The Boondocks

I had seen the Boondocks previously in its animated form and it took some getting used to. The strip comments on many social issues ranging from racism to mass medias influence on the lives of everyday people.

At first I found it hard to relate to the characters, but their rebellion against suburban life was some thing I could easily to relate to. And then I noticed that I’ve met people just like the characters.

Huey is highly educated, a Black rights activist, and usually a voice of reason. Riley on the other hand is basically “gangster” (gangsta if you will) of the strip. He is the common stereotype of African American males in popular culture. Granddad’s life long dream is what creates the entire strip; He wants to live in a safe neighborhood and raise a family. The standard American dream, you could call it, except Huey and Riley would rather have been left out of that dream if they had their way. Granddad is the embodiment of the standard American in some aspects. He is consumed by television and mass media. Yet unlike majority of parents, he has no issues with whipping the boys when they’re misbehaving. Then there’s dear sweet Jazmine who lives in an awkward state of both rejecting and embracing her mixed heritage. According to Huey, she has “afro denial”. She also is a very sheltered naïve little girl, and very optimistic. She contrasts almost directly with Huey’s personality.

The comic art starts off rough and sketchy, and slowly becomes a bit more refined as time progresses. Like the artist is slowly becoming more accustomed the characters. Majority of the panels though are stark white. A detailed background is included only when it’s necessary, like to show the school, or to set the scene. I can’t decide if it is an artistic statement, forcing the reader to focus more on the characters and what they are saying; Or if it’s just laziness. But when a background is included, it’s more detailed than the characters: much like mangas.