Black Snow Comics

the very first Black Power

What’s goin’ on? I Don’t know it’s trouble, Back in black to bust that bubble, Black Superman’s back and not Daredevil – MLK

Does the world really need another Black Snow comic strip spin off? Yes! And it’s called Black Power, starring a Black superhero of the same name. I created it specifically with Urban Image Magazine in mind. Why isn’t Alex’s pseudonym on here? Because it was my idea, my writing and my drawing. All me! I did discuss it with Alex, but he wanted to hold off on it, and will likely jump in on the writing duties for next month’s.

I think it’s really funny. The concept, in case you couldn’t guess, is to explore the “realities” and comedy of a Black superhero and how they have been treated throughout the history of comics. I thought Black Snow could be a good friend/foil for him, and we may work Black Power into the main cannon of the Black Snow comic books/graphic novels.

Another challenge that I wanted to take on here was to do a shorter comic strip. The original goal was a traditional 3 panel, but it was just too short. Not enough room to really get creative. So I went with a half page format. I’m really happy with the way it turned out.

If you’re wondering about the character and costume design for Black Power, it really just came to me. I think it’s based off of some memories I have of childhood fighting games from the late 80s or early 90s, but I couldn’t tell you which ones. It was also a style of costume I never tried before, so I always want to try something new.

So kiss me, I’m shitfaced, I’m soaked, I’m soiled and brown in the trousers, she kissed me, And I only bought her one round – St. Patrick

Happy St Patty’s Day. Despite what you may think, knowing that I’m a drinker and all, I’m not a big fan of the holiday. A bunch of obnoxious drunks celebrating stereotypes with no true understanding of history? Ugh. And if you’re wondering, yes, I’m part Irish. I’m predominantly Italian, but I do have some Irish blood and I’ve always been interested in the culture. I like that this day at least makes people think about the Irish culture, but that’s about it. So, in short, screw St. Patty’s Day.

Look what I drew!

Aw Hell Naw 2

Our second Aw Hell Naw! comic strip, for next month’s Urban Image Magazine. It struck me the other day that it is very likely that the drawing of mine that has been most published and seen by the most people contains a dildo. I didn’t like that thought.

This strip doesn’t have a dildo in it, though it does mention one…twice. That’s an improvement, right? I actually really like this one, much more than the first, and not just because of the aforementioned dildo. BTW, that is officially the most times I’ve mentioned a dildo in my life.

I think this one gives a good idea of the characters’ personalities and more of what we’d like the strip to be. Alex wrote it without very much input from myself or Daddy Rich, and I think it’s the better for it. I think it’s pretty funny, and a different kind of humor on multi levels than we’ve really done before. Hopefully the readers will enjoy it.

I'm Famous! 92

Don’t call it a comeback, I been here for years, Rockin my peers and puttin suckas in fear, Makin the tears rain down like a MON-soon, Listen to the bass go BOOM, Explosion, overpowerin Over the competition, I’m towerin Wreckin shop when I drop these lyrics that’ll make you call the cops, Don’t you dare stare, you betta move, Don’t ever compare Me to the rest that’ll all get sliced and diced, Competition’s payin the price, I’m gonna knock you out, Mama said knock you out - Mahatma Gandhi

I’ve been having a great time lately! Why, you ask? Because I feel awesome!  For one, look at that comic above.  It is damn funny.  I LOVE it.  I love every aspect of it, from the writing (including Rosenstein’s very carefully chosen line), to the drawing, to how silly the whole situation is, to how all the jokes came out.  This might be my new favorite.  Not to mention how much I enjoyed the last one as well.

I’ve also been enjoying having some fun with our Facebook, which if you aren’t a part of you’re missing out.  I’ve been really having a blast turning things upside down and dominating Comicracy.  You can join in on the fun and start voting with the rest of our fans!  Along those same lines you can also vote for all 3 of our comics at Comic Hovel, where we are absolutely kicking some ass.

You want to see something else that’s making me happy?

Urban Image Magazine, March Cover

That’s right, our comic got cover billing!  Insane.

Oh, stay tuned very soon for a full review of I’m Famous from ArtPatient.com

So Black Snow Comics fans, you should feel good too!

It’s been a little while since the last Famous!  Fear not, the next one will be done very soon.  What have I been up to?  Drawing for Urban Image Magazine.

How did this happen?  I was contacted on our Facebook page and told they were looking for comics, and I never pass up an opportunity.  So just like that, Black Snow Comics started making black comics.  Sort of fitting given our name, which I believe may be part of the reason we were contacted in the first place.  Black Snow is also fitting when you consider we are two white guys making these black comics, with the calibration of the black Daddy Rich of course (a very interesting man, look him up to see why).  If you really want to know, I am half Italian (One of the darker white ethnicities, but white none the less) and Alex is half Japanese (Though you probably couldn’t tell by looking at him.   To see us you’d just think “white”.

Does any of this race stuff matter?  I don’t think so.  Who says you can’t draw a comic about any race you want and target it to whomever you want?  Is that inherently racist?  No, of course not.  We’ve handled these comics like we would any other.  Comics are about making fun of people (in our case characters) and situations.  Is it racist when we make white people look foolish all the time in I’m Famous!  No, and no one would argue it, so I really don’t see the difference here.

Lets look at what we’ve done so far.

This was the strip we were asked to create, based on a premise from Daddy Rich.  The way I see it this is more about the innocence of children, even ones that think they are tough and cool, than anything else.  And yes, it was embarrassing to draw a dildo.  Not a place I’d normally go, that’s for sure.  But I do think it’s funny.

Why the pseudonyms?  We felt more comfortable doing it that way since it is a project we do not have full creative control over, as Daddy Rich and his people have input.  We were also hoping to avoid some controversy.

This is a comic that was created to go along with a written piece about how hard it is for convicted felons to get a job after they get out of jail.

I think that one is pretty funny.  It is also one of the most traditionally formatted comics I’ve ever done, since the days of the Black Snow strip I did at junior college.  I take some real pleasure in being able to do something classic like this.

This is an illustration I did to go along with a written piece about recipes for having the munchies.

A pretty funny characterization I’d say.  No, I don’t condone getting high, but I often draw things I don’t condone.  I don’t draw to preach my message.  I draw to entertain.

Our comics have always dealt with the gritty and urban to an extent, particularly Black Snow and Day Camp, and I really don’t see how these are any different.  I also don’t really see why I need to justify myself, so I’ll just end it here with this: