Dwayne McDuffie on writing black characters

A few weeks ago I posted about the challenges of race and diversity in comics. And there was a lot of thoughtful discussion. And there was a lot of the SOS I hear every time that racial diversity is brought up in comics.

On Friday there was another incident that led to discussion. This one was also, sadly, was filled with some of the same shit. While it was disheartening, I am trying to get some enjoyment out of it by reading some of the posts across the net and in forums. I’d say the best was a moderator who kept telling everyone to stop talking about the racial connotations of the Flashpoint map and then admitting pages later he was “unaware” of the history of using ape as a racial slur. I am not making this up.

I hope everyone will spend just a few minutes watching this video by Dwayne McDuffie about the realities of writing black characters in comics. It is compelling.

Oh, and CBR reported last night the Static ongoing from DC Comics, which was announced last July, and was postponed earlier this year, is cancelled. I really wish I could say I am surprised. But who knows? They may have big plans for Static.

I cried the day Dwyanne McDuffie passed away. First, because he was a talented creator. And secondly, because I knew he was one of the few voices out regarding race and comics. Who will replace him?