Ranting up ahead. This right here might piss off some people. Honestly, I hope that it does. In this space we talk shop about Black comics and Black characters in particular but before I go there, I need to go here. In life, one may do a number of things. Among those things, you have the opportunity to be below average, average, or above average. Make no mistake about it, the truth about people is this, we are what are because of what we do. If we do not push ourselves to be more than average, then we get the fruit of that mindset. Garbage in, garbage out. No deposit, no return. You get out, what you put in. Whatsoever man soweth, that shall he also reap. There are no hook ups. There are no short cuts. The reality of this generation in which we live in, seems not to understand that. At least from where it sit, that seems to be the case. What is mind boggling for me today is the excuses people come up with for why someone is below average or average at best. Today's modern women are told to not settle. (which beckons the question "what is settling? have they settle for average or below average guys?) Trouble with that mindset is that far too often those women are average or below average themselves. How we see things often cloud our vision. So what happens? Well, we just ignore red flags and place rose colored glasses on our faces. We promote "body positivity" and everybody gets a trophy no matter how little or impactful you were on the field. So today in the climate of "me too" "political correctness" we languish. Today's mumble rap is a clear indicator that skill is an afterthought. Who would have thought that a genre of music that gave us Rakim and KRS-One would degenerate to a point where average rhymers like Drake (he isn't a mumble rapper but he shines because he isn't one) are considered gods.
In he case of comics, specifically Black comic books and Black characters, I encounter many different artists and creators who want to promote and sell their wares. The trouble starts when you can clearly tell the artwork is less than stellar. Writing is another animal all by itself but it too takes skill. Let me start with artwork. Now to be honest, the starving artist has to compete with the 3 big houses, Marvel, DC, and Image among others. It might be considered unfair but hey you chose this field. Work with it! The big companies can afford to hire the best talent. You might be just another guy with a dream. However, if you are patient, work on your craft, push the limits of your self percieved talent then you may get a shot. You have to believe in yourself first and be your first fan before you win others to your movement. Do not let ego get in the away. Study the greats. Marcus Williams. Afua Richardson, Billy Graham. Denys Cowan. Khyry Randolph just to name a few. Observe their techniques. When they give advice. Listen. I don't care if you think you are the Black Alex Ross. You can and should always desire to improve.
As far as writing goes. Its the same thing except with writing you want to engage your audience with your story. Give the audience what they want but just not how they want it. Make sure your writing is fluid. In other words make sure that it flows from panel to panel. Rigidity and lack of connectivity can kill a book before given a chance. Again. Study the greats. Christopher Priest. Duane McDuffie. David Walker. My point about studying the greats is that you don't want to study the mediocre. You want to study cats who have mastered the art and add your flavor. Be open to constructive criticism and do not be afraid to be challenged by those who you admire. Don't sacrifice your story and art for an agenda or an idea. I don't care how noble or passionate you might be about it. It does not serve you. You serve it but you do not make it the center of what you are doing. Good story always has ideas and concepts floating in the backgrounds but it never shapes the story. I want to see cats win, so push yourselves to excellence. When you think about it, pushing yourself to excellence will in turn get you to not only "better" avenue, you will come across "good" street and even make your way to "great"boulevard. Before I get out of here, I want to you understand something. I am that cat you want to talk about your book. I'm that cat that will promote your stuff if I believe in it. I will spend my dough if its good. Im not the "buy Black man we gotta support each other matter what guy" Haaaalleee naw. I want dope art and dope stories. I am not into mediocrity, especially when it concerns the melanated. - Richard J Wright
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