Posted in: Comics, Current News | Tagged: Afrofutures, kickstarter

Afrofutures Is Heavy Metal Meets MAD For Black Future Narratives

The Consumer Marketing Manager for Diamond Comic Distributors is behind Afrofutures, a new comic magazine focused on Black Future Narratives.

Launching on Kickstarter from RexCo Comics and publisher Cosmic Lion Productions, Afrofutures intends to be an "exciting new concept album brought to life in comics magazine form" with nine comic book stories and three articles focused on the concept of "Black futures." I am reminded when I attended a Dark Horse Comics panel at San Diego Comic Con when Tony Puryear and Erika Alexander pitched a science fiction film which had a number of black people, to be told by a studio executive that he could save them all time, by changing the race of the black characters. Because, as Tony quoted him, "black people don't like science fiction – they don't see themselves in the future."

I'd like to say it was a different time but that was just eleven years ago. But things may have possibly moved on. Afrofutures is curated by Troy-Jeffrey Allen, the Consumer Marketing Manager for Diamond Comic Distributors and Previewsworld.com. He is also the writer of comics such as MF DOOM: All Caps, Public Enemy's Apocalypse '91: Revolution Never Sleeps, and O.D.B.: Lyrical Ruckus in the City.

It is to be a hundred-plus page magazine that brings together a diverse range of comics, creators and articles regarding Black futures as "Black speculative fiction" – ranging from sci-fi and fantasy to action, drama, and beyond.

"Over the last few years, there has been plenty of conversation about securing Black representation for upcoming generations," says creator and curator, Troy-Jeffery Allen. "Typically, with a project like this, you're supposed to deliver grand statements about how important it is that we're doing something new and inclusive, but I'm not interested in putting that weight on Afrofutures. It's not important, it's fun! We're just here to express ourselves creatively. Afrofutures is the statement."

The comic book/magazine host is the robot 808, looking back at us from the end of the world, recontextualising and remixes the saga of Black mythology – past, present, and future – in the fashion of a robot DH. Through 808's beat-matching, an alternate history sees jazz singers hunt Nazis, Hip-Hop icons gather in the afterlife, superheroes rescue the first Black President of the United States, and more.

"The magazine's core purpose is to defy existing barriers and restraints put on Black creatives. This is why a 17+ age restriction is key," adds Allen. "We invite the best creators to run free with their biggest and boldest ideas – inspiring Black readers to rethink their current selves and reimagine our past selves – then get motivated to relaunch what a Black future looks like together. We're comic artists and writers, screenwriters, DJs, metal guitarists, jazz musicians, editors, animators, graffiti artists, starchildren, super art fighters, pothead journalists, horror filmmakers, and so much more. Just don't call us a monolith."

The Kickstarter campaign is now live and will run for the next 30 days until mid-July. There is also a special retail pledge level, which allows supportive retailers to purchase six copies of the magazine at a wholesale discount.

"I'm thrilled to be part of Afrofutures and bring 'Telephone' to life on the page. Now, more than ever, we need independent media that delivers and highlights artists and creatives with cultural competency. I want everyone to support Afrofutures magazine because it's a futuristic platform where Black creatives can let their imagination run free without restraints." ~ Erika Hardison, writer of the story Telephone.

"This book deconstructs the perception of sequential artistry within a media-deemed "WOKE" environment. Creative minds come together to create an unconventional design. Utilizing fiction and non-fiction, fused through a melanated experience. An imaginative work that not only gives homage to the artistic black experience but, to the visionary minds that will follow it. We continue to BUILD." ~ JT Wilkins, artist and designer on Afrofutures.

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