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Who's Who In The Encyclopedia Of Black Comics – And Who's Not?

The Encyclopedia of Black Comics by Dr Sheena Howard, Associate Professor of Communication at Rider University and an award-winning author, including a 2014 Eisner Award winner for her co-edited book, Black Comics: Politics of Race and Representation and who in 2016, directed, produced and wrote the documentary Remixing Colorblind. She has bylines in The Huffington Post, Curve Magazine, Philadelphia Inquirer and more, and is writing Superb for Lion Forge Comics' Catalyst Prime line.

The volume 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."

But, as a compiler of the Top 100 Power List, I know that the biggest complaints I will get are not regarding who is in the list, but who isn't.

Published in July, there has been some concern expressed about those missed out which has made it my way. While many names are mentioned in reference to other entries, there are no entries for, as one Amazon reviewer lists, "Dwayne McDuffie? Kyle Baker? Larry Stroman? Ron Wilson? Grey Williamson? Michael Davis? Trevor Von Eden? Keith Pollard? Grass Green?"

However, Michael Davis, co-founder and co-creator of the Milestone line, creator and host of the Black Panel at SDCC, responsible for the Milestones exhibition, and a mentor to many comic creators from his art studio, however, posted to Facebook the following statement.

But then of course Michael Davis has an auditorium named in his honour.

When asked for comment, Dr Sheena Howard had an ideal solution. Volume Two. And Three.

And yes, criticism is from those who don't see their favourite black Marvel or DC comics creator listed in the book (though often mentioned in other people's listings) but the book concerns itself with recognising the unrecognised as well as the big names. And dealing with limited space has had to make choices therein, in favour of creators such as Jiba Molei Anderson.

So Dwayne McDuffie? Book Two.

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