Fortunately, with Mat Johnson, a writer of colour at the helm, this comic gets it right. What a lot of comics often try, and fail, to do when focusing on race relations is to acknowledge the micro-aggressions that people of colour face. And, different perspectives are just what the world needs right now. By looking at racial inequality through the eyes of a protagonist who can occupy both worlds, the comic gives readers a unique perspective into events. Pinchback must get to the bottom of the truth, even if he has to pretend to be a white man to do it.Ĭonsidering the mess that 2017 turned out to be for race relations on a global scale, Incognegro: Renaissance has been released at the perfect time. The only clue is a manuscript, partially destroyed by water damage, and a beautiful woman who refuses to answer questions.

While Pinchback tries to do his job among these strange surroundings, something happens that will change the way he perceives the world he lives in – a black man is murdered at the party. The research for the book was done mainly by Xavier, who isn’t being given the credit he is due. It turns out Van Horn’s latest book is set in Harlem. Xavier is the life of the party, but Pinchback soon realises Xavier holds a great deal of resentment towards Van Horn. For Pinchback, this is a particular surprise, considering he grew up in the intolerant American South.Ĭarl has been invited by Xavier, a writer who has worked with Van Horn. As rare as that sight is, what amazes the pair is the relative calm among the guests, considering the host, Van Horn, is a white man. When they enter the party, both Pinchback and Carl are taken aback by the racially diverse guests. Pinchback is to cover the event and the launch of Van Horn’s new book for his local newspaper. His friend, bartender Carl, is taking him along to a dinner party hosted by literary legend Arna Van Horn. Set in the roaring 20s, Renaissance’s protagonist Zane Pinchback is a cub reporter trying to make his way up the journalism ladder. In celebration of the anniversary, Dark Horse Comics has released a prequel mini-series to the graphic novel by Mat Johnson and Warren Pleece, Incognegro: Renaissance.

Incognegro Graphic Novel – 10th Anniversary Cover Mat Johnson (Writer), Warren Pleece (Artist), Clem Robins (Letterer)Ģ018 celebrates the 10th anniversary of the original Incognegro graphic novel, the hard-hitting story about an African-American journalist who uses his light complexion to go incognito among white people and uncover the truth behind the murders of people of colour.

Incognegro book