Nat Turner HC, SC
Kyle Baker website

The collected edition of the four-time Glyph Comics Award winner is released to the direct market this week (of course, you’ve probably seen it in the major bookstores by now).

Also this week:
Archie & Friends #121. Written by Simmons.
The Omen: Positive Issue. Story and art by Robert Walker.

Also notable:
Final Crisis: Requiem. The death of Martian Manhunter gets explored in more detail.
New York Four GN. Brian Wood’s new graphic novel.
Captain America: White #0. Loeb and Sale reunite for another new mini.
Secret Invasion #4 (of 8)

Despite mostly crappy reviews, Will Smith’s Hancock took home over $100 million over the holiday weekend. Here’s a review that draws parallels between Smith and Barack Obama. (Thanks to Fred for the link.)

Speaking of Obama, there’s a cartoon of him that has been misappropriated by certain unsavory elements of society.

There’s a new black comics magazine on the scene called Gritz ‘n’ Gravy.

Here’s an interview with the creator of a new book called Knight Seeker.

“It’s interesting to see the parallels reviewers are drawing to The Darker Mask and something like the new film Hancock or the show Heroes. Ordinary folks? Yeah. Disgruntled, alcoholic super-powered ex-crusaders? Sure. But that’s just the broadest possible cut. Slice it thinner and deeper you see people of color, you see people drained of hope—perhaps homeless, out of rehab…criminals or scumbags possibly in their own right. My story for example takes place in Darfur. Sleepers author (and screenplay collaborator with Barry Levinson) Lorenzo Carcaterra’s ‘hero’ is a ’strega’—think Italian female witchdoctor, malocchio and all—in a Mafia-controlled Manhattan slum, circa 1950. So yes, our stuff is more visceral, gritty. Not necessarily happy or heroic endings because our ‘heroes’—and you can see it in the artwork—are not happy or heroic people. More like real life!”

The Darker Mask

Also: Gary Phillips, who is one of the editors of Darker Mask, talks about his new comic High Rollers.

Turning Points: Little Rock Nine GN
Brown vs. Board of Education website w/a summary of the case
Wikipedia entry on the Little Rock Nine

A new graphic novel about desegration in the 1950s and the integration of the Arkansas school system, designed for younger readers.

Water Baby GN
10-page preview

A graphic novel about surfing, sharks, and ex-boyfriends.

The Complete K Chronicles TP
Keith Knight’s website

Dark Horse collects Keith Knight’s award-winning comic strip series in one volume.

Also this week:
Buffy TVS #16. Pencils by Jeanty.
DC Special: Raven #5 (of 5). Pencils by Scott.
Infinity Inc. #11
New Dynamix #4 (of 5)
Squadron Supreme 2 #1. Ultimate Nick Fury in the Squadron Supreme universe.
High Rollers #1 (of 4). Gary Phillips’ new crime comic.
Justice for Hire #4 (of 12)

Also notable:
Batman #678. “Batman RIP” continues.
Billy Batson and the Magic of Shazam #1. Herobear and the Kid creator Mike Kunkel does an all-ages version of Captain Marvel.
Avengers/Invaders #3 (of 12)
Stephen Colbert’s Tek Jensen #2 (of 5)

More news from Wizard World Chicago: Chriscross is working on a new book.

An analysis of the film and graphic novel Wanted from a racial angle.

Jamal Igle talks about his upcomig stint on Supergirl.

Jim Rugg and Brian Maruca’s book Street Angel was a surprise hit, but now they’re having fun with a spin-off character from the book called Afrodisiac. Check out this webcomic with him.

Nichelle Nichols almost made it in the new Star Trek movie.

My buddy Ken Gale has been doing his radio show “Nuff Said” on New York’s WBAI-FM for many, many years, and he’s always been a supporter of comics by people of color. On his most recent broadcast he had three such creators on his show: Jemir Johnson, Jeff Caroll and Jorge Medina. You can listen to the program here. Scroll down to where it says “Two Arts Dept. Specials” and the date Monday, June 23.

Also: A full gallery of Hancock photos.

“At the end of the day I’m pretty certain that a lot of the fan base would like to see the Next Generation cast do one more turn around the galaxy, and I guess the performance of this next movie will have a lot to do with whether that comes to pass. It will make people see whether there’s an appetite for Star Trek again. So I have really mixed emotions.”

LeVar Burton

Bluesman HC
NBM promotional “trailer” for the Bluesman hardcover

The acclaimed 3-volume series gets collected into a single volume this week.

Also this week:
JSA Classified #39. Pencils by Martinbrough.
Black Panther #37. Written by Hudlin.
House of M: Avengers TP
New Warriors #13. Written by Grevioux.
Beyond Wonderland #0. Raven Gregory begins a new Wonderland mini.
Fire & Brimstone #1 (of 3). A new mini about a demon teaming up with an angel.
Gold Digger #97, GD Sourcebook #18, GD: Tiffany & Charlotte #1 (of 3). By Perry.

Also notable:
Conan the Cimmerian #0. Only 99 cents!
All-Star Batman & Robin HC V1
Final Crisis #2 (of 7)
Mighty Avengers #15, New Avengers #42. Secret Invasion tie-ins.
Ultimates 3 #4 (of 5)
Project Superpowers #4 (of 7)
What If: Fantastic Four - A Tribute to Mike Weiringo. This previously unpublished What If story pencilled by the late comics artist sees print at last.

Marc Bernardin & Adam Freeman talk about their new book Genius (drawn by Afua Richardson).

Rapper Will.I.Am. talks about his role in the forthcoming Wolverine movie (this may contain spoilers).

Are you ready for… Tha Hip Hop Doc?!

I know I know I know. Still adjusting to my new life here in Columbus. Bear with me.

Common talks about his role in Wanted.

Look at this promotional artwork for Hancock by Bill Sienkiewicz.

Method Man talks to Entertainment Weekly about his new graphic novel.

Marc Bernardin realizes he’s a black comic book writer.

Justice League of America: Injustice League HC. Written by McDuffie.
Archie & Friends #120. Written by Simmons.
Gold Digger II Pocket Manga V4. Story and art by Perry.

Also notable:
Invincible #50. Robert Kirkman’s creator-owned superhero series reaches a milestone.
Skaar: Son of Hulk #1. Hulk spin-off series based on the events of “Planet Hulk” & “World War Hulk.”
Freddie & Me GN. I read an advance copy of this autobiographical GN and it’s really good. The author’s childhood, from England to America, and his love affair with the band Queen. Pick this up; you’ll enjoy it.

Here’s a Hancock behind-the-scenes featurette.

Nichelle Nichols talks about Heroes and the new Star Trek.

And stolen from my fellow PCS blogger David Brothers: LeSean Thomas has a new art book coming out.

The Incognegro writer talks to Tavis Smiley. (Click on the hour one link.)

Also: Algerian cartoonist Ali Dilem and his editors face hard time.

The Warren Ellis mini? Set on one of Jupiter’s moons? Remember? Well, even if you don’t, they’re making a screenplay.

Plus: Zoe Saldana talks more Star Trek.