I’m That Nigger, by Michael Davis – Straight No Chaser #128
August 7, 2009 Michael Davis 45 Comments
Man It’s hard being Michael Davis these days.
One day you could be in your own house and the cops come in and arrest you. Or you could be at a Comic Book Convention moderating a panel that includes some of the most important Black People in the entertainment business and other Black people call you a ‘nigger’ and a ‘coon’.
MAN it’s hard being Michael Davis these days.
So, there I was moderating the Black Panel at Comic Con International, the room was over flowing, the panelist included world famous actors, hip hop stars, Icons of television, comic book legends, A list film directors and me.
I thought everyone was having a good time, there was laughing and joking and music and merriment as well as some serious discussion on whatever the crowd wanted to talk about. I would think that this would be a good thing. I would think I would get props just for being able to pull together the people on that panel. I would think that whoever had a beef with me or the panel would step to the mike and voice that beef.
Nope.
Instead there is a small but loud group of black people who think of the Black Panel as a ‘minstrel’ show and me as the lead ‘coon’ or ‘nigger.’
MAN it’s hard being Michael Davis these days.
Who hates on a public forum where you can interact with some of the greatest minds working in the entertainment business? Does this happen at Asian panels or Gay panels? Is there an outcry in the Latino community when someone brings together some of the biggest names in the Latino entertainment world to share information?
If there was a panel at Comic Con called The Latino Panel and sitting on that panel was Jennifer Lopez, Marc Antony, Garcia Lopez, Freddy Prince Jr. and the moderator was George Lopez and if the panel was lighthearted in tone but everyone in the audience had ACCESS to those on stage-would there be a bunch of Latino people calling George Lopez a spic?
Would they call him a spic because the panel was not ‘Latino’ enough for them? Would they call him a ‘wet back’ because he’s loud and funny?
I know I should let this go. I know I keep drawing attention to it and I’m fueling the fire by even writing this but I’m from a place where you don’t turn the other cheek when people call you a nigger or say you act like a buffoon you respond, sorry Mr. Van Lowe.
Yep-I’m a nigger I admit it.
I’m the nigger who co-created the most successful black comic book company in the world.
I’m the nigger whose self-funded mentor program has produced some of the biggest talents in comics. The same program that has received numerous proclamations from cites and organizations. The program has reached hundreds of young people of color.
I’m the nigger that created a comic book line for the school system that is the only comic book program that has ever been taught as a school curriculum.
I’m the nigger that created a million dollar comic book program for African American churches.
I’m the nigger that was President and CEO of Motown Animation and Filmworks, President Of Animation Blackboard Entertainment, Executive Vice President Magic Media (a Magic Johnson Company).
I’m the nigger who is in business NOW with quite a few fortune 500 companies.
I’m the nigger who has been a keynote speaker for so many major organizations that if I list just half of them I would be writing four books instead of the three I’m currently writing for major publishers.
I’m the nigger who writes and creates TV shows- that actually gets on the air. Yep-I’m THAT nigger.
I’M THE NIGGER WHOSE EVERY SINGLE THING I CREATED SHOWCASED AND STARRED BLACK PEOPLE IN A POSITIVE LIGHT.
So if my 20 plus years of positive black content and helping young people of color makes me a nigger then I’ll be that nigger.
Yes, I’m loud and according to some black people that makes me a nigger regardless of what I have done in my career to reach and empower black people and partially black kids. Yeah-I’m the nigger with an inner city school auditorium named after me because of my work with kids. Maybe that should rename the auditorium ‘Nigger Auditorium.’
Nah, I’m wrong about one thing…
I’m not a nigger.
I’m just a guy with an over the top personality who thinks the best way to reach people is with a laugh. So no, now that I think of it I’m not a nigger so I make no apologies for my antics. My agent, well ONE of my agents told me that the best revenge is living well…guess how I’m living?
Finally to those black people who think I’m a nigger and a coon and expect me to change because a black man must be more refined and more dignified I say this…
Nigger, please.
Michael Davis. PhD
Oh, one more thing I was wrong about, it’s not hard being Michael Davis it’s fucking great.
Vinnie Bartilucci
August 7, 2009 - 7:33 am
A classic example of how hard it is to please some folks.
If you’re helping group XYZ, that’s all well and good, but if you’re not helping them in a way the XYZ “leaders” find acceptable and proper (and likely doesn’t involve some honor, or honorarium to them), you will be lambasted for it.
Sometimes, the leaders need to point out the negative side (however small or imagined) of the actions because it’s easier to get on TV pointing out a problem, than it is to celebrate a success. I always point out Ice Cube’s Barbershop – a tremendous crossover hit about a black guy with a job, a family and a bunch of friends all doing positive (and still hilarious) things. Does he get praise for his work? No, he gets pilloried for a joke about Rosa Parks. Ya can’t win.
How packed was that room, Michael? How many people were protesting outside on how shameful the whole thing was? There you are.
Martha Thomases
August 7, 2009 - 7:42 am
More to the point, if people don’t like The Black Panel, offer an alternative. I think if people don’t like what you do, they can criticize (and should!), but they should do it in a way that invites more discourse, not discourages it.
You’ve always said you started The Black Panel because you were sick of the ways that “Blacks in Comics” panels tended to devolve into, “Why aren’t Marvel and DC making/hiring more black superstars?” You said you wanted instead to show creators who were doing things their own way.
(By the way, FYI, there was a lot of similar flack at the gay panel I attended.)
MOTU
August 7, 2009 - 9:24 am
Not ‘superstars’ dear anyone.
The panels turned into a yearly BITCH FEST of complaints. The last ‘Blacks in comics’ panel I was on was about 9 or 10 years ago. Dwayne McDuffie said something I will never forget. He responded to a question that must have been asked a zillion times by a zillion people at the panel “Why don’t Marvel and DC create more Black story lines or Black characters?” Dwayne said; “It’s not their job, it’s my job or your job.”
THAT comment made me start the Black Panel the next year. He was right on SO many levels. The least of which was-if I didn’t like something don’t bitch create my own. That was Denys Cowan’s idea that started Milestone and I’m proud to say that was my plan when I developed a comic book program for the school system. I was told over and over that if comics were going to be accepted in the schools then Marvel and DC would have done it already so why try? I was also told I would never get comics in the churches so why try?
So here I am with 2 comic book programs distributed into 2 non traditional areas where conventional wisdom (and a bunch of haters) said because it wasn’t done by Marvel or DC it can’t be done.
I’ll tell the world where I’m going next with a comic book universe-hospitals. That deal is a moment from being done and I’m the one doing it. I have NO fear that someone will ‘steal’ my idea, in fact if they can get the talent and the funding and write the business plan then by all means let them. I’m not worried in fact I couldn’t care less.
Schools, Churches and soon hospitals. And every universe I created for these industries star people of color. Not bad for a coon.
MOTU
August 7, 2009 - 9:44 am
Yes, I’m still so pissed about being called a ‘nigger’ that I’m touting my MFing resume.
Yeah, yeah I know I should let it go but I just hate that sort of random attack when a simple; “I don’t like the way The Black Panel was put on and here’s why’ would had mote than made his point. It STEAMS me to no end that all the shit I have done I’m called a nigger and buffoon because of my stage persona. Well I’m going to keep pimp slapping people with my resume so they can know just who they are calling a nigger.
Did I mention my house has a mountain in the back yard? Yeah I like to go to the top and dance a jig because that’s what we coons do…when I’m not getting another award or getting the key to a city (4 by last count) for my work in education and my mentor program.
MOTU
August 7, 2009 - 10:10 am
I really should just let this all go…but I’m nothing is not committed to a path once I start down a road.
MOTU
August 7, 2009 - 10:11 am
The above should read;
I really should just let this all go…but I’m nothing IF not committed to a path once I start down a road.
OK-I’m done.
Michael
August 7, 2009 - 11:20 am
People are always ready to hate on someone who has achieved great levels of success! Those same haters will wait in line for an hour or 2 just to do so…what type of sense does that make!
I can’t really speak for other groups (Asian, Latino, Gay, etc.) but I am sure they receive the same type of flack. Basically cause it is so much easier for one to try** to tear someone down than it is for that some person to achieve their own levels of success.
**Note: I did say try.
Also, two days before The Black Panel as I was walking the floor of SDCC I heard a lot of people talk about their plans to see The Black Panel. A friend of mine rushed down from L.A. to see the panel but wasn’t able to make it. She has been a regular attendee for the past 3 or 4 years. And as a first timer I heard a lot of good things about the panel and your presentation lived up to everything I heard. Also your panel was the only panel I didn’t nod off in. By my accounts that equals success!
(There was one panel I went to for my FAVORITE TV SERIES and was bored to sleep by the moderators).
Alan Coil
August 7, 2009 - 2:33 pm
Michael,
From my viewpoint, you are on the same path as Harlan Ellison. There is a small group of Ellison haters who spread lies and vicious gossip about him solely because they don’t like him. Then, any time Ellison suffers a public faux pas, they ratchet up the hate.
Some of the latest crap about Ellison is that he is racist. This they say about a man who marched with Martin Luther King, Jr. They say he is a misogynist. This they say about a man who campaigned very hard for the ERA back when women were seeking eq
Alan Coil
August 7, 2009 - 2:35 pm
…seeking equal rights.
It looks as if you are…
Damned if you do, damned if you don’t.
Russ Rogers
August 7, 2009 - 3:08 pm
Those who can’t do, criticize. Let the people who think they can do a better job just try to create “Another Black Panel,” or “The Blacker Panel,” or “The Revenge of the Return of the Bride of the Black Panel Just Down the Hall.” It won’t happen.
Why? They don’t have the balls, the connections, the smarts, the charisma, the sense of humor, the credentials or the self confidence to pull it off. And at this point, any other panel that even tried to imitate or duplicate the Black Panel would just be pale in comparison.
Jeremiah Avery
August 7, 2009 - 4:24 pm
The MOTU is often imitated but never intimidated!
From what I’ve read (sure wish I was there) the panel was showcasing the accomplishments of prominent members of the entertainment community who just happen to be Black. There wasn’t any complaining about being held back, but rather conveying what they’ve accomplished through WORK and determination. So how is this a bad thing?
Instead of wondering what can possibly be done down the road, you helped show what is actually going on right now and show things are possible. Just can’t wrap my mind around people hating on the success of others, aside from envy.
Steve Atkins
August 8, 2009 - 3:21 am
*Warning* Comic Book Pun…
“We All Have Our Issues, Don’t We?”
On Harlan Ellison…I think he’s batsh*t nuts. But, if he wrote and published a new baked chicken recipe, I would read it. Why? Because I don’t hate or even dislike the man, but I AM a HUGE fan of his talents for writing ans storytelling and I don’t let any disapproval I may have of his personality/behavior/viewpoints, etc. interfere with what he has to offer me.
On George Lopez…I wouldn’t heckle him. THAT would mean that I actually took the time and effort to go see him. Being that I don’t think he is funny, I wouldn’t go see him. That way I don’t have a terrible time listening to someone I don’t wish to listen to and others, who may enjoy his comedy, will have fun.
On Ethnic/Differently-Oriented Panels…I honestly don’t make such distinctions. I look at things from an admittedly warped point-of-view. Such things don’t really enter into how I assess someone I may be interested in.
If your comic is something I don’t enjoy, what difference does it make what color your skin is?
If you are homosexual/bisexual/whatever sub-category I have missed, how does this make you a more entertaining creator with an appealing project?
Ellen DeGeneres said “I’m Gay!”
I responded “So? Your show is still NOT funny to me.”
Dwayne McDuffie’s skin pigment has nothing to do with my high regard for the Justice League episodes and Milestone titles he has worked on.
It is a wonderful thing to take pride in who you are. But, WHAT you are is a creator, not a race/creed/religion/ethnicity.
Denys Cowan ROCKED on The Question just as hard as writer Denny O’Neil.
It wasn’t because he was black.
It was because he was GOOD.
Hell, I didn’t even know Kyle Baker was African-American until I saw an interview with him around the time of his Plastic Man run four years ago.
It is in these talents that I invest my time, my money, and a bit of my own being. So, attending such a panel would be out of interest in WHO was on the list, not WHAT comprised it.
I wouldn’t have considered it “The Black Panel.”
“The Michael Davis Panel” sounds more accurate.
On Panel “Hecklers”….
I can sum up my thoughts on this up in a single question:
“Who gives a flyin’ f*** what THEY think or say?”
I have NOTHING but respect and admiration for Michael Davis. His accomplishments are a matter of public record and stated fact (especially when he gets angry and lists his resume *wink*).
I, myself, envy him. The recent group at his Black Panel, alone, is worthy of envy. This, and many other of his achievements, were the result of hard work (both his own and the hard work of those he has placed faith and trust in by working with him).
I envy him, but I do not hate him. He has EARNED his successes and I am happy to hear of the expansion of his ever-growing resume.
I’ll conclude with this…
In my opinion, people who have small minds are like squeak toys. They are so easy to play with.
I once deal with some racists back in high school by messing with their concept of reality.
I, an overweight, pale-skinned, red-headed weirdo with glasses, sang the entirety of “Old Man River” in a manner almost identical to the Paul Robeson version. It took them a while to figure out that the deep, rich voice singing about the Mississippi River was coming from me.
When they DID realize it, I think I could actually hear one of their minds snapping like a twig.
The looks on their faces always brings a smile to my face.
Steve
Jonathan (the other one)
August 8, 2009 - 11:49 pm
Waitaminnit – somebody’s trying to claim Harlan Ellison is racist??
I just passed that on to my wife – who happens to be black, and who got hit on by Harlan the last time we were at SDCC, a few years back. She almost fell off the couch laughing.
Oh Master of the Universe, I do have one question (and yes, it’s a serious question, because I just don’t know) – do you indeed have a Ph.D., or were you just making a point? Because if you do have one, I may one day have to try to introduce you to my brother-in-law – a research pharmacist by the name of Dr. Michael Davis…
Steve Atkins
August 9, 2009 - 3:08 am
@ Jonathan (the other one)
Two Points:
1) Not that I am arguing that Harlan Ellison is a racist, but…
The late Strom Thrumond (senator, SC) was a comfirmed racist. He also had an illegitimate child with an African-American woman.
Hitting on a black (or any other kind of) woman just shows an appreciation for the sensual qualities of the female which, strangely enough, has nothing to do with one’s views on race.
2) I always have an issue with the phrase “happens to be black.” I defer to the late George Carlin for this…
“I have a friend who happens to be black.”
George: “Did they have black parents?”
“Yes, they did.”
George: “Did the parents have sex?”
“Oh, indeed they did.”
George: “Then where does the surprise part come in? I would have been more impressed if they happened to be SCANDANAVIAN.”
In my opinion, which everyone is perfectly free to ignore if they wish, is that silly little phrases like that should be eliminated.
Jonathan (the other one)
August 9, 2009 - 8:56 am
Well, Steve, she happens to be black, I happen to be white; in each case, the phrase is intended to convey a quality that is secondary to who we actually are. She doesn’t find it offensive – do you? (Actually, she’s amused by the fact that when she first met my parents, it had never occurred to me to tell them what she looked like beyond “beautiful”.)
Alan Coil
August 9, 2009 - 9:42 am
Jonathan, you didn’t give them a clue? Like “Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner?”
Steve Atkins
August 9, 2009 - 1:00 pm
@ Jonathan (the other one)
I find the phrase to be odd and a bit illogical, to answer your question.
My issue, as I thought I had clearly stated, was with the phrase itself and I attempted to convey my irritation with it in a humorous fashion utilizing a George Carlin quote that I thought summed up the viewpoint much better than I could have.
Instead of complaining, I try to use humor.
Example:
I don’t “happen to be” white. I happen to be glow-in-the-dark white. You would have to find an Albino or an H.G. Wells Morlock to find someone with a whiter skin tone than mine.
If you put me in a room with a black light, you would probably mistake me for an alien from COCOON.
If they still made Masters Of The Universe figures, mine would be called “Reflector” and could outshine a sun-lit mirror.
I have such a radiantly white skin that often times insects bounce off me when I am outside.
I don’t tan…I burn and peel. If I had better sewing skills, I could put out a line of red leather jumpsuits next week.
…See what I mean?
Marc Alan Fishman
August 9, 2009 - 9:37 pm
There will always be haters MOTU. And I know that they say “don’t hate the players, hate the game.” But people who would use the term, and attempt to call you out for doing a great thing? Well, it’s just a tout to the glorious assholes who shoot first and never ask questions.
I don’t profess to be anything but a not-so-well-informed young punk on matters like this… but even I see the error and idiocy to “black on black” hate. And in this case? It’s sheer idiocy.
Plainly put: the black panel sounds like the ONE thing I’d leave my table for, without question. For no other reason, as you yourself wrote: Where else will you get a forum such as that to openly discuss any numerous amounts of important and fun things.
To the haters, I contend that you’ll never win them over… no matter how great your resume is sir. You’ve nothing t worry about though… cause those of us who DO matter? We know the real deal. Congrats on a great panel MOTU. Don’t let these asses drag you down.
MOTU
August 10, 2009 - 12:54 pm
For Jonathan (the other one)
Yep, I do have a Ph.D. I would also like to meet your brother in law-I’ve got a little problem with my credit report I’d like to talk to him about…:)
MOTU
August 10, 2009 - 4:27 pm
Steve said:
Ellen DeGeneres said “I’m Gay!” I responded “So? Your show is still NOT funny to me.”
THAT was funny.
jason lowe
August 10, 2009 - 10:32 pm
here we go……
The black panel wasn’t any good,bottom line.I don’t think its fair to criticize without pinpointing what the problem was and then offering up solutions,so first things first…..It started late(the only panel i saw that did start late),I truly thought it was a joke when an artist i promise we will never hear from again, begin rapping in what i assumed was a foreign language.Alas, no foreign language, it turned out to be just a bad sound system and im assuming muffled lyrics that had nothing to do with why i or anyone else was there.Then, said rapper tried to sell me shirts out of her hotel room i think. Ahh just like the streets of my hometown Detroit!refreshing!This all before the panel even started. I kept looking at a friend in the audience who was scanning my face with pregnant anticipation like a school chum who twisted off the top of the salt shaker while i was in the bathroom and was watching me reach to season my food.What did he know that i did not?surly it couldn’t get worse right?i mean, right?It did.The moderator(Michael Davis?okay)smoothed over the embarrassing moments when the cd player and slide show didn’t sync up,and while i was there, thats all he did worth earning his title. To his fairness i don’t think even he was talented enough to cover up the smell of poop that waifed from the long table at the con that day.It was too much for me when a reserve of the reserve of the wu tang clan tried his hardest to wrestle with the English language and im assuming explain to me why he was on the panel(or maybe explain why he was there and not meth or the rza or ghost face who we know,and know love comics),and what caused me to bust out of the confines of the mediocre minstrel show was when some chick went on some rambling about black female superheroes and then showed a piece of art work that i hope she drew in a bout of ill timed narcalepse on the way to the con driving stick and with the pen and paper on fire.Yep fun time had by all,it was laughable at best and you could tell that the people in charge weren’t confident in there presentation,solely resting on the hope that black people would give props just because there were black people in front of them! …..now to address my davis comments….
Im sorry i didnt address the beef as it where on the mic like suggested Mr Davis,i left once i realized we werent on punked!
I dont think your a coon or a nigger i just believe your enept when it comes to sheperding this type of panel at a comic con,maybe at the bet awards(and im not being funny)
If these are some of the biggest minds there are in this biz then that is another reason you arent the best pick for the moderator job.
and if the Latino panel had those people you mentioned on deck and it started late and the mariachi band came out and sucked balls,and no one had a project that did anything other then help fill the pool of mediocrity so acceptable in the Latin community,i don’t think they would call George Lopez a spic(dude is funny)but i think the panel would catch the same ridicule that i hope the black panel is getting
and kudos and a colt 45 to you and your accomplishments mr Davis,but all your winnings and you still don’t seem to know how to put a panel together that anyone can get any information out of,but i would love to hear some info from someone trying to help me and not sell me there resume,i mean at least tyrese had a comic coming out was he on the panel(i don’t know if he showed up after i left)anyone with cautionary tales or ways of getting in the business besides the well traveled paths?Please don’t challenge me to make a better panel because not only will i ,i have no problem addressing the criticisms that you seem to have taken to heart.Any black entertainment lawyers?no?Any black creators not doing a black project?Anybody?bueller,beuller?(rest in peace john Hughes)In closing i will be there next year and i hope its great,but if not i will take your advice and criticize you to your face,and then petition to shut it down and dream of what could’ve been,i mean god forbid this is what people think we are,god forbid this is who we think we are.
MOTU
August 11, 2009 - 1:29 am
I’m sorry, did you say something?
Mama Bear
August 11, 2009 - 3:21 am
For Jason Lowe and all who want jobs in the biz:
Jason,
You stated in your posting that you “would love to hear some info from someone trying to help you…cautionary tales, or ways to get in the business besides well traveled paths…” I suspect from your writings that you are perhaps underemployed and came to the Con seeking opportunities, and that you used your true name in the midst of these discussions in order to bring yourself to the attention of potential employers, investors, and/or creative collaborators.
I am a person who at various times does all of the above. I have worked with all types of entertainment professionals, from comics to film and television to publishing to music and back. Right now, I happen to be the person who — for the most part and among other responsibilities — is ultimately responsible with hiring and firing decisions for a privately-held entertainment venture. I am accountable only to the investors in the partnership for the daily executive decisions I make. The decisions I make have repercussions throughout the company, both good and bad. Because of this, I take my work very seriously, despite the fact that I work in entertainment.
I can help you with some answers to your question about getting into the business and provide you with a cautionary tale. Maybe others hoping to work in the business can be helped by what I am writing to you, but I don’t suspect that you will receive what I will write. The cautionary tale I present to you is yourself.
Well-traveled paths are that way for a reason: They lead to success. That doesn’t mean that innovation isn’t essential, but basics still have power. As a potential employer/investor/collaborator, the first impression I have of you is the poor quality of your workmanship. You speak with contempt about what you perceived was a panel member’s “wrestling with the English language’ (paraphrased), and yet you didn’t even check the spelling or grammar in your own writing. I lost count at 70 typos. Even Michael Davis had to make two corrections when he was using a quote from you, (enept is spelled’ inept’, and sheperding is spelled ‘shepherding’…) If I was investigating hiring you, I would be immediately concerned that you didn’t have the skills to do the job or worse – that you didn’t have sufficient ethics to give an employer value for their money. Point 1 to you and anyone who wants to get and keep a dream job: Deliver quality, and work on getting stronger where you have weak skills.
Which brings me to Point 2: Know that you always have an audience, and be careful both WHAT and HOW you communicate…but only if you want to succeed. What I have read in your writings would cause alarms to sound off if I was investigating hiring you. Phrases like “some chick” and “pool of mediocrity so acceptable in the Latin community” by themselves would remove you from my candidate pool. What investor wants to absorb unnecessary risks by exposing the venture to litigation linked to harassment, or even simply tolerate a corrosive workplace environment that makes creative work nearly impossible? If you are the one with the cash, roll like that if you want, but know that illegal actions make visions and hard work and venture capital evaporate. Laws sometimes are there for a good reason: Protecting people from misogyny and racism while they are trying to make money to buy groceries or to take their kids to the doctor is an example of a REALLY good law.
Point 3 is one you may like the least because it goes deeper than just “tighten up your game” and “don’t break the law”. It deals with character. When I hire, I look for people who I must call “inveterate warriors”. They are the ones who I know can be trusted because they have learned from experience. I know this sounds mystical, but I actually give jobs to people who fit this profile. Interestingly, some of my most successful employees have been ex-gang members, former addicts, or even felons. They don’t have to have decades of experience – but they MUST have gathered wisdom from their battles. There is nothing worse than an old fool, and nothing more powerful than wisdom in youth. What are the characteristics of a warrior?
Wisdom because they have been in tough situations and can now guide others through: It expedites crisis management.
Humility because they have learned that the voice inside their head does not necessarily rule the world: There is nothing worse than having to explain to an insubordinate employee why you are giving an order, especially if you are telling them to stop because they are going to hit a truck…
Bravery because our battles are real and the work that we spend our lives on can actually make a difference: Someone has to sit on a panel, even if he is uncomfortable speaking in public, because he wants to encourage some messed up kid that there is hope. Someone has to run a panel and risk tech malfunctions, even if it exposes him to perhaps dozens who sat in the audience and said either under their breath or in the mic, “I could have done better.” Remember Jason: You were the one sitting in the audience. Zero risk equals no bravery points.
If you truthfully had it in your mind to improve this process, you would have used the protocol that would have assured your success. When I need to shift the direction of someone who is powerful, I approach the conversation cautiously. I outline specifics of what might be wrong and potential consequences if the course isn’t changed. And I always provide a suggested a solution if I can. If it is a business situation, I can respectfully do it in a public forum. If it is a personal situation, I speak about it privately. The only exception to this is if someone is violating the law and I have a fiduciary responsibility to report, or if they are threatening the safety of others.
You, Jason, have pissed off a big dog in order to advance a career that perhaps hasn’t even started yet. And you even signed your name to it. Now everyone knows who NOT to hire.
My final point, Point 4: Change your name, or change your profession because any company who would hire you after what you have demonstrated would themselves be viewed as damaged goods. Or… use what skills you have to figure out a way to repair the damage you have done to your reputation and contribute to the broader discussion rather than wreck.
PRODIGAL SUNN
August 11, 2009 - 5:18 am
BIG UP M DIESEL!! THAT’S RIGHT! LET THEM KNOW WHAT IT IS! U KNOW WHAT THEY SAY!
MISERY LOVES COMPANY! ITS SO EASY TO DO NEGATIVE, BUT TO BUILD SOME POSITIVE IS A MUCH HARDER TASK! SO MANIFEST OR SHOW AN EXAMPLE BEFORE YOU HATE! YO MIKE GOOD LOOKIN OUT!! ALSO THANKS FOR ALL YOUR ENLIGHTMENT ON THE WORLD OF COMIC CON. YOU ARE A GREAT BROTHER!HIGHLY APPRECIATED! KEEP UP THE GOOD WORKS!! IGNORE THE HATERS!! BLACK PANEL 2010 WE DOING AGAIN AGAIN AGAIN!!! PEACE PSUNZINI!
CHRONICLEZ OF THE SUN!!! !!! COMIN SOON!!! CREATED BY PRODIGAL SUNN AND MICHEAL DAVIS!!!
Alan Coil
August 11, 2009 - 8:00 am
.
.
PART 1:
jason lowe —
Do your friends call you j-lowe?
_____________________
PART 2:
j-lowe —
I’m sorry, but it has to be asked:
IS YOU STUPID?
_____________________
PART 3:
j-lowe —
Remember how the adult speech was portrayed in all the animated Peanuts shows? That’s how your words read. D00D! Take a writing class or two! Maybe a typing class, too.
Perfect writing makes your points better to understand, but I’m not asking you to be perfect. What I am asking is that you learn to write and type well enough so that everything doesn’t blur all together into a mass of unintelligible goo.
_____________________
PART 4:
j-lowe —
Just in case it isn’t clear to you, the incorrect grammar of “IS YOU STUPID?” is done on purpose to make a point.
Just in case it isn’t clear to you, the animated Peanuts shows might be better known to you as Charlie Brown cartoons.
jason lowe
August 11, 2009 - 8:41 am
Lol thank you for that advice,i don’t mind using my real name or taking criticism,i mean im not writing a paper,and i most definitely wasn’t giving you my resume(did i spell that right?)You see i love your passion!i love the fact that your bothered by the responses so much that you promptly responded,good!maybe that’ll help you make changes next year or ask the people what they want see at the panel so the blame wont be on you.Im trying to help you out,we never get to big for advice(obviously)so ill give you some,instead of checking my spelling(thank you) you should check the passion(word of the day) and truth from which these criticisms are coming from.I don’t mind the internet gangstas with their cackling and clucking,im good,but after all my horrible spelling and errors the truth is still there.When the lights turn off and your sleeping in between whatever you’ve accomplished, you and i know the panel stunk.
Jonathan (the other one)
August 11, 2009 - 11:12 am
Dr. Davis, MOTU – I truly doubt that Dr. Davis the BIL is responsible for your credit-report issues (especially given the payments he’s getting for his latest patent), but I’ll pass that along… 🙂
Mr. Lowe – I can’t speak for the good Dr. Davis, Rightful Master of the Universe, but I am rather powerfully underimpressed by the opinions of someone who demonstrates himself to be so pitifully ignorant, he is unable to recall the necessity of placing spaces between sentences. (There is also the minor fact that attempting to interpret these opinions is hampered, at best, by said writing style – when I’ve had to spend too much time simply translating the written words into a comprehensible format, the remainder tends to merge together into one massive block of blah blah blah.)
I wish you the best of luck in whatever endeavors you choose in the future, Mr. Lowe – but I do advise that you stay away from any career choices that involve clear, understandable writing. (Perhaps you could look into writing bills for Congress…)
Marc Alan Fishman
August 11, 2009 - 11:13 am
I wish I was at the SDCC to see the panel so I could deflate your critique point by point Jason Lowe… but I was not there. At the end of the day though, I have to believe the reports of my close friends who were there, who raved about the panel. If you didn’t like it, no one is taking away your right to an opinion. Lucky for all of us, opinions are like assholes. We have have them, and yours stinks. I’ve been to bad panels myself. Hell, I just wrote an article on it on comicmix not a week ago. But at the end of the day, there are those who complain just to hear themselves speak. At the end of the night, when the lights turned off, Michael Davis’s Black Panel was enjoyed by many in attendance. And the best part of all of this may be that in a years time, there will still be a Black Panel, and we’ll have forgotten you.
Flaming someone’s site makes about as much sense as you did in your post Jason. Sound system a little loud? Boo friggen Hoo. Didn’t like the artwork? So sad! Be glad you’ve gotten the ire of us up for this brief moment. Maybe next year you’ll find a panel more to your liking.
Vinnie Bartilucci
August 11, 2009 - 1:41 pm
There is the remotest of chance that by naming the panel as it is, people are assuming that the words “Only” and “Allowed” are also part of the title.
That seems to be the problem with many of the comments – since this was “THE” black panel, it must represent the entirety of black people, culture and philosophy, and since it only represented a facet (specifically a facet that the complainer does not appreciate), it failed. You’re hard pressed to get all the flavors of jelly beans in one bag from the serve-yourself bar at the grocery store, and these yukkapucks want the entirety of black history covered in one panel. I understand Michael also neglected to stand on only one foot while presenting it.
I was of course not at SDCC, but as far as I know, black people were permitted to appear on other panels. Many asked “Where was Dwayne McDuffie?”, only to learn that he got his OWN DAMN PANEL. (And BTW, there’s an audio file up of both panels at http://www.thecomicbooks.com/audio.html )
This was not the only place black folks showed up at the con. It’s just the panel with the most in your face name, and the easiest one to lambaste.
MOTU
August 11, 2009 - 2:29 pm
Vinnie,
Over the years Mike Richardson, Marv Wolfman, Mike Gold among other ‘white’ notables have appeared on The Black Panel. The reason they were there is because they all had a huge hand in developing, creating, or publishing Black content. The panel has NEVER been about BLACK people it’s always been about content.
This is the way the Black Panel has ALWAYS worked-the panelists give an introduction and then we open it up from questions. I don’t randomly pick people from the crowd-we have a mike set up and ANYBODY who wants to ask a question simply stands at the mike and can ask ANY question they want of ANY body on the panel.
I find it simply astonishing that people who were in the room would bitch about not getting information when all they had to do was get on the line to ASK the question they wanted.
Harris
August 12, 2009 - 12:17 am
Dr Davis,
I’m not on the attack band waggon like some of these responses but being made aware of your contribution to the comic field I wanted to ask for more info so I can get a hold of some of your work or be apart of what your doing currently.
Do you have a on line comic bibliography so I can pick up some of your books and or what are some of your favorite titles that you’ve done in comics? I’d love to see what you did with some of the classic characters Iron Man, Batman, etc…
I know you were a producer in animation. I was wondering with your illustration back ground did you do anything on the development side. Boards, layout, character design. Is that available for viewing?
As a aspiring comic artist I’m curious about your mentoring program. the alumni that came out and how to apply.
Your contribution to entertainment is appreciated and I wish you the best.
Harris
MOTU
August 12, 2009 - 5:18 pm
Harris,
I don’t have a detailed on-line bio. My business model is geared towards specific projects and finding the company best tp partner with for that deal. I’m not really interested in broadcasting on the net. Funny-as much as people say I’m a shameless self promoter I’ve be will to bet that most don’t know just what I do.
If you would like to see a complete bio send me an email to:motu@michealdavisworld.com
In the meantime below is a brief list of the comics or graphic novels I’ve worked on or Universes I’ve created or co-created.
I would be more than happy to help you in any way I can.
1) Milestone Media
The Milestone Universe
2) DC Comics
Wasteland
Shado-Song Of The Dragon
ETC ( Pirana Press)
3) Motown Animation & Filmworks
The Machine Works Universe
4) Urban Ministries
The Guardian Line Universe
5) Simon & Schuster
The Action Files Universe
6) Dark Horse
The Underground (2010)
7) The Attainment Company
Jackie Robinson Year 1 (2010)
8) UMI/Hilton Publishing
The Daniel Chronicles
9) Comicmix /IDW (2010)
The Moors (with Denys Cowan)
10) Sellers Publishing
The Littlest Bitch (with David Quinn)
MOTU
August 12, 2009 - 5:24 pm
Harris,
Forgive the typos-and I only go by ‘Dr.Davis’ when someone is writing me a check, giving me a award or is a pretty girl at a party…
Tyler
August 14, 2009 - 11:12 am
I was at the Black Panel and really was hoping to gain some insight into how people get into the comic business and more on the success of projects. That didn’t quite happen but I found other pieces of info at other panels, so I’m not so dissatisfied. Although the rapper in the beginning took up my time and I could of left, but I didn’t so that’s how that goes. In reading some others comments, it would be nice to have a Black writer’s panel etc. I just don’t know if they would allow it. There’s only so much space in the place.
I did however go the the Brotherman Art Exhibit in Atlanta and was very excited for their upcoming 2010 projects. I wish they had presented at SDCC but maybe they’ll get an invite next year. The work was refreshing and poignant. That’s all from me.
Tyler
August 14, 2009 - 11:14 am
Oh yeah, I’m going to the Onyxcon this weekend in Atlanta. I’m pretty lucky to have two Black comic things happen in my home town (or close to it). I hope to see some good things there.
MOTU
August 14, 2009 - 3:26 pm
Tyler,
After the introductions by the panel the floor is open to anyone with a question. The question of how to break into the biz is a staple of the panel just about every year but it did not come up this year.
That said; if you would like, send me an email to:
motu@michaeldavisworld.com
…with a list of questions and I will answer them the best I can from my point of view. I also have some info you may find helpful that I will pass along to you.
Tyler
August 18, 2009 - 6:31 am
Mr. Davis. Thanks for writing me back. I was reading up on your work which is great. I did come across an article and maybe you can shed some light for me. I will admit, I’m not as knowledgable as to how the how industry works so I’ll let you tell me. Here’s a quote for an article which highlighted your work on Static Shock, “Static would enjoy the greatest success of all the Milestone characters thanks to the animated television series, “Static Shock.” But despite four popular seasons, the series itself has never been collected on DVD, there was never an on-going spin-off comic book series based on the show, and there were no action figures (except for a free giveaway from Subway). By comparison, DC’s other animated shows based on Batman, Superman and Justice League have all been accompanied by massive merchandising campaigns. With only one season so far, “Batman: The Brave and the Bold” has spawned a spin-off comic series and a line of action figures that includes 10 different Batman figures.” If this is true, how does this happen? Don’t you have some say, especially with all you’ve done in the industry. To me you’re pretty big. It’s true, as soon as a batman comes out, all the toys, games, and stuff comes right behind it. I don’t know. Just thought I would get my quetion in since you said I could ask.
Alan Coil
August 18, 2009 - 8:04 am
Tyler, you seem like a fairly intelligent fellow, so in an attempt to make you look even more so, let me be That Guy for a moment. (That Guy, in this case, is the Grammar Cop.)
Above, you said:
“Although the rapper in the beginning took up my time and I could of left, but I didn’t so that’s how that goes.”
It should be “I could have left” or “I could’ve left”.
Doesn’t make much of a difference when speaking, but it does make a big difference when writing.
And I think it happens because some of us get into the habit of speaking for effect. Same think happens when people say ‘dident’ for didn’t, shouldent for shouldn’t, et cetera. If you were writing a character who was less refined in society, you might write his dialogue as ‘could of’ to display his lack of verbal skill. I’ve seen it done that way.
Best of luck to you. I’m sure any advice MOTU gives you will be valuable in many ways.
Mike Gold
August 18, 2009 - 9:00 am
Tyler —
Actually, it isn’t really audience size that contributes to the longevity of an animated television series. It’s total profitability, and merchandising plays a very big part in establishing a noteworthy bottom line.
Certain properties — Batman, Spider-Man, Wolverine — will “always” attract ancillary product (defining “always” as “well, until it doesn’t” but these are pretty damn solid). Characters nobody’s ever heard of have to prove themselves somewhere notable before the toy companies commit big money to licenses, manufacture, promotion, and distribution. Case in point: when the first Star Wars movie was released (the one called “Star Wars”), there were no licensed products out their for months. Some early model boxes made up for Christmas sales contained nothing but a coupon guaranteeing future delivery.
These folks are always going to commit their resources to a proven property before a new one. That’s why DC and Marvel spend so much time selling their Universes — it’s easier to get a DC Universe Big Barda figure into a store than it is a mere Big Barda figure. It’s easier to get a Green Lantern DVD into the chains under the (by now) well established DC Universe banner than it would have been on its own.
For reasons having to do with massive shortsightedness and overwhelming stupidity, when an unknown black character is involved, particularly one without that “Universe” tag, chain buyers tend to look at the number of stores they have in black neighborhoods, in crossover neighborhoods, and in white neighborhoods and downscale their orders accordingly. Toys, DVDs, birthday cakes… whatever.
This always struck me as amazingly dumb. After all, white characters — you know, Batman, Spider-Man, Wolverine, Captain Kirk — sell in black neighborhoods. In any event, this makes it virtually impossible for Static Shock to make enough merchandising money, including DVDs, to make a difference.
Which means my dreams for a new Dolemite animated series are likely to go unrealized.
By the way, the very same argument applies to Tiny Toons. This is why I remain on the east coast. Things make more sense here. A little.
Geoff Thorne
August 19, 2009 - 8:31 am
Okay. I’ve just been made aware of the scope of this thing and I did make a couple of points elsewhere that I don’t need to reiterate. There are a couple of things I think need saying here.
1) Michael Davis runs the Black Panel. His idea, his show, his contacts, his style. You don’t like? Feel free to opt out. (for the record, if next year’s panel is like this year’s, I will be opting out. No offense, but I don’t need the rap concert.)
2) If you can’t criticize without being an ass (and there are many ways to point out deficits or defects without resorting to name calling and snide remarks) then you have no business criticizing. Anybody can heckle. It takes no brains whatsoever. What takes smarts is offering salient criticism in hopes that it will improve something. And even then, you have to be prepared to be told to stick your opinion. No one is required to listen to anything any critic says about anything. NOBODY.
3) Mr. Davis is a flavor. Some folks aren’t going to like it. That’s life. Both he, his detractors and his supporters need to step back and recognize that it’s a big old world out there and not everybody is going to go for the fizzy mango smoothie every time. Some people only like Sweet Tea. Knowing this going in will, I think, keep the temperature down on the discussion.
AS a flavor, I personally think the panel worked best when it was followed by the BET panel which was more sedate and, in tandem with the Black Panel, DID create the air of true diversity and the sense of wide diaspora that, to me, and others apparently, was somewhat lacking this year. I’m not sure what can be done about that since Reggie Hudlin isn’t running BET anymore but a co-moderator might be a thing to try next year.
4) Please remember: this is not, strictly speaking, about Mr. Davis. He is FULLY ENTITLED to do his thing the way he wants to do it and should NOT expect to be castigated for his sense of humor or his so-called shameless self-promotion or sense of showmanship.
Criticism, yes. Insults, absolutely not.
What it seems to be about is the title of the panel. The BLACK Panel means that it represents us. All of us. ME. My name is on that panel. Just was it is on BET.
And, just like Pre-Hudlin BET, I didn’t feel well-represented by “my” panel this year and I’m seeing that others felt the same. If it’s going to go on being called the Black Panel (rather than, say, MICHAEL DAVIS PRESENTS), then I would request, strongly, that there be a more diverse sampling of what WE do represented.
And, just for me, please don’t waste the little time we have with some impromptu rap show. NOBODY goes to SDCC to see that.
Tyler
August 19, 2009 - 12:08 pm
All I wanted to know in my second post was to ask Mike how he feels about the lack of marketing support he gets from the industry…especially since he does so much work for them (and make a lot of money for them, I suppose).
Mike Gold
August 20, 2009 - 6:20 am
Tyler —
Well, that’s about the most interesting question I’ve been asked in a long while. Had it been on a panel (even Michael’s Black Panel, which I’ve been on), it would have come to a stop while I thought it over.
As an editor, I don’t focus on merchandising, I focus on getting the creators’ story out through the maze of bureaucracy and detail and do so the way they want it out but also in a way the intended audience can appreciate. This is why I haven’t done a lot of corporate superhero work (although I enjoy it) and why so much of that stuff was sort of off to the side of the mainstream universe. Therefore, I’ve always been rather surprised when projects I’ve been involved with have achieved some merchandising support, particlarly The Question and Grell’s Green Arrow.
But as long as I toil in the non-Marvel/DC fields where I have far more creative freedom to bring to the creators’ tables, I have to accept the fact that our merchandising opportunities are more likely to come from any movie or television exposure than the comics. And, quite frankly, the only reason for me to be concerned about all that is on behalf of the creators, some of whom couldn’t care less but most of whom can use the money.
As a publishing bureaucrat, anything I can do to increase the bottom line inures to the benefit of all concerned, including those working with us on completely unrelated projects. But you gotta be careful not to throw the baby out with the bathwater. The Sable series on ABC-TV, good or bad (ahem), ran about a half-dozen episodes and the property was therefore frozen from media consideration for two decades — with the exception of Gene Simmons, who still wanted to make the movie.
It’s a tricky business, best suited to the Bizarro World.
Alan Coil
August 20, 2009 - 9:07 am
“But you gotta be careful not to throw the baby out with the bathwater. The Sable series on ABC-TV, good or bad (ahem), ran about a half-dozen episodes and the property was therefore frozen from media consideration for two decades — with the exception of Gene Simmons, who still wanted to make the movie.”
Hadn’t ever thought of the back end of that deal. Good point for creators to know.
Adriane Nash
August 22, 2009 - 10:55 am
I was at The Black Panel, but I was a few minutes late & since the room was full I had to do a little foot stamping in the hallway before I got in.
I missed the concert portion, which I have to admit I was more than okay with, since that’s just not my scene. I also missed some of the Black Panther clip, which did bum me out since it looked wicked cool & its a project I’ve been looking forward to for some time now.
I’m always floored by the negative feedback The Black Panel gets in the days after the convention because in the room and in the hallway after the panel ends, there is always such an amazing sense of positivity and excitement.
The panelists are a mix of sucessful, established comics/entertainment creators and talent with some new-comers. The common thread is all are putting out product that shows their commuinty in a positive light or have characters that try to break certain stereotypes. As for representing all of any group, its never going to happen. Someone is always going to feel mis- or under-represented.
Every panel is loaded with folks who are there to hype their projects, its why they are there at the convention. If you are looking for a writing seminar or a how-to break in, I believe every major convention has school & seminar tracks in addition to the panel schedule. If you aren’t interested in the panelists’ projects, don’t attend that panel.
I’ve been to several of Michael’s Black Panels, on both coasts. And like I said the room is always so positive the negative reviews puzzle me. One thing I do always notice at the panles, and in the criticisms that follow is that there seems to be some level of expectation by some that they can get a job in the industry simply by attending the panel and asking to get hired. While the panel is a place to inquire about the how’s of breaking in and making it, it is a learning and networking opportunity, it is not a job fair. Nor are you owed a shot based on anything other than your talent, dedication and professionalism.
Elizabeth Mailer
June 29, 2012 - 7:00 pm
Wow, this is a mighty powerful statement!! and how proud you and your family and friends must be of the positive impact you’ve had on the community over these many years.
All best wishes to you, Michael.
I’m a fan!!!!!