Black on Black Comic Book Violence

In the late 1980's and early 1990's various independent African American comic book publishers began a revolution in the world of comic books by creating non stereo-typical African American super heroes (Brother Man, Original Man, Heru, Malcolm10, Numidian Force, etc.) to star in their comic books. In 1993 four of these publishers came together to strengthen this new Black comic book movement and developed a coalitian called ANIA. The group's goal was to become a major publishing force by uniting. The mainstream comic book companies responded by producing comic books that featured Black characters to capitalize on the market that Black creators started.

Marvel Comics revamped all of their old stereo-typical side-kick characters (Cage, Falcon, The Black Panther, Blade, etc.) and launched them in titles without their white counterparts. However, DC comics did something less obvious, but much more sinister. They elected Black artist that already worked for them, and created a Black division of DC comics called Milestone. Milestone was designed to destroy the Black comic book movement, and it almost did. The battle between Misestone & ANIA was widely publicized by the national media (Entertainment Weekly, USA Today, Comic's Journal etc.). The Milestone titles featured Black super heroes (Icon, Static, Hardware, and The Blood Syndicate). The new DC/Milestone comic books were marketed as a new Black independent comic book company. ANIA disbanded and many Black publishers went out of business. Due to the confusion all the Black comic book publishers missed out on the super hero movie explosion. A few movies were made about Black super heroes, but all were comedies or designed by white creators Spawn, Blade, Meteor Man, and Blank man). Once this was achieved DC pulled the plug on Milestone.

One of the Black publishers that was never affected by these actions is Alonzo Washington and his publishing firm Omega7 INC. Omega7 INC. is the nation's most successful African American owned independent comic book company. The under-ground publishing powerhouse is the only Black owned comic book company to produce action figures that are sold in national chain stores such as: Walmart, Toys-R-Us and KBKids.com. For eight (8) years the independent comic book published a long list of positive African American super heroes (Omega-Man, The Mighty Ace, Original Man, Shadow Knight, The Omega7, Dark Force, Original Boy, and Original Woman) that addresses serious issues such as: racism, gang violence, school shootings, police brutality, etc. Mr. Washington is one of the founding members of ANIA. Now in the year two-thousand (2000) Alonzo Washington and the entire Black comic book movement is under attack by DC comics and Time Warner once again. One of the founding members of Milestone (Dwayne McDuffie) will debut his new cartoon series Static Schock) this fall on Kids WB on the WB network. On his website (www.dwaynemcduffie.com) Mr. McDuffie attacks Alonzo Washington by name and denounces the entire independent Black comic book movement. The article on his website is titled "Understanding Milestone.". Many in the Black comic book movement believe that Static Shock is another attempt to futher destroy the independent Black comic book companies. As of this date no Black independent comic book creator has received any animation or movie deals from Hollywood. We believe that this is not by accident, but is a racist way to control Black images and destroy true an honest Black creativity.

For information contact:
Alonzo Washington
Phone; (913) 321-6764
E-mail; omega7toys@aol.com