I'm pretty sure AJ's comment was the first post of this thread...
Yes, the merged fragments of two other threads across which this argument was raging. Hulkster is correct. Minor detail though.
Actually, what is racist is the presumption that the only valid reason for having a black team book is to appeal to black readers. There are plenty of non-black consumers of black culture. It would be smart for a comic company to try to reach beyond its dwindling base of readers.
Hmm. Okay, let's say this book would embrace black culture. Now, I'm not against it or anything, but really, how many people would read COMIC BOOKS to get to black culture?
Not that this addresses my point or anything. However, how many people watched say, The Cosby Show to get to black culture? I don't think the question is pertinent. Isn't the question how many people would read a black superhero team book?
TV and movies go to that area. I don't really see Marvel pushing something like this regulary. The majority of comic book readers do not buy comics to read about different cultures.
So you're saying that Marvel wouldn't do it. Or do it well. You might be right. Doesn't mean we can't talk about it.
You seem to also be saying that white folks ("the majority of comic book readers") won't buy it. Again, maybe so. Why not? And for the sake of a thread on a discussion board, so what?
They would basically say that if you are black, you can't enjoy a comic unless there is black people on it. That is total bullsh*t.
That would be bullsh*t. Except for there is no such claim being made except by you. Why can't non-black people enjoy an all-black comic? And why can't black people wish for an all-black comic?
The reason is, WHY do they need all-black comic? I have nothing against them wanting it, just asking. Are they not entertained enough by the comics there are now?
Nobody but you said anything about needing. When you get right down to it, we don't need comics at all. The people want what they want and they wants it all the time.
I'm black, and my favorite comic book character is white. I see nothing wrong on that. Stories are good even if the leading character doesn't have the same skin color then I have.
How nice for you. Is it OK with you if others choose a character that resembles them for their favorite?
Others can do what they want, but choosing your favorite because of skin color isn't very good, really.
Sez you. Seems to me that folks have demonstrated the potential harm to one's mental well-being brought on by worshiping only heroes that don't look like you in societies where those differences have great impact, e.g. the US.
And I have no doubts that white people are able to enjoy books with black leading character on it.
That's nice, too. Especially for Black Panther. However, the question is would white readers be able to enjoy a black team book. Actually, I think many would. Just not the ones who are bitching about merely discussing the possibility.
I'm not bitching. I'm not saying that enjoying the book is wrong. However, reading a book because of the quality I understand, reading a book because of how the characters look...
I didn't say you were bitching. What difference does it make to you why anybody else enjoys something?
So, let's return to the Luke Cage and others team. African-Americans are not the only minority in States. What if some Mexican (or hispanic?) superhero joins the team in second issue? Would the black people enjoy it any less? Would you?
Guess what I am saying is that I don't see any good reason why we would need an all-black, all-white, all-female, all-mexican or all-jewish comic book. I can enjoy a good comic book fight without caring about the skin colour of the fighters. I enjoy comic book humor without caring about if the guy who makes a joke is white or black.
I really pity the people who cant...
And I don't see any good reason why we shouldn't want an all-black comic book. And I kind of resent the people who can't even entertain the idea.
But WHAT is your reason?
Me, I like black people. Most of my friends are black people. I see very little in comics that resembles my experiences and worldview outside the pages of BP since Milestone. I'd like to see more.