White Panther? Sure. Whatever.
A response to a post I was recently tagged in.
**Taken from my post on Facebook**
“So, it looks like Kev's post about the new direction of Black Panther has taken off and since I'm tagged in it...for all the best reasons, btw...I have been prompted to respond by a few folks. So, here goes...
Currently, almost ALL my focus is fixed on being an independent publisher, for which I am producing and publishing my own titles and promoting my own characters. If I'm not writing it, drawing it, producing it, or all three, it's VERY difficult for me to care.
Marvel & DC know that they have a gravitational pull on most American comic book fans. Especially those of a certain age who grew to love the heroes and the stories produced. This is why it's very difficult for independent books to find their audience as both corporations rely on spectacle and the decades long contributions of creators who typically see the grave before they are even considered to be rewarded with the compensation they so strongly deserve. Corporations that have made billions off the backs of those they've chosen to make beg for pennies. They ARE a "for-profit" organization, after all.
At any rate and ultimately, my opinion is no opinion. Priest is one of the most notable and revolutionary writers in comics history for more than just his immense talents. Black Panther has been more popular in the last 11 years than his entire comic book history combined, and that's thanks to Feige, Coogler, & Boseman. Marvel is doing what they do and have gotten what they set out to do. Grab your attention. There's that gravitational pull in full effect.
Finally, on the hot button subject of "race-swapping" characters, as a creator, if it fits the story, makes sense, and reads well, I typically don't care. The characters whose identity, motivations, and origins are inherently tied to their race/culture should be taking such changes into consideration. Those that don't? Just make it make sense. Make the purpose clear to the story and the world the characters live in. Miles makes sense. Wallace West, in my opinion, doesn't.
Lastly, big thanks to Kevin for the shout out about Midnight Tiger. He told me years ago he preferred Gavin to Miles unprompted and I was awestruck. That seems to continue to this day. Thank you. There are many of us Black indie creators who are producing Big- Two quality books (or better) out here with new Black characters representing the diaspora of our experience as a people. At the end of the day, I think Kev was just encouraging folks to resist the gravitational pull of Marvel and DC just a little and take a chance on something new. You just might find yourself becoming a new fan!”
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