What do you think?
Rate this book
Your Black Friend and Other Strangers
Your Black Friend and Other Strangers is a collection of culturally charged comics by cartoonist Ben Passmore, including the Eisner Award nominated and Ignatz Award-winning "Your Black Friend," named one of NPR's 100 favorite comics of all time in 2017. Passmore masterfully tackles comics about race, gentrification, the prison system, online dating, gross punks, bad street art, kung fu movie references, beating up God, and lots of other grown-up stuff with refreshing doses of humor and lived relatability. The comics in this 112-page collection include works previously published by The Nib, VICE, and the As You Were anthology, along with brand new and unreleased material. These comics are essential, humorous, and accessible, told through Passmore's surreal lens in the vibrant full-color hues of New Orleans.
119 pages, Hardcover
First published April 15, 2018
About the author
Ben Passmore
20 books140 followersBen lives in Philly. His comics are about crime, monsters, anarchism, sexual dysfunction, police brutality, art theory, and his feels. Author of DAYGLOAYHOLE, Goodbye, and Your Black Friend.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 255 reviews
May 19, 2018
A mixed bag. The title story is pretty amazing, and when the author stays on politics and racial issues the other stories are pretty decent and thought provoking. But then some real crap fantasy/weirdo stories are shoehorned in, and the whole thing is in desperate need of a proofreader to fix the numerous and distracting grammar and spelling errors (and, no, I'm not referring to the obvious use of dialect in the word balloons).
August 21, 2018
There is so much good content in this - although you may have to swim through mass amounts of erotically confusing art to get to it. I took pictures while reading this since I found myself needing three or four reads to understand something.
April 17, 2018
I'm a rabid Ben Passmore fan, so I've seen most of the collected material (although almost everything contained in this collection has been colorized), but I love having it all in one place. For me, the most powerful pieces are those done for The Nib (and, of course, the titular comic).
A theme running throughout is that the world is a deeply flawed place courtesy of its deeply flawed inhabitants, but it is surprisingly not a bleak book. Passmore is able to weave humor throughout, but it doesn't undercut the sometimes uncomfortable truths that, for instance, maybe peaceful marches and theatric protests are not enough to cause real change.
I should also mention that the drawing is what initially drew me to Passmore's comics. Much like Liz Suburbia's current output, it's full of active rubbery, cartoony characters drawn in an incredibly compelling style (with a unique pink & purple heavy color palette).
A theme running throughout is that the world is a deeply flawed place courtesy of its deeply flawed inhabitants, but it is surprisingly not a bleak book. Passmore is able to weave humor throughout, but it doesn't undercut the sometimes uncomfortable truths that, for instance, maybe peaceful marches and theatric protests are not enough to cause real change.
I should also mention that the drawing is what initially drew me to Passmore's comics. Much like Liz Suburbia's current output, it's full of active rubbery, cartoony characters drawn in an incredibly compelling style (with a unique pink & purple heavy color palette).
May 10, 2018
(4.5 stars) What wild and wonderful comics are contained in this collection. The artistry is beyond. And the messages are so important.
July 24, 2018
A graphic essay collection; a mixed bag. Some, like the title essay are truly brilliant; some are good, some are ok , a few are just confusing. Get it for the title essay, pick & choose around the rest.
November 27, 2023
I wanted to like this so much more. There's some interesting history and social anecdotes throughout, but he never fully leans into it and otherwise it's a lot of zaniness and sexual escapades that feel out of place. While I love kooky reads and social justice, this felt like a confusing mix that didn't find its stride.
May 12, 2020
This has a lot of food for thought. Activism is a big part of the book--a collection of graphic short stories.
I never questioned Black Lives Matter, but he does have a point about what a different statement that is compared to Black Power. That story especially really got me thinking about methods of activism. We need a revolution... and must be willing to take bold steps.
I never questioned Black Lives Matter, but he does have a point about what a different statement that is compared to Black Power. That story especially really got me thinking about methods of activism. We need a revolution... and must be willing to take bold steps.
April 28, 2018
Omg what a frikn bonanza pls read this gorgeous explosive hunk of a book immediately
November 25, 2022
"Silver Sprocket #84"
HEAVY PRAISE below but:
This desperately needs footnotes and/or backmatter because he assumes that the reader knows too much about what he's talking about. It's a classic case of acronymirresponsibility (which includes groups like "Antifa"). He's old enough to know that many of us don't want to constantly pick up our phone to look stuff up.
Then there were the shorts that he said in his prefix "These comics won't make total sense to anyone other than a particular group of sweaty punks who know how to claw hammer but won't admit it..."- they didn't make any sense to me.
But aside from the ->superpunk OG<- stuff, there are gems in here that were tremendously interesting, entertaining, and educational to the point that I regard this as an important read!
His viewpoint is one that needs to be widely recognized -not marginalized- in this medium because there is so much for so many to learn about what it's like to not be white. No matter how many black friends one has, they aren't in the habit of schooling about such things since it's a huge "can of worms" subject dealing with an omnipresence that's voluminous and emotionally heavy for them to express.
So think of how they feel about whites crying to each other about anything that threatens what they have come to believe as "fair" and the general lack of patience to hear it the other way around- the same as those unaware of feminequality- like when you hear some yahoo saying "how great it must be to be a black woman these days". It makes me nauseous recollecting that I've heard that more than once.
I see immediately that I'll need to stop here. A huge lecture is about to pour out and I'm not going to try to make it sound "acceptable" enough for the standards of this forum or police the "political correctness" of my terminology because, since I've always been surrounded by the affluent whites within a predominately black city ≉due to the segregation caused by the schooling system≉ and was one of the few of us who associated outside of that cocoon more than superficially, the disparity has always shocked and appalled me to the point of preachworthiness. Through friendships and active interest in non-white culture (other than what's referenced in rap music of course), I'm lucky enough to be able to "check myself" in terms of what advantages I unfairly have and point out such things to others. Leave a comment if you want to talk about it.
But forget about me- this contains the kind of rhetoric that needs to be read widespread. Sure, he pushes for harsh revolution and swings a heavy hand with his political stances, but one doesn't need to agree with his severity to see the necessities that he's fighting for. You needn't be a liberal anarchist to want the same things to change.
HEAVY PRAISE below but:
This desperately needs footnotes and/or backmatter because he assumes that the reader knows too much about what he's talking about. It's a classic case of acronymirresponsibility (which includes groups like "Antifa"). He's old enough to know that many of us don't want to constantly pick up our phone to look stuff up.
Then there were the shorts that he said in his prefix "These comics won't make total sense to anyone other than a particular group of sweaty punks who know how to claw hammer but won't admit it..."- they didn't make any sense to me.
But aside from the ->superpunk OG<- stuff, there are gems in here that were tremendously interesting, entertaining, and educational to the point that I regard this as an important read!
His viewpoint is one that needs to be widely recognized -not marginalized- in this medium because there is so much for so many to learn about what it's like to not be white. No matter how many black friends one has, they aren't in the habit of schooling about such things since it's a huge "can of worms" subject dealing with an omnipresence that's voluminous and emotionally heavy for them to express.
So think of how they feel about whites crying to each other about anything that threatens what they have come to believe as "fair" and the general lack of patience to hear it the other way around- the same as those unaware of feminequality- like when you hear some yahoo saying "how great it must be to be a black woman these days". It makes me nauseous recollecting that I've heard that more than once.
I see immediately that I'll need to stop here. A huge lecture is about to pour out and I'm not going to try to make it sound "acceptable" enough for the standards of this forum or police the "political correctness" of my terminology because, since I've always been surrounded by the affluent whites within a predominately black city ≉due to the segregation caused by the schooling system≉ and was one of the few of us who associated outside of that cocoon more than superficially, the disparity has always shocked and appalled me to the point of preachworthiness. Through friendships and active interest in non-white culture (other than what's referenced in rap music of course), I'm lucky enough to be able to "check myself" in terms of what advantages I unfairly have and point out such things to others. Leave a comment if you want to talk about it.
But forget about me- this contains the kind of rhetoric that needs to be read widespread. Sure, he pushes for harsh revolution and swings a heavy hand with his political stances, but one doesn't need to agree with his severity to see the necessities that he's fighting for. You needn't be a liberal anarchist to want the same things to change.
Read
February 13, 2019*I am not assigning star ratings in 2019 as a personal experiment*
This collection definitely started out strong for me and then didn't end as strongly. However, I also acknowledge some of the stories went over my head, and I probably just didn't understand them. The art was not quite my personal style, which probably didn't help, but the dialogue and content was great.
This collection definitely started out strong for me and then didn't end as strongly. However, I also acknowledge some of the stories went over my head, and I probably just didn't understand them. The art was not quite my personal style, which probably didn't help, but the dialogue and content was great.
January 22, 2019
An inconsistent collection of short comic essays, but when it is good it is very very good.
March 14, 2021
I really struggled to finish this one. So many stories I really liked and the imagery was awesome. Others, I just lost interest or maybe couldn’t keep up? It got weird. Real weird.
December 21, 2020
Passmore accomplished beautifully and cleverly what he set out to do. There are a number of stories and lines that will be sticking with me for a long while, including the excellent titular story. I will especially be thinking about how he phrased the difference between Black Power and Black Lives Matter; "Unlike 'Black Power,' which celebrates black self-determination, 'Black Lives Matter' is a call-to-action for police, the government, and all white people to facilitate black empowerment. I can make Black Power on my own, but to matter to white people I have to rely on them."
The book also reminded me of my punk days and, for the first time in a long time, not in a bad way. Reminded me why I did it, and why it's vital I do more.
The book also reminded me of my punk days and, for the first time in a long time, not in a bad way. Reminded me why I did it, and why it's vital I do more.
March 26, 2021
A very mixed bag of short pieces initially published in zines or alternative comix. Most are in color (even if the originals were not). They are pretty raw and un-edited, and have a punk feel, as one would expect for zines. I very much prefer Passmore's work on BTTM FDRS .
June 5, 2019
Am I too old to be into Ben Passmore like I am? I'm pretty sure I'm not the target audience, but he's punk, funny, and a great artist … his work reminds me some of Lynda Barry and Pete Bagge and it's just terrific. He tackles everything about today, and about his life as a black punker. Some of the content was super deep, which isn't usually my thing, but Passmore's not a condescending jerk about it (thanks man!), and his great storytelling style kept me trying to keep up. He definitely balances it out with stuff even a caveman can get (HAW HAW HAW!, aw poor dumb caveman.)
READ BEN PASSMORE!
READ BEN PASSMORE!
January 4, 2020
This was a very interesting book to read but I didn't understand most of the comics. The lettering was so small at times that I couldn't make out the words. The art itself is surreal and attention grabbing. My favorites were:
Your Black Friend
Take Em Down
Ally I Need is Love
The message of some of the comics came across loud and clear but the others felt like noise that I couldn't make out.
Your Black Friend
Take Em Down
Ally I Need is Love
The message of some of the comics came across loud and clear but the others felt like noise that I couldn't make out.
October 13, 2018
Powerful synthesis of a lot contemporary racial and political problems, as told through the perspective of history, comedy, and philosophical inquiry. Totally unique, and helpful (at least for me in being a better ally).
April 22, 2018
Ben Passmore has been one of my favorite artists for a while since I started seeing him on The Nib. This collection has a lot of his work and is definitely worth picking up.
August 26, 2020
Everyone seems to be calling this collection "a mixed bag", and I'd agree with that. Very reminiscent of R.Crumb, both the art and much of the content being stream of consciousness and generally alternative.
Two particular pieces: "Take 'Em Down" and "Whose Free Speech?" are excellent, especially today.
Even though I don't agree with the author's anarchist philosophy (I believe peaceful protest is the only winning solution, see John Lewis' amazing March: Book One), he's presenting multiple perspectives that need to be a part of the conversation. It's a lot more real for some parts of the left, and they have a right to be angry.
The titular "Your Black Friend" was probably more impactful when it was first released, and although a lot of it still stings, there's also a few perceived micro-aggressions that I think weaken the other points.
"It's Not About You" is good perspective on nonbinary pronouns, and there are one or two philosophical gems amid the random chaff, but the rest of this collection drops off in quality pretty sharply. An average-based rating would be much lower, but I gotta give props: he's doing something --a lot actually: traveling across the country with basically no money, to protest and talk to people.
Two particular pieces: "Take 'Em Down" and "Whose Free Speech?" are excellent, especially today.
Even though I don't agree with the author's anarchist philosophy (I believe peaceful protest is the only winning solution, see John Lewis' amazing March: Book One), he's presenting multiple perspectives that need to be a part of the conversation. It's a lot more real for some parts of the left, and they have a right to be angry.
The titular "Your Black Friend" was probably more impactful when it was first released, and although a lot of it still stings, there's also a few perceived micro-aggressions that I think weaken the other points.
"It's Not About You" is good perspective on nonbinary pronouns, and there are one or two philosophical gems amid the random chaff, but the rest of this collection drops off in quality pretty sharply. An average-based rating would be much lower, but I gotta give props: he's doing something --a lot actually: traveling across the country with basically no money, to protest and talk to people.
February 3, 2024
Like everyone else here says, this book is a mixed bag. The stories on race were well-spoken and thought provoking, and I loved all the jabs against Trump, personally. Many of the other stories were hard to understand and I couldn't figure out how they related to the theme of the book, outside of the fact that they were punk. The typos annoyed me (not the ones communicating dialect - things like they're/their). Loved the color palettes, but I thought the text was really small. I will say, this book was definitely meant to be a graphic novel, given all the scenery and timeline changes that were only communicated through pictures - I enjoyed that aspect of it.
July 13, 2019
This collection of short comics from Ben Passmore is absolutely worth a read. A few of the comics weren't specific to my taste (I think mostly because I lacked context for a few of them), but some of them were truly fantastic, so overall it was more than worth it.
My favourites in the collection were Your Black Friend, It's Not About You, A Letter From a Stone Mountain Jail, Take Em Down, Whose Free Speech?, and Mrsa + Billy. I also really enjoyed reading the introduction.
My favourites in the collection were Your Black Friend, It's Not About You, A Letter From a Stone Mountain Jail, Take Em Down, Whose Free Speech?, and Mrsa + Billy. I also really enjoyed reading the introduction.
April 15, 2022
Your black friend is presented as an open letter from "your black friend". It is indeed a 10 pages comic book in which a black character explains racism to... the readers from a black male perspective. It's also a lot of texts, some of the texts overpower the images and the page.
Sometimes funny, it is clear and relatively brief for such a nuanced question without trying to be exhaustive. I liked the parts about black male beauty and black hair.
Sometimes funny, it is clear and relatively brief for such a nuanced question without trying to be exhaustive. I liked the parts about black male beauty and black hair.
May 15, 2021
Such a fun and trippy book! Then it makes an impact.
The political parts of the book is very on point and thought provoking and the real trippy internalised stories made me laugh out loud.
The book is not for the softhearted and I found myself drawn in by the darker tone that permeates this book after a second reading.
The political parts of the book is very on point and thought provoking and the real trippy internalised stories made me laugh out loud.
The book is not for the softhearted and I found myself drawn in by the darker tone that permeates this book after a second reading.
December 31, 2022
The art is great, the politics is right on, the philosophy is confusing and it’s 100% punk. But, you know, hanging out with your black friend, it can get awkward. I liked the insects, the images of New Orleans, and the pedi-cab story most of all. Also the occupy chicken who eats chicken, that’s so true.
October 12, 2023
Compilation of Passmore's comics. Kind of like a Creepshow movie, if it had some news reporting from anti-racist protests thrown in. A lot of these are pretty out there. I'd say “GoodBye or the State of Nature: a Comik” is the most difficult to get my head around. It's hard to pick a favorite out of all of these stories. A Pantomime Horse I is an incredible combo of a mysterious story, surrealism, weird art, & real emotions. I loved the twist in The 100% True story called Ally I Need is Love. The title story is the most cringey (appropriately). Passmore is great at creating characters that are just barely concealing some feral nature. Many of these stories need to be re-read a couple times
Read
December 18, 2018"Your Black Friend" was definitely 5 stars. I hate to admit it, but like many of the other reviewers, I thought that Passmore's best stories were the ones that addressed race. And that may have more to do with my interests than his writing but... *shrugs*
February 12, 2021
From the introduction:
"I'm conscious of a self-satisfied mentality that people (myself included) approach these types of 'political' works with. We're in an age of political edifice on the streets...and because our politics fail to be dangerous to our oppressors, so does our expectations of art."
Your Black Friend and Other Strangers is a collection of short comics on police brutality, microaggressions, art, race, culture, policing. Each comic is unique. Some are just a page, some are several. Some of my favorites from the collection: "Your Black Friend" & "It's Not About You."
"I'm conscious of a self-satisfied mentality that people (myself included) approach these types of 'political' works with. We're in an age of political edifice on the streets...and because our politics fail to be dangerous to our oppressors, so does our expectations of art."
Your Black Friend and Other Strangers is a collection of short comics on police brutality, microaggressions, art, race, culture, policing. Each comic is unique. Some are just a page, some are several. Some of my favorites from the collection: "Your Black Friend" & "It's Not About You."
June 12, 2024
The first story was great but this one went downhill from there for me. I kept waiting for one of the many other remaining stories to grab my interest but alas. Lots of misspellings …wasn’t sure whether that was on purpose or not.
July 2, 2018
This is an interesting mix of thoughtful pieces about politics, mostly about race, and some more abstract B&W pieces and deliberately over the top stories. Ben Passmore is an artist to look out for.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 255 reviews