The influence of Aaron McGruder’s Boondocks, is more widespread than most would readily admit. As it was first a comic strip that ran nationally, that bought attention to many of the world’s social ills. What usually gets lost in these comic strips, are his comedic stylings, which makes them not only relevant but refreshing funny. The fact that McGruder even went after George Lucas, and the way he did it after the much-maligned Star Wars Episode I came out, proves his comedic genius.
Since the comic strip ended as well as the TV show, neither medium until recently in the last year, has come close to what the Boondocks achieved. Not even McGruder’s follow-up, Black Jesus, have come as close to the sun as the brilliance of his original outing. In the last year movies like Get Out and the movie/TV show, Dear White People, as well as the brilliant (H)Afrocentric are the only ones that have captured the essence and spirit of what he was trying to achieve. Thankfully, I have been wrong, as the smart and funny musings of Anthony Piper has found its way into Trill League.
In the debut issue, we find a character whose origin is very much like Dick Grayson’s Robin, but whose hijinks gets him in serious trouble., and is known as Trill Robin. A rich benefactor raises him, much like Bruce Wayne, and who goes by the name of Blackmayne. What follows in this issue, is Trill Robin, throws a party for his 11th birthday, but gives away the address to their super-secret headquarters and is ultimately thrown out of something resembling the Justice League, but is called the Trill League. Before the issue’s end, he is replaced by pop star, Chris Brown, who he has to fight in order to make money and feed himself, what follows is a Kill Bill montage, and a hilarious end to a more than entertaining debut.
Overall, a funny debut, that I more than enjoyed, as I had to re-read it three times just to see if I missed anything. The story by Anthony Piper, perfectly blends, pop culture music, and comedy, in a savory gumbo. The art by Piper, is candy for the eyes. Altogether, I find it required reading for anybody who loves music, pop culture and comics, and not in that order.
Story: Anthony Piper Art: Anthony Piper
Story: 10 Art: 10 Overall: 10 Recommendation: Buy