“Video gamers hardly blink at virtual violence – but charges of racism can raise eyebrows. For instance, anticipation for the fan-favorite ‘Resident Evil’ series turned to uncertainty for some journalists in 2007, when they saw a game trailer which featured a white protagonist battling crowds of enraged Africans in a Third-World setting.

“Now cultural and media experts have weighed in as ‘Resident Evil 5,’ the game previewed in the trailer two years ago, rolls out on U.S. shelves this Friday. And their opinion suggests that video game players should not worry so much.

“In fact, the survival horror game may actually focus needed attention on issues of race and how the United States and other industrialized nations view the developing world.”

Also: The First Fan makes his manga debut, along with some other notable political figures.