many of the pioneers covered.
I’ve studied media on an undergraduate and graduate level, with film being my concentration and the systematic barriers that Black artists had to face is endemic across mediums. A lot of which in the media of cartooning and comics are elaborated in this encyclopedia which each entry.
As DR. HENRY LOUIS GATES JR. states in the FOREWORD “One of its defining features is the fact that fully one-third of the 106 biographies Howard has chosen for her pathbreaking volume are on African American women artists, publishers, comic convention founders, and other leading figures in the Black comics industry.”
This encyclopedia was incredibly detailed in that regard.
As comics veteran CHRISTOPHER PRIEST stated in the AFTERWORD “I’m sure many a researcher will reach for this volume because no other exists.”
I think this is an fantastic tome for anyone interested in being an artist, writer and or publisher in comic strips, cartoons and comics. As a young adult I started studying film, but I got started in storytelling writing and drawing my own comic books in elementary school and I would have loved to read an encyclopedia like this back then.
Even as an adult I find this encyclopedia incredibly inspiring.
May 11, 2018
Winner of the 2018 Outstanding Reference Sources Award.
For a complete list of Outstanding Reference Sources Award winners, please visit http://www.rusaupdate.org/awards/outs....
For a complete list of Outstanding Reference Sources Award winners, please visit http://www.rusaupdate.org/awards/outs....
September 2, 2020
This is more of a reference book than something you want to (or can) read cover-to-cover, but it is fantastic, and I highly recommend that everyone who is interested in comics buy it. There is SO much I didn't know about black comics history.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC!
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC!
October 1, 2019
This was really good. It was well researched and a great history at the black men and women who shaped the comic world. The talent of these people is amazing!
July 26, 2021
Skimmed for artists I was familiar with
Didn’t know that some of the more familiar artists for Playboy were black (Robert “Buck” Brown of Granny fame)
Didn’t know that some of the more familiar artists for Playboy were black (Robert “Buck” Brown of Granny fame)
Read
March 16, 2021I've been trying to read more diverse and due to current events and the BLM movement, I decided to pick this one up. I don't really know what I expected, but it's literally just an encyclopedia of black authors who make comics. Each artist features facts about them and a sample of their art. These authors are really talented and I'm going to look into some of them later on. To be honest: I haven't fully read this book. I scammed through some authors because it was just a lot of information at once. I'm also NOT going to rate this one for this particular reason. I would really recommend reading this one if you LOVE comics and are trying to read more diverse as well.
June 24, 2020
Wonderful overview of Black comics...each artist has a bio and a snapshot of facts. Lots of samples of work and many new comics to explore.
Read
March 9, 2018741.503 H852 2017
March 16, 2018
Well-researched and documented, Encyclopedia of Black Comics would be a required or supplemental reading title for me in any modern literature or graphic novel course. The text is informative but accessible and seems comprehensive in its scope. I also appreciated the wide range of examples that were provided.
incomplete
June 22, 2018Note: I received a digital review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
August 8, 2018
The title is literal, A great list of comic artists and their work of various genre's. Perfect for someone looking to read works by people of color.
August 9, 2018
A pretty in depth list of black writers and comics featuring characters of color. This great if you are looking to find diverse stories.
September 24, 2018
An astounding collection of Black comic book/graphic novel artist! It was interesting learning about all these black artists and how much their life experiences, including parental abandonment, lack of representation in media and flat out racism inspire them to create art. Like the title says, it's an encyclopedia so it read like a textbook. However, the drawings were absolutely gorgeous and made the read totally worth it. I also need to check out all these black artists because I didn't know most of them! In media, we hardly hear or see black artists (people of color artists in general) so I think this book does a great job of uplifting these artists. My favorites were Vita Ayala, Jamie Broadnax, Julian Chambliss, and Afu Njoki Richardson! Their stories were empowering and I google a lot of their pieces and of course, it was mesmerizing. Overall, a solid collection that I think fans of diverse art might enjoy!
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews