Foxxy Love

OK. Is it ironic that after my post about tokens and positive black toons, that Foxxy Love made my list of fan arts for Black History month?

I love Foxxy. I love that she is an exaggeration of stereotypes and encourages a sense of humor about sensitive issues. While living up to any stereotype the writers of Drawn Together could think of, she played an essential role in pointing out the stupidity in actually believing such crazy generalizations.

Rest in Peace, Dwayne McDuffie

The comic world lost one its greats today. I only knew Dwayne McDuffie primarily by his work. I sadly was unaware of many of his contributions until today. Below I am sharing an informative and inspirational post from CBR in hope that you all will appreciate knowing more about him as I do.


"A native of Detroit, McDuffie officially joined the comics industry as part of Marvel Comics editorial in the late '80s. While working on special projects for the publisher, he quickly made his name as a writer creating series such as "Damage Control" and helping to redefine the Deathlok character to fan and critical acclaim. He soon left the staff to become a full time freelance writer, becoming a voice in the industry for diversity, particularly fighting against stereotypical portrayals of people of color on the comic book page.
In 1993, McDuffie co-founded Milestone Media along with creators Denys Cowan, Michael Davis and Derek T. Dingle. The company's mission statement involved expanding the role of minorities in comics both on the page and off, and they launched (through DC Comics) a line of superheroes that included "Static," "Icon" and Xombi" – all of which McDuffie had a hand in creating.
Over the years, the writer contributed to scores of notable comic book launches and series, always with a keen eye on character, regardless of race. In 2000, his character, Static, made the leap totelevision in the Saturday morning cartoon "Static Shock." In 2003, an episode of the show dealing with gun violence earned the writer the Humanitas Prize.
In recent years, McDuffie pursued dual tracks in animation and comics writing. He served as story editor for the popular "Justice League Unlimited" animated series and wrote a number of DC's recent direct-to-DVD animated films. McDuffie had notable runs on comic series "Fantastic Four" and "Justice League of America," often incorporating Black characters into the core of the fabled franchises.
McDuffie's latest work was the script for the "All Star Superman" animated adaptation, which went on sale today in stores across America. CBR ran a lengthy interview with McDuffie about that project last week and caught up with him, looking in good health and acting jovial, last week at the Paley Center's Los Angeles premier for the film. McDuffie's last known public statement was a post to his Facebook page Sunday at 12:17 PM Pacific. He was scheduled to sign at Golden Apple Comics tomorrow evening as part of Reggie Hudlin's Reggie's World launch party.
The writer is survived by his wife, though at this point no further details are available on what exactly happened to McDuffie. The staff of Comic Book Resources offers our deepest condolences to his family and friends."

Rest in Peace, Dwayne McDuffie. I am very grateful for what you did with your gifts in the time that you spent in this world. You will be greatly missed.
-Jezza Smilez

Aqua Boys

PISCES
Fish

CONSTELLATION
Pisces

PLANET
Neptune (Day)/ Jupiter (Night)

ELEMENT
Water

Super Cool

It's not easy being a token. The temptation to be stereotypical or a cliche character is great, but when you're "cool" enough, you can be you and fit in as if you're no different from the rest and still manage to stand out as a superstar.
Frozone is such a stud. As the only black character in one of my favorite animated movies, he wasn't the "Black Guy" - he was the "Cool Guy." That alone is enough to be recognized in my line up of fan artworks for Black History Month.

Enjoy your weekend, Folks
-Jezza

Happy Birthday Justin Hall!!!

Hey everybody,
Today is Hard to Swallow & Glamazonia's Justin Hall's 40th birthday! Be sure to show him some love on either his website, facebook, or just leave a comment for him here.

Cee Lo Green - "Forget You" 2011 Grammy Performance

I LOVE IT!!!

Mistress of the Elements

I've mentioned before that Storm is one of my favorite X-Men. So, when I decided to do some pieces for weekly fan art for Black History Month, she was second on my list (first is yet to come).
Storm was the first black female to play a major role in either of the two big comic companies, Marvel or DC, and is noted to be the most successful and recognizable black superhero today.

Eric Arvin

I couldn't be more happy to share this month's feature with you. He's the author of books and comics such as Subsurdity, Suburbilicious, and Kid Christmas Rides Again. The talented Eric Arvin isn't just a pretty face and pair of biceps, he's fresh, clever, and funny. After reading this interview you'll be in love with him and understand the rules of establishing who's on top and bottom.

Chef

 In recognition of Black History Month, I worked up some fan art of some of my favorite black characters from the world of comics and toons.
The first is the one and only Chef from SouthPark. He was one of TV's sexiest and most entertaining black toons in history. Chef is an inspirational example of how being a minority in a small minded environment can be overcome with a positive attitude, a spirit of perseverance, and a whole lotta sexiness.

I hope you enjoy this piece. As always, your feedback is very welcome.

Have an extra chocolaty weekend, everybody
-Jezza

February

Hey Everybody!!!

How is everyone's 2011 so far?
Mine gets better by the day and I couldn't be more excited about what I've got to share with you this month, but first this month's Birthday Role Call:

artist extraordinaire, Joe Phillips, celebrates another year on the 13th
Glamazonia's Justin Hall is turning the big 4 - 0 on the 14th
and fanboy blogger, Wonderman is turning 37 on the 16th
Show these studs some love, folks!

OK. So this year I broadened the spectrum of my interviews to include writers and other bloggers. This month's Q&A will have you in tears laughing and drooling for more. This feature is so entertaining that it can only be the one and only...

...Eric Arvin!!! (Imagine me saying it in an Oprah voice :D)
That's right folks! The beefcake writer of books like Slight Details & Random Events and Kid Christmas Rides Again is giving us some insight into the world of writing, some exciting news about future projects, and of course some very sexy bits about his goods!
You'll love this interview!

I'm also continuing my zodiac series this month with Pisces and I've got weekly fan art in recognition of Black History Month.
Yes, boys and trannies, I've packed this month full of goodies and I'm squirting to share it all with yaz!

until next time -
Have a grrreat week, folks!
Happy February!!!
-Jezza