A definitive and surprising exploration of the history of Black horror films, after the rising success of Get Out, Candyman, and Lovecraft Country from creators behind the acclaimed documentary, Horror Noire.
The Black Guy Dies First explores the Black journey in modern horror cinema, from the fodder epitomized by Spider Baby to the Oscar-winning cinematic heights of Get Out and beyond. This eye-opening book delves into the themes, tropes, and traits that have come to characterize Black roles in horror since 1968, a year in which race made national headlines in iconic moments from the enactment of the 1968 Civil Rights Act and Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination in April. This timely book is a must-read for cinema and horror fans alike.
The Black Guy Dies First is written in an engaging style that makes it easy for readers to follow along. The authors use plenty of examples and provide context for each film, ensuring that readers who may not be familiar with every movie discussed can still understand the analysis. It is a must-read for horror fans, film scholars, and anyone interested in the intersection of race and popular culture.
The nuanced and insightful analysis of Black horror cinema offered in The Black Guy Dies First is unparalleled by anything else I’ve read. The book sheds light on issues of racism and representation in American society in ways I’ve never even considered. I feel as if it is a book that I will be reading and rereading for years to come.
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