⋆ Melanin Minds ⋆

₊‧°𐐪♡𐑂°‧₊ “The greatest act of revolution for any Black woman is to put pen to paper with purpose.”₊‧°𐐪♡𐑂°‧
― Stalina GoodwinThe X is the home button

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“The master's tools will never dismantle the master's house. They may allow us to temporarily beat him at his own game, but they will never enable us to bring about genuine change.”
― Audre Lorde

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And lots more!

Black women make up less than 5% of recognized creators in the comic book space. Yet, black women's contributions in the industry are insurmountable, while rarely acknowledged. Black women's contributions to writing and the arts in general have been ongoing and overlooked since the Civil Rights Movement. Comic Books specifically have always been a medium used to fight social injustice.In the world we live in, writing, or any type of creative endeavor, is a form of resistance. That goes double for Black women. We deserve more authentic and inspiring depictions in media. Toni Morrison once stated, “A writer's life and work are not a gift to mankind; they are its necessity.” They are necessary for literacy, for representation, and for expression.In this discussion, we learn1. How Black women have/are impacting the comic industry to this day2. How you can support these women in their pursuits3. How you, as a Black woman, can start your comic creator journey?Don't sit down and wait for the opportunities to come.
Get up and make them.—Madam C.J. Walker

✦ Posted 1 week ago.

Luna Issue 1 Review

Written by: Karla Medrano
Art by: Ian Sebastian
Letterer: Bok NoyKatok
Publisher: (Formerly) Konkret Comics/ Now Blaq Girl Comics

Melanated 1st Impressions

Upon first picking up Luna: The Queen of Mahru, you already feel like you’ve been transported into a beautiful, futuristic world before even opening to the first page. After opening the book to the first page, you are immediately thrown into a sense of intrigue and mystery. You are immediately drawn into the scene. Everything feels grandiose and important, and the tension is felt.

Recap

Luna is a futuristic action-adventure love story set in a time where peace and balance collide with unimaginable threats. The Heroes of Old Earth are long gone.
Still, the Universe has birthed a new generation of superhumans, who are known as Energy Keepers. The Energy Keepers, along with the people of Planet Djoria, maintain the order, peace, and balance of all life. The Heroes of Old Earth are long gone.
Still, the Universe has birthed a new generation of superhumans, who are known as Energy Keepers. The Energy Keepers, along with the people of Planet Djoria, maintain the order, peace, and balance of all life.

Story

We open in the year 4000, where we are introduced to one of the Energy Keepers, beings who maintain order in the universe, and someone known only as “The One”. Immediately, we’re pulled into the conflict as we learn “The One” has broken an important universal law and has been summoned to the Temple of Energy.After seeing his divine punishment, we skip forward in time to the year 9,980 on the planet of Mahru, where we are introduced to our title character, Luna, as a child. We learn that Luna is powerful, and, through a conversation with her parents, we learn about her important connection to “The One”.We fast forward another 20 years, to the year 10,000. We are introduced to Aibek (an energy keeper) and his crew. Aibek, we learn, is in love with our Queen Luna, but Fulana, his crewmate, is madly in love with him. This is where the story truly begins, as we are introduced to the characters we will be spending the most time with. We see later in the issue that the theme is that love conquers all. It’s nice to already see that coming to fruition so early on in the series, since the series is marketed as a romance from the very start.We then return to Luna, now fully grown and the queen, alongside her new lover and high official, Imari. However, Luna is given some sudden news from the future that brings her back to her lover, Aibek, and encourages her to follow her heart because it is their love that will save the universe. Before we know it, the two are wed.

Black Girl Analysis

Issue 1 is a good introduction to the world and characters. The pacing moves briskly through most of the story. This is mostly well-paced, but near the end, we don’t have time to take something in before we move quickly to the next course of action. The dialogue is natural and realistic. We really feel like we’re watching these characters live out their day. Most scenes carry themselves into the next one seamlessly. The only time a scene felt dialogue wise a conversation Luna has with Imari right after finding out about the future and how her love with Aibek would save the world. Also, we gain some insight into why Aibek and Luna broke up two years earlier. Given his past, it would be helpful to learn more about what happened and about both characters’ mindsets going into this, as it seems that Luna was more than on edge about Aibek’s behavior. In the end, we are introduced to our main villain, our twist villain, and reintroduced to our major, most likely series endgame villain. The twist villain is a good twist, and I’m excited to see how that develops.

Positives

I can’t lie, the best part is the art, but we will get in-depth with that later. The story is beautifully paneled, and you feel like you’re in the future. The story and conflict between the characters are felt and seen. Luna’s happiness, though rushed, is earned, and watching how her powers react to what is happening to and around her is great to watch. The story is emotional, and the energy flies off the page. I love seeing a Black woman be powerful while simultaneously being allowed to be free, be loved, and live life. Karla especially writes moments of happiness in a way that allows you to feelthe joy with the character, and Luna is always shown regally despite her situation, and we are able to see the emotional connection between Luna and Aibek from the beginning. Luna is an obviously loved queen, and that is seen in every one of her interactions. He subjects clearly adore, and she loves them. There is a connection among the people of Mahru that has been woven into the story seamlessly.

Negatives

Some unanswered questions feel pushed to the side that could be addressed. While we see Fulana’s obsession, she feels like a character who existed to try to create a love triangle, but was quickly cast aside with no real buildup. Her character falls flat, but we may see her again in the future. While the emotional tension between Luna and Aibek is felt, I feel that their relationship didn’t have the proper time to bloom before marriage, given the rough falling out. There are certain parts that give exposition that could have been given through the art alone and was, and a character or two had introductions that felt random, as the character did nothing meaningful in the book. The last quarter of the book was a slight whiplash from the slower, intentional pace of the rest of the story.

Art

The art is beyond beautiful. Ian was the perfect choice to do the artwork for this series. His art style lends to the futuristic feel of the story, and his paneling execution is consistent, allowing the story to flow from one scene to the next. The bright colors pull the reader right into the story from the moment you pick the book up.

Girl Thoughts

Luna is a beautiful story that focuses on love and relationships, but happens to center on an immensely powerful Black woman. The emotional beats are felt, and each moment lends to the next. The art lends to the beauty of the story, pulling you into the magical, futuristic world on the planet Mahru. It’s a beautiful start to what promises to be an amazing series.

• Visit Blaq Girl Comics

✦ Posted 1 week ago.

Visionless Vagabond Review

Written by: Kahyia Parris
Art by: Krazed Kai
Letterer: Krazed Kai
Publisher: Krazed Kai

Melanated 1st Impressions

This is going to be told a bit differently than most of my 1st impressions. We ran into Krazed Kai at Dreamcon 2021, and we were immediately blown away by not only her art but also her presence. Our eyes looked over everything else on the table and spotted this small paper comic sitting there. It was small and not super professionally done (in antithesis to her other series, which I will cover next.) The modest creation, the amazing way she draws Black people, we knew we wanted to support her right then.

Recap

Visionless Vagabond is a short story inspired by Proverbs 29:18 and Matthew 6:33. We follow a character known only as the “Visionless Vagabond” as she seeks out vision as the key to entering a Heavenly Kingdom. They face great resistance along the way.

Story

We find ourselves in a desolate wasteland, where we are almost immediately introduced to our nameless protagonist, the Visionless Vagabond. She steps on the scene, and our first viewing of her is her fighting a dragon. Our protagonist is proud and strong. This opening panel instantly establishes our protagonist’s resolve. She is determined to obtain her goal. She strikes quickly and without hesitation.Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint; but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s instruction. She embodies this as she leaves restraint behind, while also heeding the words of the elders. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. It is obvious to the reader that her goal, the Kingdom, is at the forefront of her mind. She does not waver; she strikes.Later, when she finds her key, we see her visibly change. She is solemn and emotional. Kai does a great job of showing that this has been a long and perilous journey just by the amount of overwhelm she feels. Her journey comes to an end soon, and it is an emotional thing for our protagonist, who has finally found vision.

Black Girl Analysis

The story behind this book is a truly beautiful one about purpose and vision. Our protagonist has been on a long path to, essentially, enlightenment. Though short, as we come in at the end of her journey, we can see how hard she has worked towards this day. Her inner thoughts are true and full of emotion, yet persistent. This is what our protagonist lives for, has trained for, and fights for. Nothing else matters. Though it would be nice to see earlier moments on her journey or meet the elders and hear their stories, it’s quite interesting to come in at the apex of her journey.

Positives

This story, though short, is full. It’s full of emotion, determination, and heart. We see and hear our protagonist’s journey. She wears it like a badge. The story panels flow as each action is followed by the next action in quick succession, giving us an energetic and action-packed experience. In the few pages of fighting we get, we feel like we’ve had an entire action sequence.

Negatives

The worst thing I can think of is the fact that the story is only 7 pages. That could be a deal breaker for some, but the upside is that you can give the book a chance for free. So, even if you don’t like it, it costs you nothing. Other than that, there is a short part where she goes from thought to speaking in a way that feels like all of the dialogue should have been inner dialogue, and the actual dialogue can feel clunky.

Art

I may be biased, because I am a huge fan of Kai’s art and especially the way she draws Black people (women in particular), but the art is amazing. Each panel is a delight to the eyes and emphasizes the journey. Though there could have been more background images, the lack of landscape lends better to the story. Kai’s close-ups are intense, her action shots are dynamic, and her detail is amazing. The vision of the kingdom is breathtaking and more emphasized by the fact that until that moment, there was minimal scenery. The worst thing could be if you’re not a manga fan or a fan of non colored comics, you may not like the fact that most pages aren’t colored, BUT the color that we get is stunning, ethereal, and really hits the vibe of the story.

Black Girl Thoughts

Vagabond is a beautiful journey about finding your purpose. It’s compelling, emotional, and beautiful. The action is impactful, and the art only serves to add to the story. The story is both a vision and an experience.You can read Visionless Vagabond free on Kai's IG.

• Visionless Vagabond

✦ Posted 1 week ago.

Mutiny: Black Girl Magic issue 1 review

Written by: Kristal Adams
Art by: Asiah Fullmore
Letterer: Fairsquare Studio
Publisher: Fairsquare studio

Melanated 1st Impressions

Meeting Moriah in the first few pages, I’m immediately drawn in by her charm and charisma. Her wit and social media presence immediately grab your attention. This continues to build up after the initial pages.

Recap

Moriyah Pleasant is a charismatic and witty queen with the magic touch. As a successful NYC dating coach with a reputation as an “incel whisperer,” the results don’t lie –until her latest matchmaking gig goes awry, leading to some irreconcilable differences.
The whole operation goes left when Moriyah discovers her client’s love interest is on the run…but from whomst? Moriyah’s dragged through spacetime and confronted with the tyrant Ezek, an Alchemist consumed with his murderous pursuit to destroy all magik in the universe. Trapped and now wanted for a crime she didn’t commit, she’s not having that!

STory

New York City. Our girl Moriyah is on IG live, giving some insight into her new client. Moriyah is a dating coach who specifically assists incels in learning not be creepy. She’s an obvious fan of the Knowles family and can clearly take care of herself. While she’s streaming, she’s attacked and easily dispatches her attacker. Within the first few pages, we are aware that Moiyrah is capable, knows how to carry herself, has a high opinion of herself, and keeps people at a distance.Late for her meeting, she arrives to meet her current client. He’s not too happy with her tardiness, but they go ahead and get started. Her client approaches a woman who is clearly nervous and on edge. They speak briefly before she runs out on him. Both he and the reader are left to wonder what kind of trouble this girl must be in. She’s clearly antsy and leaves extremely abruptly. From there, Moriyah follows her. The character, Moriyah, clearly drives this story forward. She is clearly an actionary character. She takes charge. She doesn’t like idle hands.
In fact, she ends up approaching the young woman, Lozo, aggressively initially, begging her to give the man another shot. Moriyah is put on her bottom when Lozoo drags them through a portal, but even this doesn’t get Moriyah to stop talking. Not until the bounty hunters on Lozo’s tail appear does Moriyah stop speaking. She finally realized that this is not a game. She watches Lozo fight and sever herself from her weapon, all while wearing an amulet that makes her invisible and safe. For now…When the bounty hunters leave, Moriyah finally comes from hiding, but now she’s alone and trapped on the other side of the portal with no way home, until the weapon speaks to her.

Black Girl Analysis

The story moves quickly and purposefully, though sometimes a little wild, although it does seem mostly intentional. The story is largely character-driven, but the way that Moiryah drives the story forward also builds the world around her in a unique and interesting way. Characters come at us quickly and purposefully. And then the story truly begins when Moriyah meets Lozo, who introduces her to a whole world she knew nothing about. The dialogue is fun and matches the characters, allowing us to get familiar with and understand each character to an extent.

Positives

Mutiny is a fun story about a Black girl killing it in New York. I love stories that are just fun. Not every story has to be deep, but that's not to say that Mutiny isn't. It is. Moriyah isn’t just the main character; she’s the driving force behind the entire story. She’s a well written actionary character with a lovable personality. The world feels well built around her, and despite her avoidant attachment style, people gravitate to her, which is pretty common. The characters we are introduced to are introduced with clever and dramatic timing, in line with the feel of the story, and the themes of Black girl magic are sprinkled throughout. This will essentially turn into something of a Magical Girl series. That is already obvious between the magic, portals, outfits, and a magical item.

Negatives

There are times the pacing feels a bit rushed, and though character introductions are perfectly timed, we lose a couple too quickly. Lozo goes from meek to stern almost out of nowhere and pulls out an amulet that there was no hint she was looking for.

Art

Asiah was a great choice for this book. Her art matches the fun, witty, and colorful world of Mutiny. Her colors really sell the story for me. The scenes look almost reminiscent of a lava lamp, giving the world a “groovy” look, but still sell the future vibe once the girls go through the portal. Everything feels magical, and each panel looks like its own story. The backgrounds are very simple and don’t give much, but you get the gist of each location; A bar, a lab, it’s pretty obvious, but not outstanding.

Black Girl Thoughts

I love Mutiny, if for no other reason than the Black girl magic of it all. However, the story is a fun journey through time and space. The characters are fun, and thematically it shines as it’s supposed to

• Buy Mutiny

✦ Posted 1 week ago.

Roots of Madness issue #1 Review

Written by: Stephanie Williams
Art by: Letizia Cadonici, Alessandro Santoro
Letterer: Andworld Design
Publisher: Ignition Press

Melanated 1st Impressions

We open up to the family dynamic between Etta and her mother, as she learns about the lessons passed down through her family. The book gives off a mysterious and historical vibe.

Recap

At the turn of the 20th century, brilliant young chemist, Etta Knight, honors an ancestral tradition of creating natural medicines with knowledge passed down through the generations in her late mother’s book of recipes. When a stranger offers her the elite but enigmatic Meridian Fellowship, Etta jumps at the chance to expand her research. The sprawling facility’s surrounding wonders may point the way to understanding her family’s secrets……if the dark forces don’t claim her first.

Story

In Chicago Illinoise in 1890, Etta stands in the kitchen with her mother, learning and studying the conversation between the herbs that go into making the medicinal recipes that have been handed down through the generations of her family. Etta, ever hardheaded, reaches out and begins messing with the concoction on the table. Her mother knows Etta’s not ready for the next steps, though Etta argues she’s ready for everything. Her mother disagrees and tells her a story, a story about knowledge with a price. Etta is curious and stubborn, but she is also a brilliant young girl, and her curiosity worries her mother. Her father wants to feed that curiosity and help Etta pursue her gifts, and so her parents enroll her in a science academy for bright young students in the hopes that it will quell her thirst for knowledge and give her opportunities they never had.Fast forward 15 years, and Etta has taken over as the community healer. Her mother is gone, and her father is old. However, he has found the book that Etta has been longing for for years. Her father knew her mother would want her to have it once she was ready, and now seemed like the perfect time. As Etta has a rare introspective moment, a woman enters her shop, raving about Etta’s well-earned reputation. However, she’s here for more than just praise. She has a proposition.

Black Girl Analysis

Roots of Madness is a story about tradition, culture, history, readiness, and patience. There are so many of those elements inside this story. Etta’s relationship with her mother is tense and educational. She is the apprentice, and her mother is the “master.” The difference is that her mother has patience, while she thinks she can or should have it all, while she’s barely touched the surface. You can feel the strain between them and the fear that Etta’s mother has for her unrelenting curiosity. Etta pushes, and her mother warns her at every turn. Her father, on the otherhand sees Etta’s curiosity and thirst for knowledge as something to be nurtured. And when she once again has her mother's book years later, that same curiosity suffocates her when she receives a visit from the strange woman who offers her the one thing she wants the most, knowledge. The pacing moves beautifully from frame to frame as the story unfolds around Etta, who drives the story forward, and the dialogue is genuine.

Positives

The story is concocted so genuinely that you can’t help but be pulled in. The natural flow of conversation is refreshing. We can feel the tension between Etta and her mother. They feel like the Black mother and daughter who love each other, but the mother’s own trauma/upbringing is influencing the way she interacts with her own daughter. Even the relationship between Etta’s parents is laid out in the pages with the use of dialogue, body language, and facial expressions. The pace is slow, but in a deliberate way that delivers us the story beats consistently. There is no wasted space or dialogue, and the historical influences behind the story are felt throughout.

Negatives

I love a good time jump, but I would love to see more of Etta’s childhood or even a bit of what happened to her mom. The art isn’t my favorite in the world, but it for sure does its job in the story.

Art

The overall art is pretty, but simplistic and not extremely detailed. However, I do enjoy how the lighting and especially the shadows are done. It gives the story some creepy vibes

Black Girl Thoughts

Overall, this story is a beautiful story about familial expectations and knowing where curiosity can lead us. It’s a Suspenseful and soulful story that shows how different types of love can affect a child as she grows, and where being curious can lead us. This issue 1 is amazing and I can’t wait for what’s to come.

• Buy Today

✦ Posted 1 week ago.

Temporal issue #1 Review

Written by: Stephanie Williams
Art by: Asiah Fulmore
Letterer: Becca Carey
Publisher: Mad Cave Studios

Melanated 1st Impressions

Seeing the first few pages already look like an espionage or heist has pulled me in. Add to that the obvious chemistry we already see between the characters without reading a single word, and this is going to be a wild ride.

Recap

Once upon a time, Savannah and Marcus were the most skilled temporal thieves in the business, slipping through history to acquire rare artifacts. That was before they settled down, had a son, and built a quiet life together. Ten years later, as their son Harper celebrates his birthday, Savannah questions whether suburban bliss is enough. When Harper’s disappointment over a replica gaming console triggers memories of her former life, Savannah makes a decision that could jeopardize everything she and Marcus have built. Against her husband’s knowledge and her best friend’s warnings, Savannah steps back into the portal for ‘one last job’ – a simple mission to retrieve an original gaming console from the past. But nothing stays simple for long in a business where time is money.

Story

Savannah and Marcus are pulling off a heist in 1986, though somewhat distracted and goofing around, but they pull it off. They steal a car and take off back through time. Now, in the year 2072, we see Savannah running her own procurement business. At this point, we learn that her assistant is leaving for the Temporal Academy. The next day is Savannah’s son, Harper’s, birthday. They throw him a party, and Savannah watches over her mother as her mother makes a cake that was specially requested by Harper. Savannah’s mother questions her about how she’s feeling, as she can tell something is wrong, and Savannah comes clean about how she feels as a mother. Though her mother understands the feeling, they don’t go any further in the conversation.Once it’s time to open presents, Savannah and Marcus gift Harper a replica Minimax game system, something Harper was apparently hoping for an authentic version of. Savannah gets hung up on Harper’s seeming disappointment, despite his enjoying his gift the entire way home. When Savannah and Marcus head for bed that night, she is hung up in the Minimax, though Marcus seems unbothered. She then reveals she just really misses the life she had before. Marcus is gentle and reminds her that she is amazing as she is. Savannah, still not feeling that the issue is resolved, goes to see her best friend, Jamie. Despite Jamie’s protests, Savannah insists on Jamie helping her get back in the game for one last mission to get the Minimax her son deserves.

Black Girl Analysis

Savannah is a woman who, from the beginning, loves a thrill. She had a plan for her life, and she loved the freedom that came with her old life. We can see in the initial pages that the life of jumping through time is one she enjoys. The two jump back through time in what is obviously an homage to Back to the Future. We switch gears in 2072, when Savannah becomes a wife and mother. Though this is a story about thieves through time, this is also the story of motherhood. Stephanie masterfully crafts a relatable scene of how many mothers and wives feel once they’ve settled down into what can seem like a redundant life at times. As a wife and mother herself, you can see that Stephanie has pulled some of her life’s experience into the character of Savannah. As a wife and mother myself, I understand all too well. As Black women, sometimes that amplifies due to society and how people see us. Her inner turmoil of both not feeling fulfilled as an individual and not feeling like she’s doing enough as a mother is felt. Even in the conversation with her own mother, we understand that those feelings are normal, but they need to be worked through. In her conversation with Marcus, he tries, but doesn’t do a great job of consoling her. It’s obvious they love each other deeply, and he puts his family first and foremost, but he doesn’t understand Savannah’s feelings completely, something she should take more time to explain to him. However, rather than talk to her mother, her husband, or a professional, she runs right back to her old life, and even her friend can’t convince her of the mistake she’s about to make. This can seem selfish to many, and it is, but sometimes people use their emotions as a reason to act on selfish desires, tricking even themselves into believing it’s a sacrifice they’re making for someone else. I’m sure we will see what the long-term consequences of Savannah’s choices will be in future issues, but, for now, we have to wait.

Positives

Stephanie weaves such a beautiful story of motherhood and how it feels to be a mother in Savannah’s character that I almost forgot that the story was about stealing objects through time. I wanted to stay right here with Savannah and watch her work through her feelings. The chemistry between Savannah and Marcus is obvious from the first page. The way they work together, the way they behave as a married couple, the way they look at each other, it’s all done to create a beautiful relationship. The characterization of the characters is very well done, and each one stands out as we meet them. Though we only see the relationship between Savannah and her mother briefly, it was well done, as sometimes our own mothers struggle to explain the struggles of motherhood to us. The difference in how Marcus and Svanaah have adapted to life as parents is artfully done, and we can see the two sides of the same coin: acceptance and happiness versus feeling unfulfilled.

Negatives

As much as I love character-driven stories, the narrow focus on the characters, mostly Savannah, keeps us from learning much about the world in which the story takes place. What is this futuristic world? It seems very much like our own, and maybe it is. Why is everyone so obsessed with “antique” technology? The time skip between 1987 and 2072 seems almost arbitrary because of the fact that the couple traveled through time for their heists. We know they stopped working in 2062, but we’re unsure of the significance of the first scene aside from showing us in the first and final scenes that they do indeed jump through time. While I assume the car at the beginning of the story was the target that the couple were after, I can’t be too sure.

Art

While the art is simple and stylish, we lack a lot of detail in most backgrounds. Some are even just colors. This, however, I feel is intentional, as I notice this is the case in some of the more character-driven stories Stephanie writes. I believe the focus is meant to be on the characters, at least for now. I believe the art style chosen for this was fitting for the feel and family dynamic. However, the lack of distinction between the past and future can be slightly off-putting, as we miss out on any futuristic vibes for the story.

Black Girl Thoughts

Overall, Temporal is a relatable story of a mother who has lost her identity in motherhood and marriage. She longs for her old life, a life of adventure, excitement, and meaning. When these two things collide, she acts selfishly to fulfil her inner desires. While it has sci-fi elements, we haven’t seen the extent to which the future has changed the world, but there are hints here and there.

• Get Temporal

✦ Posted March 10.

Bingo Love #1 Review

Written by: Tee Franklin
Art by: Jenn St. Onge, Joy San (Artist), Genevieve FT
Letterer: Cardinal Rae
Publisher: Image Comics

Melanated 1st Impressions

The opening pages are sad and familiar to many young queer people worldwide. A young girl was kicked out and has come to our main character, who is old and living in a home. As we glance into the past, we can only hope the story has a happy ending. And it will pay off.

Recap

When Hazel Johnson and Mari McCray met at church bingo in 1963, it was love at first sight. Forced apart by their families and society, Hazel and Mari both married young men and had families. Decades later, now in their mid-'60s, Hazel and Mari reunite again at a church bingo hall. Realizing their love for each other is still alive, what these grandmothers do next takes absolute strength and courage.

Story

Not long before Valentine's Day in 1963, Hazel is at Bingo with her grandmother when a girl walks in that she’s never seen before. When she asks her grandmother who it is, she’s unsure, but believes they’ll meet at school. It turned out Grandma was right. The next day, in school, Mari is introduced to the class, and Hazel is immediately taken with her. The girls become fast friends, best friends, but Hazel finds herself wanting more from Mari. She keeps this to herself for as long as possible, not only because she doubts Mari would be interested, but also because she knows her grandmother would rage if she found out. Then, one day, the two’s eyes meet, and that’s all she wrote, but they are caught, and Mari is sent away to get married. Hazel goes through an unhappy existence until she’s eventually forced to marry her husband, James Downing. James wanted a big family, so they had several children together over the years, and Hazel became a fashion designer. Her family grows as she watches her children and then her grandchildren grow up. Then, one day, out of the blue, Hazel runs into Mari again at Bingo, and it’s like old times all over again. Hazel feels excited, yet hurt. Mari left her years ago, and now, she’s unsure how to let her back in or if she should. Knowing she can’t go the affair route, Hazel has a talk with James. Eventually, they divorced amicably, though with issues at the start, and Mari and Hazel are able to finally start their life together. Mari worked and put Hazel through fashion school, they traveled the world, and they loved hard. Then came the day that Mari’s mind started to slip. Then, we come to the beautiful finale, where it’s revealed who Hazel was speaking to, and we watch the end, but it’s truly just a beautiful beginning.

Black Girl Analysis

Love is love in this story about two women who find true love after fifty years. Hazel and Mari are both shown in closed-off conditions that don’t accept them as they are, and are both fighting to hide what they truly want. Hazel meets Mari and is immediately head over heels, and though it isn’t stated, the reader can see that Mari feels the same. As we fast forward to the girl’s revelation, it’s like a breath we were all holding has been released, until they are caught, and everything is thrown into chaos. Hazel’s pain is apparent in the moment and for the years to come. It’s a pain she holds onto until she sees Mari again. Her pain never left, and she’s unsure how to move forward seeing Mari again, but she knows she’s unhappy. This leaves Hazel with a choice to make, and much like many people realizing they may be leaving a life they’ve become comfortable with, despite being unhappy, it’s hard to make. In the end, the choice was the right one, and both women are able to live the life they truly wanted.

Positives

Aunt Tee, as I call her, is magical at making us relate to characters as they are. Hazel is immediately a relatable character if you’re queer or not. She’s living with a secret that she knows she can't tell anyone, or else be ostracized and disappoint her family. Coming out as Bi when you grow up in the church is never easy, and the response is a toss-up, but even more so in the 1960s, and Franklin does an amazing job of keeping the story time relevant. Though the time passes quickly, we are able to keep up with Hazel, who is the main character. We watch her family grow, and we see the moment her world comes crashing down. The chemistry written between Mari and Hazel is also very well done. They are immediately drawn to each other, and it’s obvious. And Hazel’s loveless marriage is shown really well in the visual storytelling. Also, my version of Bingo Love was the Jackpot edition, which has more short stories in the back.

Negatives

There are parts of the book where things move fast. The pacing suddenly picks up, and characters change their minds all of a sudden, like Hazel’s daughter and her feelings towards Mari, especially given how heated she was when Mari first showed up, to the point of not even hearing her mother out. We know how I am about narration, but for the most part, I was fine with it here; however, I do wish there was a little less. I would love for the visual storytelling to carry the story more

Art

The art in this book is beautiful and colorful. The style is simple and expressionistic. Each character’s features are prominent. We really go the extra mile to show Black people of all types, sizes, colors, etc. While there isn’t a lot of scenery, the environment that is included feels intentional and detailed.

Black Girl Thoughts

Bingo Love is a romance about lost love, coming into yourself, and following your heart. We see the times change, as things become more acceptable in everyday culture, and our main characters are allowed to live and live. It is a well-written love story that we don’t get to see too often.

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✦ Posted April 6, 2026.

Gehenna Imperium issue #1 Review

Written by: Jaye Wynn
Art by: Paul Angol
Letterer: PEI
Publisher: Ruling Hand

Melanated 1st Impressions

We open up to 8 words …and so it begins
…welcome to Hell, princess.
It’s an ominous threat to the main character and the reader that will pay off almost immediately.

Recap

After a traumatized young woman becomes a martial arts master and seeks vengeance against the men who abducted and brutalized her, a deadly encounter lands her in a hellish purgatory where her only chance to regain her Earthly mortality is to prevail in a cosmic combat tournament against the demon horde who inhabit this bizarre world.

Story

Much like Zilah, we the reader, are thrust into this world of confusion, mid-action, as Zilah runs through the woods. We see here that Zillah is no slouch. She has obviously honed her martial arts skills over years and years of practice and hard work. A theme of determination is obviously prevalent in the story because Zyla is always determined to defeat her opponent or accomplish whatever goal that is she sets forth to accomplish. Also, we find that there are things of Revenge as the reason Xyla learned martial arts in the first place is for revenge. Now we get to see what happens when you go after revenge, and you die in the process.

Black Girl Analysis

…And so it begins
Welcome to Hell.
Zilah runs through the woods, thrust into a world of confusion and strange beings. She runs from an unknown pursuer as a pair of glowing eyes follow her through the forest. Then, suddenly, she drops her shoulders to begin Taekkyon, a form of martial arts. From there she locks in and defeats her invisible opponent. After the fight, Zillah collapses, exhausted. At which point we get a flashback to her life before she died and ended up in Hell.Here we learn that Zillah spent years practicing and perfecting her martial arts skills to get revenge on a group of people who killed someone she loves. However, this ended up in her death, and now she finds herself here, in Gehenna. As we return to the present, Zillah hears someone cheering her. Our mysterious, green-haired stranger informs her that the fight has only just begun.

Positives

Gehenna Imperium is a unique and engaging story with a focus on martial arts, specifically Taekkyon. One of my favorite things is that Jaye, the creator, spent years in Korea, learning Taekyonn herself, so she knows what the forms and the style look like. This gives the fights and story a level of realism. Thanks to this, the choreography is extremely well done. There’s not much dialogue outside of the narration, but the little there is (mostly at the end) is well done. The transition between Gehenna and the real world is seamless, as the art is very distinctive in how each place’s shadows and colors are done.

Negatives

I am not normally a fan of narration in most forms of media, and unfortunately, this story is a great example of why, even though I enjoy it. The excessive narration is just too much. It's over-explaining and giving entirely too much exposition; we could just let the art tell the story, and the art does a good job of telling it, so we don't need as much narration. Another negative is the lettering. I’m not usually nitpicky over lettering not being super professional, but there are times when the lettering is blurry and hard to see. I don’t really hold this against Jaye, knowing personally what she has dealt with behind the scenes, but it does hinder the story.

Art

The art is well done. It’s not spectacular, but it fits the vibe of the story. Gehenna is dark and dreary, with sections of brightness against the shadows. It looks dead and empty. The real world is bright, sunny, and full of life.

Black Girl Thoughts

Gehenna is an action-packed karate flick in Hell. It’s got vengeance, death, fight scenes, and interesting side characters who we don’t know much about yet. It’s a story based on real-life experience in martial arts and with themes of determination and revenge. The story is a bit hindered by over-explanation/narration, and it’s a good start to an amazing story concept.

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✦ Posted April 13, 2026.

Afro Demon #1 Review

Written by: Lina Saint
Art by: neonpentheartist
Letterer: Fairsquare Studio
Publisher: Dopegirlzcomics

Melanated 1st Impressions

Opening in the family home, we can see that we’re leading with a loving family dynamic. It’s Christmas, and the family is excited, leading us into a feeling of comfort before tragedy strikes.

Recap

A time capsule, Afro Demon takes place in the early 70’s in Ingelwood during the crack epidemic. Afro Demon follows Keysha Ross, whose father was killed, as she decides to use the abilities she was gifted with at birth to track down his killer. At age 10, Keysha’s family was ripped apart, but before her father's death, he sent her a visual image of the dangerous man, “Big D,” who was responsible. The image stayed with her for years, and now that Keysha is 19, she's stronger, and she’s on a mission to take down “Big D.”

Story

On Christmas Day 1975, we see Keysha with her parents, excited as they give her her gifts. Meanwhile, a car pulls up outside the Ross home, and men break through the windows. Enter Big D. He’s tall, he’s intimidating, and he has beef with Keysha’s dad. As the rest of the family hides, Keysha’s father sends her a message to get her, her mother, and her brother out of the house and to remember to keep them safe with her powers. The story ends with a bang, a shout, and a to be continued…

Black Girl Analysis

The overall story premise is interesting and (begins to) address a very real issue that many Black communities have had to deal with in America. The pacing is a bit quick, to the story's detriment, but the overall impact is still felt. We are shown the family and the dynamic. The dialogue for the family is real and expressive. Most of the dialogue for the gangster is representative of what you’d expect from a 70s gangster. We get almost no exposition, but it could have possibly been given in issue 2. However, that never came.

Positives

I first off like the inclusion of actual history in the book. I know that’s not a popular opinion, and may turn some people off, so that will be up to preference. The family dynamic, especially between Keysha and her father, is very prevalent. They’re father daughter bond is well written, with the focus being primarily on the two. Big D’s introduction is dramatic and memorable. It allows us to see just how much of a presence he is and what kind of ruthless threat he will be.

Negatives

The pacing is a bit off. We begin on Christmas Day evening, but we come in with Keysha’s dad telling her that he got her something as though it were any random day. Though Jeysha is said to have a brother, who is present, he seems almost irrelevant. While Keysha’s powers are shown, it is confusing as to what her abilities actually are. Again, this could have all been planned to be answered in the future, but issue 2 and any further story seem to have been abandoned.

Art

While the art is nice, it doesn’t stand out in any particular way. Art is subjective, of course, so others may disagree. I think it is well drawn and the artist is a good artist, but I don’t think it really adds to the story. I do like the way the lighting is done.

Black Girl Thoughts

I was impressed by Afro Demon and thought this first issue was a good start to what could have been a great series. It’s a story about a girl who was thrust into a situation that too many children have found themselves in (sans superpowers). I was looking forward to what would have come next. Sadly, most of Lina’s social media presence and the Dopegirlzcomics website have vanished. The link below will be to the FB page, where you may be able to message her to get issue 1, but I’m not sure.

✦ Posted 1 week ago.

The Change Review

Written by: Whoopi Goldberg
Art by: Sunkanmi Akinboye, Alexandria Batchelor, Khary Randolph
Letterer: Frank Cvetkovic
Publisher: Dark Horse

Melanated 1st Impressions

Seeing a beautiful, elderly woman not fitting the dull, stereotypical beauty standards of the world woman on the front cover of the comic instantly made me happy. She stands in her trench, which seems inspired by Regina’s king’s Watchmen fit, as if she’s daring someone to mess with her. The first few pages immediately pull you into Isabell’s life, though the narration is a bit heavy-handed.

Recap

Isabel Frost is a woman who has spent her life as wife, mother, grandmother—a life she feels isn't all she had hoped for, with a husband who has grown in another direction.
With a background in computer science, Isabel is an amazing gamer who plays with people all over the country. With the help of her comic-loving grandson and irreverent best friend, she must learn to control her abilities and embrace her new identity as The Change—both the change of life AND her surprising and extraordinary superpowers.

Story

Isabell wakes up in a dripping sweat, yelling to her husband, who doesn't really seem invested in what she’s dealing with. She’s menopausal and shoots daggers at him until he backs off. After making him breakfast, which he doesn’t eat, and also forgets her birthday, he reminds her that they have an important dinner later. He is on the city council and is running for Congress, and wants to make a good impression on the more wealthy people of Manhattan. Isabell is obviously not in approval, but she rolls with it. She plays video games with her friends, does some work at the local garden, and picks up her grandson from school. She struggles to find something to wear for dinner, and then she and her grandson, Fury, head out. Isabell’s husband wines and dines the big shots, while Isabell brings up how she’s against the seeming gentrification of her home, when her hands spark and the table lights on fire. Once the sprinklers set off, she runs out, followed closely by Fury, who is convinced Isabell set the fire, but she thinks that’s crazy. Though deep down, she knows it’s true. Isabell heads home for the inevitable fight with her husband, but on the way, she saves a child with her new super speed. Then, as they fight, Isabell turns invisible, but she makes it to the bathroom first. There’s so much going on back to back, and Isabell has no idea how to deal with it all. Her only hope is to go to the OBGYN, but everything is normal, so she’s told. When Fury finds out, he gets even more excited and tries to use his comic knowledge to train her and get her to focus, but leaves when she refuses to focus. However, because of this, she accidentally sets the docks on fire and takes off to her hair salon, which she discovers has been broken into along with other businesses in the area. Doesn’t seem like a coincidence to her or the police officer. After Fury is arrested and a victim of police brutality, Isabell has finally had enough and plans to do something on her own, since the system isn’t getting it done. So, she trains. And as she trains, she also prepares to go against the big man on campus in a debate, a debate that doesn’t go the way she expected at all, and ends in her being hunted down, but her powers kick in at just the right moment. However, she expends too much power and faints, waking up in her doctor’s office. Now, Isabell learns much of the extent of what’s happening in the city and must choose what she’s going to do.

Black Girl Analysis

Isabell wakes up in a sweat. She’s a woman going through menopause in a world and a family that doesn’t see or appreciate her or what she does. It’s a very real reality for a lot of women, especially older women who feel like they gave up their youth for family and optics. She’s rightfully frustrated that her husband doesn’t seem to care about what she’s going through and forgot he birthday. There’s a lot of this kind of thing woven into the story. That makes sense, as the story is about an older woman, dealing with aging, who becomes a superhero, which is a premise I love and want more of. At least Isabell has her games and her garden (and ganja) to keep her somewhat straight. Aging and trying to figure out life now that you are aging for sure the main theme of this book. Now, imagine not understanding your body and what it’s dealing with normally, but then, you gain random abilities alongside it. Her grandson, Fury, essentially becomes the man in the chair, and it’s the cutest dynamic as he attempts to use his comic smarts to help his grandma learn how to use her powers. The story also works in themes of gentrification, with the congressman who is trying to buy out the neighborhood for more upscale housing and tear up the neighborhood garden, which Isabell is absolutely against. So, what does she do? She fights the power, representing how many times it’s Black women who stand on the front line to fight, only Isabell has to do this in the literal sense.

Positives

Whoopi does a great job of showing how all of this affects Isabell in her day-to-day life. We can see the frustration with her husband and daughter, and the appreciation for the one person in her family who gets her, her grandson, Fury. When she gets her powers. Isabell is a relatable and likable character, and I love that she looks much like Whoopi herself. I read every bit of narration in Whoopi Goldberg’s voice.

Negatives

I am not a fan of a lot of narration, and this book is rife with it. There’s also a lot of exposition that isn’t really needed at many points in the story. The narration gives plenty of exposition in some parts, and near the end, when Isabell wakes up at the doctor’s office, they dump a lot of info on her.

Art

Though at times, background faces could be a bit off, I love how the art portrays people and age. You could see the beauty that comes with aging as well as the hardship. Character’s emotions shone right on their faces, and the colors were vibrant. Action sequences looked dynamic, and each character was distinct.

Black Girl Thoughts

If menopause could give you powers, this is probably what it would feel like. This book tackles several real issues very well, and though it can be a bit wordy on the exposition, it’s a good read overall. It’s a book we’ve needed for a long time.

• Purchsae Change

✦ Posted 1 week ago.

Resenter #1 Review

Written by: Gigi Murakami
Art by: Gigi Murakami
Letterer: Gigi Murakami
Publisher: Self/Viz Media

Melanated 1st Impressions

The opening is dramatic and happens in a flash. This book immediately feels like a dark and chilling tale. This is a story with twists and turns.

Recap

Is revenge necessary? What are the costs of vengeance, and are they worth it? RESENTER explores these questions through Jackie, a young surgical fellow who is killed one night while at work. Upon her murder, she awakens in a peculiar transitional space, where she meets a Ripper named Rhea, who presents Jackie with a tantalizing offer.

Story

This is the first time I’ve actually seen someone wake up dead (Yusuke Urameshi notwithstanding). Jackie is killed and wakes up in a void where she meets Rhea, a Ripper of the afterlife. Rhea offers her three options, and the one to become one of them, stick out to her the most. As Jackie makes her decision, Rhea takes her to the depths of the Ripper Realm to learn about the Pit of Rebirth.Two months later, we see Jackie again, sitting at a table in a bar, watching the crowd as she reflects on her past. We learn that at this time, Jackie has gotten a lead on her case and has her own Ripper recruit, a pious girl named Tippi. Jackie goes from the bar, then to see Rhea (where we learn a bit about her past), and from Rhea’s place to see Tippi. IN her time training Tippi, we learn a bit more about Rippers and their totems. From there, Jackie takes Tippie out on her first mission, and we see how the Rippers really get down.

Black Girl Analysis

The themes of revenge are evident from the start. Jackie is killed and is immediately offered retribution, but at a price. And we learn just enough about the price that will be paid by whichever decision is made to keep us asking questions. Though Rhea comes across as confident and mysterious, her apprehension is obvious from the start. And this pays off later as she expresses doubt to Jackie. Jackie, on the other hand, is obviously a fearless and determined character, not caring about the possible consequences, but only about accomplishing her goals.The dialogue is straightforward, as both women are straight shooters and mostly say what’s on their minds. However, it is awkward at times due to the choice of words. As our story goes, we learn very little about the Ripper world aside from the basics, but we do get insights into how they operate.Jackie has obviously adjusted well to life as a ripper and has even taken on her own, albeit annoying, apprentice, in Tippi. This interaction with Tippi is where we really get to see Jackie shine. She shows no hesitation and no remorse as she pounces on her prey, terrifying them and making them regret their decision until their last breath, showing us how morally ambiguous the characters can be. This leads us to our prologue of sorts, where Jackie works a case alone. We’re left wanting more and waiting to see what will happen next.

Positives

Gigi is a genius at spinning interesting and eerie tales. The characters are interesting and stand out. All of them, including Tippy, who hasn’t been around long, make you more curious about them. The opening scene grabs your attention immediately, and the story progresses at a good pace from there. The rest of the story gives what you need to be sustained, but also makes it so you can’t wait for what’s to come. The story is a great first meal, and you know that the next meal will be even better. The art is eerie and fitting, and everything about the world makes you want to know more.

Negatives

There are times the art is a bit dark, and there were a few moments where the flow of the visual storytelling was hard to see. There’s still world-building to be done, but this is a good start to feed us. I still don’t quite understand what is happening to the person that the Ripper is avenging, as seeing the character was slightly confusing.

Art

Gigi draws Black characters in horror in an amazing way that we don’t see too often, because most artists can’t draw Black people (or don’t try). The character designs are simple yet distinct. The black and white gives the same vibes as a Junji Ito story, making it even creepier, and the use of lines and shading to evoke emotion is superb.

Black Girl Thoughts

Resenter is a classic, Junti Ito style horror story where the main character happens to be a Black woman. It’s a thought-provoking narrative on revenge, remorse, and morality. There’s even a bit of grief in there when you realize the characters must drive the life they lost and the loved ones they left behind. Resenter is the beginning of an amazing world that I can’t wait to finally sink my teeth more into.

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