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
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.