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unladylike's review
4.0
I was an early supporter of this project via Kickstarter at the end of 2015 but had been choosing to not read the slowly-released single chapters until the whole thing was done and in my hands (as I do with most comics). It arrived more than a year after it was initially promised, but I get how these things can encounter many hitches in the process.
Unlike many other indie comic projects I've received after backing their crowd-funding, I had to open this one and start reading it the night it arrived, and I couldn't stop until I was finished. I would have liked to see a broader spectrum of character designs, and by the end of Chapter 6, I felt like maybe the creative team rushed a bit too early in the expansion of world-building. They have a really great story and do a wonderful job of offering some lightness and catharsis while tackling a very sensitive, real-life topic (police brutality towards black folks and the historical exploitation and oppression of black bodies). But in these crucial first 6 issues, we get brief glimpses at different factions competing against one another, but no in-depth exploration of any one of them. Nor do we get to know any particular character beyond a few scenes. This might sound like I'm knocking on it a lot, but overall, while reading, I found it engaging, the art and panels laid out in good fashion, and am excited to see the series continue.
Unlike many other indie comic projects I've received after backing their crowd-funding, I had to open this one and start reading it the night it arrived, and I couldn't stop until I was finished. I would have liked to see a broader spectrum of character designs, and by the end of Chapter 6, I felt like maybe the creative team rushed a bit too early in the expansion of world-building. They have a really great story and do a wonderful job of offering some lightness and catharsis while tackling a very sensitive, real-life topic (police brutality towards black folks and the historical exploitation and oppression of black bodies). But in these crucial first 6 issues, we get brief glimpses at different factions competing against one another, but no in-depth exploration of any one of them. Nor do we get to know any particular character beyond a few scenes. This might sound like I'm knocking on it a lot, but overall, while reading, I found it engaging, the art and panels laid out in good fashion, and am excited to see the series continue.
l1ndz7's review
4.0
Action-packed graphic novel set in a world where only black people have superpowers. Read it for a read-a-thon, not invested enough to continue the series.
joshgauthier's review
4.0
While not a perfect volume, "Black" takes an opening premise with great potential and turns it into a complex and fascinating first volume. Tackling intensely relevant contemporary issues, "Black" succeeds as both social commentary and super hero story. Out of six issues, only two panels of brief dialogue felt too on the nose. Additionally, the only real complaint I have is that the story struggles to do justice to the vast number of characters included throughout.
Otherwise, the volume embraces familiar super hero elements while interpreting them through a socially aware perspective. The writing is effective and the artistic style fits well with the content, adding an extra layer to a volume that is an impressive and promising introduction to a larger (and timely) universe.
Otherwise, the volume embraces familiar super hero elements while interpreting them through a socially aware perspective. The writing is effective and the artistic style fits well with the content, adding an extra layer to a volume that is an impressive and promising introduction to a larger (and timely) universe.
mferrante83's review
3.0
Really closer to 4 stars but the pacing feels off. The story and world could really use a bit more breathing room.
perfectionotincluded's review
3.0
I love the concept of this series and the political commentary. Didn’t love the execution too much, it felt all over the place and kind of boring. ☹️
mari77's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
queerandweird's review
4.0
A very cool library find, realistic, gritty, with a concept I haven't heard of before played out realistically within the world. Discusses police brutality, race violence, deep-seeded racism and other worthy topics within a comic. Would read more of the series.
theybedax's review
3.0
Man this is dark. It's a truly clever idea and more satisfying to believe that racism and systemic prejudice were a fear/power grab for superpowers instead of just plain ole hate, greed, and delusions.