Belasco is a prolific artist with one of the most recognizable art styles known today. He’s been working in the industry for as long time and it seems as though all connoisseurs of gay erotic art are at least familiar with his work. His book, The Brothers of New Essex, a collection of his erotic comic strips is literally in the home of every gay person I know. (I’ve also had it gifted to me… twice… after I already owned it!)
Specializing in black characters, Belasco has a stronghold on an overlooked market. Only a small number of artists in gay erotica include black characters. If it wasn’t for Belasco, the black male would not have a voice in gay erotic art. This is important because the gay black male only barely has a voice in other forms of media. Belasco proudly renders black men with an authenticity unseen by anyone. He celebrates the beauty of a culture.
Oozing with raw sensuality, Boo, the subject of my piece, is Belasco’s signature character. He’s interesting because even though we know he’s the hero– this champion for sexual freedom; at the same time, there’s something inherently mysterious about him. His eyes, one of the most expressive features on a person, are never revealed. I think this gives him an edginess that just makes him even more raw, masculine, and virile. So thanks to
Belacso for giving us such sexy characters to drool over!
Great Boo, JC. Love the tribute to Belasco too. I hope this Erotic Black History Month becomes a regular thing and catches on to other artist too.
OH MY GAWD!!!! Boo!! fuck yes!! Belasco should be PROUD of this!
Hey JC…
WOW! You really NAILED BOO!!! You totally captured his essence and did an amazing job on this illustration! Congrats man — this is beautiful. I hope you’ve sent it to Belasco. I’m certain he’d be really thrilled by it!
Hugz + kisses to ya, dude!
Patrick XOXOX
Belasco is great