NY Comic Con 2014 Diversity in Comic Books Evolved From Stereotypes to Latino, Black & Female Heroes

Source by Michael Oleaga

The latest decade has seen comic books become diverse, but it hasn't come easy or as rapidly as fans would expect.

At the 2014 New York Comic Con session "#WeNeedDiverse (Comic) Books -- Diversity in Comics," the panelists comprising of Amie Wright, Craig Anderson, I.W. Gregorio and Mat Bird addressed the history, present and future of diversity, and the lack thereof, in comic books.

"I always feel that comic books have been a little bit progressive, in general," Anderson said. "That's not to say there haven't been more conservative comic books over the years, but I always feel that they kind of leaned a little more towards the progressive-liberal side."

According to Anderson, comic books were liberal because of the perspective from a journalism and humanities background who tend to be "sympathetic" toward progressive elements in society. Regardless of ideology, stereotypes were "rampant" with superheroes having a sidekick of "color" such as Ebony White and Whitewash Jones. The World War II era also introduced stereotypical Asian villains. READ MORE.

Run-DMC’s Darryl McDaniels launches comic book line with Latino characters, artists

Source by CINDY Y. RODRIGUEZ 

Long before rapper Darryl McDaniels of Run-DMC became a hip hop star, he was just a little kid living in Hollis, Queens, whose life revolved around comic books.

Now, at 50 years old, he's living out his dream by launching his own independent publishing house, Daryl Makes Comics.

"I didn't want to be another rapper who was trying to capitalize on the hip hop genre just because I had a hit record," McDaniels says. "I wanted to tackle real issues head on."

Read more

Havana Film Festival New York (HFFNY) APRIL 3-11, 2014

If you missed last's year Havana Film Festival New York. Dont' miss this year's 15th anniversary.

The Havana Film Festival New York (HFFNY) is an internationally recognized film festival celebrating Latin American cinema. In its 15th anniversary, HFFNY features more than 40 films from the most exciting cinematic talent from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Mexico, Peru, Uruguay, Costa Rica, Venezuela and the United States

Comic Books with twist of "SALSA" and "ADOBO"

Imagine reading a Marvel Comic book which contains reading material with a twist of salsa sauce on the side and adobo seasoning to get those taste buds happy. What kind of comic book would you end up reading?

Well, you will get a book displayed at a  Latino comic book expo that spotlights Chicano self-publishers.

It will only take one of these books to become a best-seller and spawn a new wave of  Latino blockbuster films. Cross your fingers.