Potential Cover - Issue #26

Thanks, D.J. --- for the inspiration!!! Work in progress. (You know who you are.)

Federal Barbie

Waaaaay back in the day, I did a very short lived comic strip for a Federal government newsletter. For stupid reasons, I stopped doing it. But, it was basically about Barbie, (yes, her again), America's favorite teen fashion model doll who's done every job imaginable. Barbie (then "Barbee") had had enough of Mattel and quit! She decided to get a Federal government job. Skipper was pissed (and prone to the occasional tantrum), because without Barbie's job at Mattel, she wouldn't ever get her teen fashion make-over and forever remain a little girl. Ken only wanted to talk about "the old days," so she had to remind him that he was merely "an accessory." Then, Midge, a doll with extreme emotional needs and stalker-esque qualities was no help because she just wanted constant affirmation. Finally, there was her very first (and probably only) "black friend," Christie. But, she couldn't get too close to her because her girlfriend, Black Francie, (forreal --- that was her name) wasn't having it. Oh, who knows where Barbie would have gone wearing tennis shoes on public transportation if I hadn't gotten up on my high horse and ended my strip?

Vindication

Without going into any ... personal detail, I will just say that ... I'm not a person who needs or even seeks Revenge. Revenge can be an ugly, complicated thing. Especially when her sister, Karma gets involved. Their second, or maybe even third cousin, Vindication will suffice. Vindication generally comes after everyone judges you (often harshly), deems you ... "the crazy one," and continues to judge you from that moment on. (Even fifteen years later. True story, people.) But (dot dot dot) when "they" get "theirs," you can't help but say, (sometimes to a crowd of people at a party who are also drinking) "I told you so." (Not in those words, but many. Repeatedly. Occasionally, with laughter and a verrrry fixed eyebrow and knowing nods.) You just hope that that person can "connect the dots." Sometimes, often times, this level of betrayal is at the hands of one of your "Good Judys," who you thought always had your back, but were oftentimes waiting for you to turn your back. Neil went through it with Eric, many times. (Specifically, issue #4.) And, if you're actually reading my book, you'll see it happen again and again. And, eventually, "they" see. It was the year 2000 and even I knew it then. Life sometimes does imitate art.

Joel

Spoilers ...

If any of you have kept up with my online comic, Black Gay Boy Fantasy, then you know a few things .... Neil had been having an affair with the already married (in an open relationship), Imu, who Neil had been crushing on since the infamous candlelight vigil meeting in issue #1. BUT, Neil had apparently broken it off with Imu, because he was really beginning to enjoy his new relationship with Jesus (who has a fabulous doll and toy collection, watches comic book movies, and is passionate about unoppressing oppressed people) --- now that he's somewhat gotten over Dustin --- who Neil doesn't know is back with his ex-boyfriend, Greg --- who was flirting with him at a Sunday brunch while Dustin was only a few booths away drunk on Mimosas! Meanwhile, Derrick and Rodney had taken in a very troubled gay youth, Raymond, against Rodney's better judgment --- who Neil didn't like from the very beginning --- who ends up in some kind of liaison or tryst, most likely SEXUAL with Derrick, but we don't know for sure --- because Derrick broke the main rule of a comic book drama by not "wanting to talk about it" --- even though it was only him, Neil and that missing fourth wall. Now, his long term marriage is likely OVER!!!! (Trivia! 17 years? Right?) Well, Rodney, aptly threw them both out, but then became enraged with Neil when he discovered that Neil (his "friend") had taken both of them in!!! (It also turns out that Derrick is FLAKE, unable to keep jobs, pay his end of the mortgage, apparently ain't puttin' out on a regular, and introduced DRAMA, early on in their relationship!!!) Meanwhile, Jesus confides to drunken Derrick --- sipping on cocktails early in the day with his locs a mess, t-shirt smelly --- (Did I draw the "smelly lines" at any point wafting away from his shirt? I think I went for tattered edges.) --- that he knows that Neil is seeing someone else and that he's decided to break up with him. NOW, in typical male fashion, Neil has decided that he's ready to have a fulfilling relationship with Jesus, without realizing he's about to be DUMPED!!! So, what's a black gay boy to do? What else?!? Take a much needed break --- not from the drawing board, but on a trip to a cabin in the woods for the weekend, deep into Maryland, where all sorts of debauchery, truth, drama and mayhem will unfold. Oh, and insects. Lots and lots of insects.

Calvin Klein

Okay. So, why is it that Calvin Klein has this hot little campaign out featuring some famous hot people and the only one I keep hearing about is Kellan Lutz? Yeah, Kellan who plays Emmett Cullen from the Twilight movies is mega hot, but so is Mechad Brooks from True Blood. I'd ask you to decide, but my mind is already made up --- MORE MECHAD!!!! I found these pics over at one of my favorite sites: Black.

Doctor Who -- SPOILER

This entry is just one big SPOILER ALERT for fans of Doctor Who. This picture is one gigantic culmination of the Doctor Who universe --- at least, the one I know, which is the new Doctor Who. This pic is from The Stolen Earth, the end of season 4, where everything boiled to a head and it just became too utterly fabulous and the Doctor Who universe exploded and it was biggest, most incredible cross-over. Eventually, I believe, based upon The Doctor Who Specials, this is the last time we'll see any of these characters, especially together, ever, ever, ever again. (Sob!) There's a new Doctor coming and I'm very optimistic. But, I will forever miss the David Tennant -- Doctor. Really. It just breaks my heart. I got the Doctor Who - Specials DVD today and it shows David Tennant just ... walking away. He's giving BACK!!!! I got teary-eyed. I'm SO sappy. Really. Without mention, I love, love, loved the Christopher Eccelston Doctor Who, who was a pleasant surprise to me. Doctor Who was always there in the background of my childhood, on PBS, this bizarre little show with HORRIBLE, low-budget "special effects." I was just clicking by on the TV. (Do any of you remember how you used to have to actually get UP to change the channel? When the TV remote came along my Auntie called it a "clicker.") I remember the curly hair and rainbow scarf Doctor Who. It was creepy ... but, fascinating. So, when I was onboard with the new Doctor, it wasn't until the fourth season with my beloved Catherine Tate (an incredible, INCREDIBLE talent). I can't believe I never saw this show in order!!!! When Torchwood came along (the "spin-off") I decided I wanted to catch it from the beginning since I was so far behind on Doctor Who. And, I fell in love with them. Doctor Who, just like Brenda Starr and the Negros, are projects for this blog that are just TOO much for me to take lightly. So, I'll just say that I will really miss David Tennant with all of my heart. I will miss Rose Tyler. Jackie. Martha Jones. Micky Smith. And, especially, Donna Noble. Especially. I wanted more in The Specials, but I think that's the way it was supposed to be. The great news of Torchwood returning means --- Captain Jack is returning. (Even though, I'm still mad at him after "Children of the Earth.) I'm SO happy to hear that Sarah Jane (Adventures) has a third season which features David Tennant as The Doctor. Whew! Annnnd, if you didn't catch it in the extras, when Rose and The Doctor (who has one heart) went to the parallel universe, The Doctor gave him a plant, a Tardis of his own to grow, to protect that world, (because the Tardis is a living being) means that David Tennant can return at any time. Yea! So, be warned --- you will see just some arbitrary pictures of the Doctor Who series here. Be pleasantly warned.