THE BLACK GUY DIES FIRST: BLACK HORROR FROM FODDER TO OSCAR is written like the textbooks I dreamed of when I was in college. Easy to read, well-paced, and humorous, Dr. Robin R. Means Coleman and Mark H. Harris have crafted an in-depth, thoroughly researched volume that dives deep into the history of Black roles in horror cinema. The text is easily accessible and will hook people in, prompting thoughtful dissections and reflection on the evolution of Black roles in horror.

Serving as a strong textual companion piece to the documentary, Horror Noire: A History of Black Horror, THE BLACK GUY DIES FIRST is not limited by time constraints. This gives Coleman and Harris time to cover and expand upon areas that were either not covered or needed further exploration. If you’re familiar with Horror Noire, some of the earlier chapters will feel familiar, but there is still so much to learn. Coleman and Harris leave no stone unturned, and you’ll walk away knowing so much more.

THE BLACK GUY DIES FIRST – THE CHAPTERS

The chapters are separated into different categories, covering movie horror deaths, stereotypes, how Black religion is covered in horror, comedy in horror, and gender and queer identity in Black Horror. Starting from the ’60s up until 2020, Coleman and Harris tackle the early days of Black inclusion from Blackspoitation to hip hop’s influence on the horror of the early 90s to the emergence of “woke” horror. The historical information provided in these breakdowns provides much-needed context that will have readers re-evaluating what they know.

The physical copy of THE BLACK GUY DIES FIRST is stunning. For those with tactile needs, it is printed on slick paper and printed in color ink (which, to me is pretty nice). A lot of care went into the visual look and feel of the text. If concerned about length, the book clocks in at 336 pages. For those looking for text for the classroom specifically, the text is incredibly affordable at $24.99. Each chapter is solid and provides ample discussion-based material, which makes it a good asset both in the classroom and out of the classroom.

FINAL THOUGHTS

THE BLACK GUY DIES FIRST: BLACK HORROR FROM FODDER TO OSCAR is easily one of my favorite non-fiction texts I’ve read in a while. It flows well. It balances humor and wit with seriousness, which makes the reading experience fun while also keeping us engaged and actively learning. And it is incredibly informative for both those familiar and unfamiliar with the evolution of Black horror and general media. The only downside (and it’s not a downside) is that the physical book is so beautifully made that it broke my habit of annotating and highlighting the text. Go and pick up your copy. You won’t regret it.

THE BLACK GUY DIES FIRST: BLACK HORROR FROM FODDER TO OSCAR officially comes out on February 7, 2023. You can purchase the text from a majority of bookselling providers.