by David F Walker | May 9, 2026 | News & Updates
An antislavery novel written by Harriet Beecher Stowe, UNCLE TOM’S CABIN; OR, LIFE AMONG THE LOWLY, was first published in 1852. It was a bestseller, as well as one of the most popular works of 19th century American literature, and it help foster a growing antislavery sentiment in the years leading up the American Civil War. By the 1860s, numerous live stage adaptations began to appear, none of which were approved by Stowe. Live performances of UNCLE TOM’S CABIN were among the most popular theatrical productions in America throughout the second half of the 1800s, and with the advent of motion pictures, it was only a matter of time before version of UNCLE TOM’S CABIN showed up on film. Between 1903 and 1927 there were nine film versions of Stowe’s book, six of which starred white actors in blackface as Uncle Tom. In reality, none of these films were inspired by the original book, but were instead derived for the numerous stage productions, all of which had done away with Stowe’s abolitionist message, and all re-imagined Uncle Tom as the docile slave committed to pleasing his owner, which was a drastically different from the character in the book.
To learn more about movie adaptations of UNCLE TOM’S CABIN, check out my new book Black Film: A History of Black Representation and Participation in the Movies will be released by Ten Speed Press on March 24, 2026. You can pre-order the book here.
by David F Walker | May 9, 2026 | News & Updates
I just wanted to share with all of you this advertisement for Jaguar Jackson’s B.A.M.F. Combat Academy. This is an ad that will appear in the upcoming one-shot comic The Monster of Blackenstyne (not to be confused with Blackenstein). That’s right…this comic will be more than just a comic, it will be an immersive experience that will forever change your life!
by David F Walker | May 9, 2026 | News & Updates
At long last, I am pleased to share the not-quite-final design for the cover of The Monster of Blackenstyne (not to be confused with Blackenstein). This amazing work of art is by the one and only Joe Jusko, and I am honored to have him be a part of this creative journey. I knew that this comic needed an incredibly iconic image for the cover, but I never really thought that it would have something this monumentally badass.
The Monster of Blackenstyne (not to be confused with Blackenstein) is a one-shot comic that will serve as an introduction to your new favorite monster. The comic includes a full-color, 24-page story drawn by Marcelo Di Chiara and colored by Pedro Estouco (see sample page above), as well as a bonus pin-up gallery. There will be a crowdfunding campaign starting next month, as well as an art contest to find artists to include in the pin-up gallery (details on the Kickstarter campaign and the art contest coming soon).
by David F Walker | May 9, 2026 | News & Updates
Founded by Richard Norman, and based out of Jacksonville, Florida, the Norman Film Manufactuting Company was one of the first while-owned production companies to start making race films following the release of DW Griffith’s The Birth of a Nation in 1915. Also known as Norman Studios, the production company made several notable race films between 1916 and 1928, including The Crimson Skull and The Flying Ace. Norman is perhaps best remembered for the 1921 film The Bull-Dogger, which featured world famous cowboy and rodeo star Bill Pickett.
by David F Walker | May 9, 2026 | News & Updates
We’re one day away from debuting the cover of the one-shot comic book The The Monster of Blackenstyne (not to be confused with Blackenstein), but for now, I want to share a few other special images. In addition to the 24-page story, the comic book will feature a bonus gallery of pin-ups by an incredible line-up of artists.
BUT WAIT!!! THERE’S MORE!!! I’m going to be hosting an art contest to find more pin-ups to include in the comic. And yes, there will also be cash prizes. Look for more about the art contest as well as the crowdfunding campaign for The Monster of Blackenstyne (not to be confused with Blackenstein) in the coming weeks.
