The Boondocks

The Boondocks.  Heard of it?  Probably not.  It's been in syndicated newspapers for quite a few years now.  Created by Aaron McGruder (that's him above with his creations.) as a comic strip, it made it's debut last night as a cartoon on The Cartoon Network's (adult swim) programming schedule at 11pm on Sundays.  Check out the website for more info about THE BOONDOCK'S.  The site says this about the show, "When Robert 'Granddad' Freeman becomes legal guardian of his grandkids, he moves them from the south side of Chicago to the quiet and safety of the suburbs.  Huey and Riley Freeman may torture each other and provoke the neighborhood, but they are no match for Granddad, who's eccentric even by "crazy-ass-old-black-man" standards."

The first episode followed the brilliance and in your face style of McGruder.  Told through the eyes of Huey Freeman.  A 10 yr. old African-American kid who could be described as a future revolutionary, present day pessimist and intellectual terrorist.  He makes white people feel as awkward as possible and is always trying to stick it to the man.  His little brother is a gangsta wannabe.  Granddad, the cranky old realist.

This isn't just an anti-white thing.  McGruder takes on all ethnicity's, quite often his own, religions, classes, etc.  He uses the innocence of children to point out the ridiculous and crazy state of affairs in this world.  Often making us look at ourselves in the process.  Yeah, it's no kid's cartoon.  It's powerful stuff.  He still manages to use plenty of humor to tell his story.  So, tune in.  Better yet, pick up one of the trade paperbacks.  There's a link over there in my "Hot Comics" section.  You'll thank me later.

I know what you're thinking.  "Oh, this is Jimmy thinking he's black again."  I'm Filipino and Irish.  Perhaps, BLACK Irish!  Sure, there are many aspects of the so called black lifestyle that I follow, adopt and live by.  Music, culture, clothing, films, etc.  But, it's not about color.  It's about soul.  And like my man, James Brown,  I'm super bad!  So, eat it suckas! 

Comments

[Joe]

I just watched the first episode. I did enjoy it. I laughed out loud several times. I'm not sure of his choice of "manga" style art. I would have gone in a different direction. Also, the voices for the kids were "so-so" in its choice. I'll keep watching it, because I like the content. I'm a big fan of the comic strip!

[jessica]

I think you're looking for "suckaz."

Just a thought.