Graphic Novel Group - The Boondocks Treasury: A Right To Be Hostile

[Arun Hackett]

To start this year of graphic novel discussion, we are going to read a
rather politically active graphic novel called The Boondocks: A right
to be hostile by Aaron McGruder. This book is a collected treasury of
the controversial newspaper strip, starting the story involving two
contrasting brothers, Huey , an anti-government, Black rights activist
who loves star wars and hates bad churned out African American
comedies, and Riley Freeman, his complete opposite who idolises
rappers and likes to call himself ‘Esco Freeman’. Both these brothers
move to a white suburb with their grandfather, leading to many an
interesting interaction with the neighbours.

The newspaper strip was famous for its exploration of what many would
call ‘off-limits’ subject matter. This came across in many forms such
as taking an 'unpatriotic view' towards the 9/11 attack, BET and its
insulting representation of the African-American community and at one
point, when commenting on certain individuals comparing George Bush to
Hitler, Huey saying that this is outrageous as “Hitler was
democratically elected by his people”.

The comic itself had circulation in around 300 newspapers (at many
points, many papers also rejected certain strips), has spawned 3
collections of the complete run and spawned a cartoon that ran for 3
series.

I am also pleased to say that during this meeting we will be (drum
roll please)..... ELECTING THE GRAPHIC NOVELS FOR THE NEXT YEAR!!! We
have already had some suggestions but nothing will be set in stone
until the next meeting, in which we will discuss it at the end. This
would be a perfect time for new members who haven't been sure when
they could start coming because you will get the opportunity to
contribute to the group's reading for the next year (& beyond).

Please bring some money for food if you are interested (£5
recommended) and a donation for the Madlab, the place at which our
lovely group takes place.

Hope to see you there!!!