The Black Guy Dies First

Black Horror Cinema from Fodder to Oscar

By: Robin R. Means Coleman, Mark H. Harris

Narrated by: Jaime Lincoln Smith

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.

Excellent reference book for black horror/horror

I loved this book. The lists are great to go back to and for the serious horror lover to use as a jumping off point. I look forward to an updated version 5 years from now when a whole chapter can be devoted to the masterpiece that Attack the Block 2 will surely be. Seriously though, the authors do a great job of talking about serious subjects, historical context, and race relations both in and out of horror cinema.

An Informative Look In Our Culture

This book broke down everything you want to know about Black Horror or Horror as a whole. It answered what the term Spook means as well as takes you on a ride into movies that are changing the genre. The list of iconic Black Horror movies is worth the price alone. I loved this book and I can’t wait to see what Black Horror’s Future has in store for us

Loved every minute of this!

This is a great deep dive into the contributions of black actors, screenwriter, and directors in horror. The narration is engaging, and I found myself jotting down the movies that I haven't seen before.

So Much To Absorb!

This book gave me everything when it comes to African Americans in the horror genre. Lists upon lists with parts broken down by section about the roles and tropes of Black people in horror movies.

It was refreshing since most of these movies I’ve seen and had some of the same opinions when it comes to how we are perceived within the horror genre.

I am so getting the hard copy of this.

Interesting!

Very insightful. The introduction of fodder to Oscar had me hooked at the onset. Jamie Smith narrative voice was clear and witty at times. So spot on for the content.