Pop culture icon Mr. T is lending his likeness and persona for the first ever Mr. T graphic novel.
The upcoming comic book is authored by Christopher Bunting (Action Man), who spearheaded the project’s initial limited edition run of 4,000 copies in February.
With the advance edition a success, Bunting is confident there is a worldwide audience for the story.
“Since the announcement of Barack Obama as President-elect, plans have apparently been fast-tracked for a black James Bond, a black Doctor Who, a black Captain America,” Bunting explained to AllHipHop.com. “But what’s missing is a real black hero. Mr. T, star of this new graphic novel, is just the man for the job.”
When made aware that such as statement can be construed as this being a new age blaxpoitation project, Bunting clarifies that the book is not only positive, but address serious topics such as sex offenders, domestic abuse, and kidnap.
“Don’t think that we’re simply jumping on the bandwagon,” Bunting stated. “Mohawk Media released a Limited Advance Edition of the Mr. T graphic novel back in February 2008, and it was made clear that this worldwide edition was to follow. One of the great things about Mr. T is because he’s real, we can tackle all kinds of topical and difficult world issues.”
Mr. T himself, who served as executive editor on the project, acknowledges that his persona is perfect for a comic book rendition, and further hopes the novel with cause readers to demand more heroes of color.
“People can relate to Mr. T. They know what he stands for,” Mr. T stated. “T [is] for tender, but if you’re a bad guy, it’s T for tough! Get that message out: give people their own black heroes! I pity the fool who don’t get my book, read it, and enjoy it!”
The Mr. T graphic novel retails for $15.95 at any comic book outlet.
