Black History Month: Caleb

My experience in the U.S. wherein blacks are a minority, has caused me to feel a responsibility to include at least one major black character in every set of illustrations / characters I create. Some might call this tokenism, but I don’t think that necessarily has to have negative connotation. Growing up, I was always more apt to consume media that included your “token” black character. I saw these media as integrated, which was important to me.

Tokenism is bad when the black character is a stereotype or when OTHER token traits are applied to him. Like when the token black character is also the token nerd… or token fatty… or token midget… or token foreigner… or token indeterminate race character. Instances like that single the character out, which is counter-productive to the idea of their inclusion in the first place.

Rant, rant, preach, preach, I know, I’m sorry. But I swear, if I see another show where the black one is a wimpy awkward skinny ugly geek with big-ass glasses, I’m going to stab myself.

Anyway, enjoy this latest drawing of Caleb, the black Anti-Hero. I hope what I’ve done with this guy is create a character who is defined by more than his skin color. He’s the brain and the leader, which for me naturally progressed to become this sort-of bossy megalomaniacal mercenary. He’s also very handsome and knows it, like he knows everything, but doesn’t flaunt it. He prefers to flaunt his intelligence and commanding personality. And… his dick. That’s one stereotype I’m happy to perpetuate.