I really do not know what made me think about writing this book. It probably was the fact that one of the major studios was releasing a new movie. The Black Panther. As a little kid, who read comic books and collected them as well. I had always imagined that one day my comic books would come alive. There would be Black super heroes and White Super heroes fighting together on the big screen. I guess that day has arrived. I am not taking anything away from BLADE with Wesley Snipes. However to me that was more of a Vampire kind of movie. I was thinking more along the lines of a super hero that saves the world. As opposed too a vampire thing. None the less. This book is more of a time line or reference points. Showing you as close as I can get too, the actual chronological history of when African/ Black person. First appear in modern comics. Plus I will examine the side-kick factor also. Oh one more thing. It was very hard to separate the racial issues that were prevalent throughout my research. Hopefully this will not take away, from what I am attempting to do. The portrayal of Blacks in comics will always be up for debate. The good, bad and the ugly. Me I am long past all the given stereotypes, basic bullshit and lies The never ending racial divide. I appreciate the art and some of the great story lines. Do not get me wrong. I am an African American . I however do not hold any hate for the past. Why? because it is exactly that. The past. I think we should move forward. However do not forget the past. Just do not dwell on it or in it Let's move forward and set better standards and portrayal of all human beings. Regardless to race, creed, religion or color of ones skin. Something else that was very interesting, was that at any given time a comic book . Could easily make the crossover. To the big screen and in the good old days. It would probably be just a black and white T V. In this book I will not only look at super heroes. We will also take a look at the way blacks are portrayed period. Past the regular old stereotypes already attached to Black people. You know exactly what I am speaking about. The oversized and exaggerated features. Perception is very important. Especially in the minds of the young. Or someone that has no prior knowledge of a race, a culture or a people. Take for example Ebony White the stereotypical Negro side kick of The Spirit. Do you hate the character or are you happy just because there is a Black person in the comic. This will be an on going dilemma. In understanding the purpose of this book. I am here not judge anyone. What has happened in the past has happened For that matter sometimes even today. This book is only attempting, to show you the chronological history of Blacks or people of color in comic books as well as comic strips. Sometimes newspaper prints. We will, to the best of my ability. Attempt to give you some type of road map, of how Blacks were seen and portrayed in these publications. At that time period in our history. You will notice that at some point in the book. I start to add my little editorial comments. Exactly how much of this abuse could I take. So in saying that bye bye. Have Fun