The always unpredictable showcase of ethnic talent returns for its 28th year, featuring new faces, a new format, and a fresh perspective. Since 1997, this annual event at Comic-Con International at San Diego has been both a triumph and a mystery with unexpected panelists galore. With a possible surprise guest host, this year’s panelists include:
Aisha Porter-Christie (Daredevil: Born Again, Gen V)
Kevin Grevioux (Underworld, The Blue Marvel creator)
Comedian Mr. Jay Washington (Netflix Is A Joke, American Gigolo)
Artist Quinn McGowan (Project: Wildfire, Little Rock Files)
Writer Hannibal Tabu (MPLS Sound, War Medicine, Fathom Sourcebook), also the panel’s co-producer
Cartoonist Keithan Jones (The Power Knights, Black Comix Day)
Writer MD Marie (Top Cow’s Vindication)
TTRPG performer Rodney Campbell (Venture Forth)
Comics anthropologist Dr. Stanford Carpenter (School of the Art Institute of Chicago, BCAF)
Davis — a co-founder of Milestone Comics and co-creator of the characters that became Static Shock — was unable to attend in 2024, leading to a “takeover” of the panel by luminaries such as screenwriter Akela Cooper, actors Malcolm Barrett, Eugene Byrd, and Damion Poitier, hosted by executive Dan Evans. Given that and the chaotic nature of this annual panel, many are curious what might even happen this year!
The Black Panel takes place Friday, July 25th at 10 AM in the San Diego Convention Center’s Room 5AB as part of San Diego Comic-Con International. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis for all valid badge-holding attendees of the convention.
Backer Beware: Crowdfunding projects are not guaranteed to be delivered and/or delivered when promised. We always recommend to do your research before backing.
Over 70 Black creators are teaming up with Advent Comics and over 30 comic book and graphic novel publishers for the cosmic crossover project Epiphany Engine, a 192-page graphic novel. The project is led by publishing legend Tony Kittrell and acclaimed editor and creator Joseph P. Illidge, who will serve as the Executive Story Editor. Epiphany Engine will feature an epic multiverse story, assembling iconic Black heroes and villains and original characters in an adventure that spans several chapters. Each chapter will showcase the work of a different creative team, giving Black creators from across the publishing world the opportunity to combine their powers. Readers and fans can back Epiphany Engine on Kickstarter when the project launches on Juneteenth, featuring a variety of exciting reward options.
Brandon Thomas will be launching the book by writing the first chapter; the book will also feature the work of popular creators such as Rodney Barnes, Chuck Patton, John Jennings, Jamal Igle, Colleen Douglas, Chriscross, and many more. Publishers involved in the project include 4th Wall Productions, Griot Enterprises LLC, Konkret Comics, and Second Sight Publishing, among many others.
Continuing the legacy of multiverse crossover stories such as DC’s Crisis on Infinite Earths and the family drama of Fantastic Four, Epiphany Engine follows the McKalis, a family of brilliant but grief-stricken scientists searching for their missing member Todd, who was lost in the multiverse after a botched experiment. However…their rescue attempt has accidentally ruptured the fabric of the multiverse, causing universes to bleed into each other and sending all four members into scattered destinations. The rupture has released a cosmic-level threat, the mysterious Abzylom, who wants to collapse and mold a new universe while destroying the McKalis. In order to save the multiverse and defeat their cosmic foe, the family must find each other and build an army of superheroes.
The McKali family is led by father Prof. Dwayne McKali, who is an incredibly brilliant explorer, but often myopic and overcontrolling, and mother Dr. Jackie McKali, a world-renowned physicist who is the balanced yang to Dwayne’s ying. In order to save the multiverse, the parents team up with their gifted kids, 19-year-old Jett McKali, an impulsive tech genius who is unafraid to jump into the fray, and 17-year-old Octavia McKali, a chemist and theorist who keeps the family together and on task. The family is inspired by historical and fictional icons like comics legend Dwayne McDuffie, iconic comic creator Jackie Ormes, Disney’s “The Famous Jett Jackson,” and award-winning Afrofuturist writer Octavia Butler.
Dwayne and Jackie’s son, 10-year-old Todd McKali, is a child prodigy who incorporates all of the specialties of his famous family. It’s Todd’s experiments with multiversal travel that accidentally cause the incident that loses him in the multiverse and creates the chaos that must be solved. The family is hunted by the villainous Abzylom, who has cosmic abilities beyond their understanding. Unhinged, sociopathic, psychopathic and incredibly brilliant, Abzylom has been traversing the multiverse and his body has become infused with the chaotic energies that bind and separate universes.
Along with these original characters, Epiphany Engine will share the stage with legendary Black characters such as:
Danny J. Quick ‘s 4th Wall Productions MMA ninja Aceblade
Lonzo Starr and Konkret Comics cosmic hero Akolyte
Andre Batts Urban Style Comics mystical protector Dreadlocks
Michael Watson’s Freestyle Komics powerful Hotshot
Ray Height/Studio Skye-Tiger‘s heroic vigilante Midnight Tiger
Jiba Molei Anderson/Griot Enterprises African deities superteam The Horsemen
Tony Kittrell/Advent Comics powerhouse Titan the Ultra Man
Quinn McGowan and Legends Press highflyer Wildfire
Vince White and The Powerverse’s classic hero Will Power
Each of these characters resonates with fans due to their relatability and heroic spirit, making them true icons in the comic book industry. These fan-favorite heroes and heroines are just the tip of the iceberg of the characters that will be appearing within the pages of the Epiphany Engine graphic novel.
Fans can now follow and save the Epiphany Engine page on Kickstarter in order to get reminders and updates. Rewards will include an option for fans to get a 1:1 creative consultation with Epiphany Engine producer Tony Kittrell and representatives from the creative and editorial teams. Other rewards will include original artwork, exclusive variants, boxed sets, and more. The Kickstarter will officially launch on Juneteenth (June 19) of this year. Fans who purchase the graphic novel will be mailed the book later in 2024.
Second Sight Publishing is in the giving spirit this November with numerous releases coming to stores. See what you can expect and pre-order below!
PROJECT WILDFIRE #1
(W) Hannibal Tabu (A/CA) Quinn McGowan SEP211760 In Shops: Nov 24, 2021 SRP: $3.99
“Enter Project Torrent,” Part One. Will Watson 3rd’s life turned upside down when a campus experiment gave him super powers just in time to confront monsters plaguing his southern hometown. He’s just getting the cape game down pat when Sergeant Michael Marsden comes to town to change everything.
THE EDGE #4
(W) Marvin Wynn (A/CA) Mark Louie Vuycankiat SEP211757 In Shops: Nov 24, 2021 SRP: $3.99
Revenant vs Tartabull. Plus, how Will Mystic, Blain, Interim, and Randa douse the fiery flames of Saleos?
FORSAKEN #2 (OF 6) (MR)
(W) Sebastian Suarez (A) Francisco Paronzini (CA) Richard Ortiz SEP211758 In Shops: Nov 24, 2021 SRP: $3.99
For Vida Gedmintas , what began as yet another murder mystery in Victorian London might be her last case, as dark forces coalesce around her.
PINPOINT #1
(W) Alfred Paige, Phillip Morgan (A) Edson Alves SEP211759 In Shops: Nov 24, 2021 SRP: $3.99
Tasked with bringing back a missing agent and friend, C.H.E.S.S. operative and team badass “Pinpoint” travels to the mysterious Eden Island where he must attempt to blend in with the criminals that control it. Will his first solo mission prove to dangerous to take on alone?
BLOWTORCH #4 (OF 5)
(W) Alfred Paige, Alex De Gruchy (A) J. C. Grande (CA) Ray Racho SEP211753 In Shops: Nov 24, 2021 SRP: $3.99
On a road trip back home from a funeral Richard Kinkaid. A.K.A Blowtorch Falls into a life-threatening conflict situation with the bad guys of a local town.
CHESS #4 (OF 5)
(W) Alfred Paige, Alex De Gruchy (A/CA) William Allan Reyes SEP211754 In Shops: Nov 24, 2021 SRP: $3.99
The action continues as Footpath breaks loose Schaefer’s plans are finally revealed. All leading into the final conflict between the C.H.E.S.S. team and Nakadis hit squad.
DUPLICANT #4 (OF 5)
(W) Karla Nappi (A) Marianna Strychowska (CA) Leila Del Duca (A), Marian Terry (B) SEP211755 In Shops: Nov 24, 2021 SRP: $3.99
Matt finds an unexpected ally, and a bombshell revelation could upend everything he once knew to be true. Meanwhile Robert has a crisis of faith; Sean tries to connect with his family; and Ava continues the hunt for the mole.
SILENCE #2 (OF 3)
(W) Evan K. Pozios (A/CA) Alex Sanchez (A), Bryan Silverbax (B) SEP211761 In Shops: Nov 24, 2021 SRP: $3.99
Comic book artist Stanley Kane seems to have regained his creative touch… but at the deadly expense of the residents of the small town of Silence. Meanwhile, the town Sheriff knows something sinister is afoot, and has Stanley in his crosshairs!
As the news seems to be a revolving door of bad news, there is some news where we kind of saw it coming. The pandemic has taken away too many people from us and in record numbers. It also has given the insight to look at other’s situations. Which brings us to what recently happened to POTUS, that much more relevant.
The fact that he caught the virus is both ironic and dismal. His constant berating of experts and the science involved makes it all disheartening at the end of the day. You expect the best from your world leaders and to get someone as unintelligent as POTUS feels like the world is ending. In the latest story arc of the side-splitting and pertinent Discombobulated, David takes some time to talk about the current issues of the day.
We find David talking to his therapist about the issues currently affecting him which pushes her to suggest that he find someone else. He also tries to find out who is to blame for Trump getting COVID, as Systemic Racism, 2020, and COVID all try to take credit. He grapples with how death during the pandemic has only contributed to his anxiety. By the story’s end, David brings light to the fact that mental health is such a stigma when it comes to Black Men.
Overall, an excellent story arc that makes the webcomic series even more relevant. The story by David F. Walker is authentic. The art by Quinn McGowan is amazing. Altogether, a chapter which drills down to our new normal.
Story: David F Walker Art: Quinn McGowan Story: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy
The best thing art can do is put a spotlight on what is wrong in the world and not outright saying it. Most comparisons to real people and events are shrouded in allegory, characters, and story. This is where art thrives. As was written on a different website, art is a protest for those who cannot speak. Comics are the greatest exposition of thought within in a visual medium, as you can take someone like Red Skull and effectively extrapolate that he represents the worst of the Nazi regime.
It is those characters whose motivations cannot be seen outright which makes them intriguing. Take, for instance, Baron Zemo, whose motivations seem simplistic at first glance, but once you dig in it becomes that much more complicated. Like the ones in plain sight, the more emphatic voices that vehemently display the evil that the world should abhor are the ones who are usually leading the way. In the latest story arc of the hilarious and relevant Discombobulated, David deals with these evil archetypes in everything from Trump to Count Ofay to the embodiment of 2020.
We find David, where he takes a front seat to a fight between COVID and Systemic Racism, where one will not yield to the other. We also find David discussing what it means to make “AmeriKKKA great again”, as he quickly dismantles the myth of America’s elitism and how the collective silence of Conservatives about Herman Cain’s death, exposes their duplicity. He also dives into how the killing f George Floyd and Breonna Taylor is often muddied by corporate America’s sudden “wokeness” By the story’s end, David introduces us to 2020, who is actually cousins with the Grim Reaper and hates to be associated with anything negative.
Overall, another great chapter that shows that this webcomic should be on everyone’s radar. The story by David F. Walker is genuine. The art by Quinn McGowan is astonishing. Altogether, an arc that is the story of us.
Story: David F Walker Art: Quinn McGowan Story: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy
The pandemic has taken its toll on people all over the world. It makes some people anxious while others easily annoyed. It also has made certain people more productive. The greatest thing that could happen is introspection.
It has made people take a hard look at themselves, often inferring their own shortcomings. This has made most events now more apparent. We all deal differently when our true nature surfaces. In the latest story arc of the hilarious and relevant Discombobulated, David deals with those same feelings and exposes the hypocrisy at what I supposed is to be considered the “leader of the free world”.
We find David, trying to explain the reason for the break in the comic strip, as he shows the villains in this story, COVID 19 and systemic racism. As COVID 19 states its case why it should be the most feared villain in the entire world, it espouses its death count. Systemic racism shows it now only has dominion over America but it can do things that such as the devout, like Herman Cain, die in the name of denial. By the story’s end, systemic racism shows just how powerful it is by name dropping Kanye West
Overall, another excellent installment that shows why everyone should be reading this strip. The story by David F. Walker is sincere. The art by Quinn McGowan is astounding. Altogether, an arc which everyone should be able to relate to.
Story: David F Walker Art: Quinn McGowan Story: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy
Our current reality is something we only imagined in a piece of fiction. For those who saw the movie Contagion, did we really ever believe it could get as bad? Then things took a nosedive leading to a pandemic.
We find ourselves in a real-life version of that movie and similar stories. Choices have become a bit more difficult. We find ourselves as both protagonist and antagonist in our real-life comedy/drama. Everyone is left to make choices both hard and possibly detrimental. In the latest story arc of the hilarious and relevant Discombobulated, David survives the pandemic
We find David, coming to terms with people’s opinion about the strip and whether to continue, which he finally concludes, it doesn’t matter, he should be heard. He reasons out with his therapist that his behavior and his role in each of his relationships is the cause of his stress, leading to a night of sleeplessness. As the pandemic sets in, so does his mind, as he struggles to distract himself, and like many of us, boredom becomes the struggle.
Overall, another great installment that definitely delivers. The story by David F. Walker is heartfelt. The art by Quinn McGowan is astonishing. Altogether, an arc that holds a mirror up to our unusual normal.
Story: David F. Walker Art: Quinn McGowan Story: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy
Every hero has an origin story. Not everyone is tragic or realistic, but there is always a spark somewhere and sometime. Some of their stories start when they are already the people you know them to be. Take, for instance, the last season of Ray Donovan, where we found how he came to be and what lead to his sister’s death.
We find out just how much of a deadbeat sad Mickey was to his kids. We find out just how Ray had to grow up so fast and become such an evasive enforcer. The introspection gave viewers empathy and relevance. In the twelfth story arc of the hilarious and relevant Discombobulated, David F. Walker takes the reader to the scene of the crime.
We find David, in another argument with Annie who insists he has changed which both infuriates and scares him and where he has a hilarious interlude where he argues with himself. As we are taken to his formative years, where he had had a more naïve view of his identity, one that infuriates his teachers, but a fight brings bigger light to the racial disparity in his school. We are taken back to the present day, where David’s therapist shows him that despite his efforts to talk the issues through this comic, it has come at a greater cost. By story’s end, David realizes that some of his issues stem from the fact he never really got to know his father
Overall, an excellent chapter to the webcomic series. The story by Walker is sincere. The art by Quinn McGowan is extraordinary. Altogether, this arc shows just how much Walker is willing to show his readers.
Story: David F. Walker Art: Quinn McGowan Story: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy
