Black History Month: Christopher Priest

To say Christopher Priest is a groundbreaking comics creator is understatement. Not only was Priest the first African American editor in the comics industry, but he was probably the youngest editor ever. His bibliography is impressive, having worked for Marvel, DC and a bunch of other publishers as both an editor and writer. In addition, he is one of the founders of Milestone. Check out his website Lamercie Park for more information about his career. His essays about working in and surviving the industry are unbelievable.

Black History Month: Reginald Hudlin

There’s a bit of a paradigm in the comics world that a successful career in comics can be parlayed into the mainstream entertainment world, like how Neil Gaiman now writes novels  and Joe Madureira left comics to get into the video game world. Reginald Hudlin added writing comics to an already amazing resume; he’s the former president of the BET Network.

Let’s look at some of the Harvard graduate’s credits. His first film was House Party, which he wrote and directed. He’s worked on television shows like Modern Famly, The Office and Bernie Mac. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg!

In the comics world, Hudlin has mostly worked for Marvel and is best known for writing a variety of Black Panther books. And quite honestly, it is some of THE best T’Challa stories ever.

Check out his website to find out more about his amazing career.

Black History Month: Damion Scott

Damion Scott is a current comic artist who has one of the most unique styles in mainstream super hero comics. The Kingston, Jamaica born, Brooklyn raised artist melds graffiti and hip hop style art into comic book design. He really is a master in the style, even putting together a book called How To Draw Hip-Hop.

I’m most familiar with his work for DC on Robin and Batgirl. Currently he’s tearing it up in Japan doing painters and murals and the such.

Black History Month: Dexter Vines

Let’s celebrate Black History Month! Today we’re going to look at one of the most accomplished inkers of the 2000s, Dexter Vines! Based in Atlanta, Dexter is best known as the tag team partner of pencillers Ed McGuinness (Hulk, Superman/Batman) and Steve McNiven (Civil War, Old Man Logan).

What I think is so amazing about Dexter’s work is that he is a bit of a chameleon; changing his style to suit the penciller he is working on. He makes everyone look good. His inks are a good part on why Civil War and Old Man Logan are so different stylistically.

And on top of that, he’s super fan friendly. If you’re ever at a comic book show and Dexter is a guest, make sure you stop by. He is one of the nicest and friendliest creators I’ve had a chance to meet and he always has really cool art to show you!