Tuesday, May 19, 2009

The Lean, Mean, Two Fisted Machine: WORLD OF HURT



" That’s what it is."


The Grind continues here at PLANET GRIFFIN, and what a grind it has been! To my NEXT 100, I present an interesting little diversion which I stumbled upon during a surfing expedition that caught me by surprise. During the daze of the Grindhouse Era, nothing on film was more powerful (or exploitative) than the Blaxploitation genre of the 70's--- A genre that gave us Pam Grier, Fred Williamson, Jim Kelly, and many other superstars of the era! Of course, in the realm of comics, many of us were relegated to Luke Cage or Black Panther as the paper equivalent. For Columbia S.C. resident JAY POTTS, it would seem that he's determined to make sure the genre lives on in his ongoing webcomic, THE WORLD OF HURT!

The webcomic--- published in strip form and bearing an unmistakable style akin to the likes of old school legends like Alex Raymond, Al Williamson, and Alex Toth--- focuses on the world of Isiah 'Pastor' Hurt, a street fixer ( a cool send up of one of my all time favorite flicks, TROUBLE MAN) who fixes problems that can't be solved by any other means! Potts views the WORLD OF HURT as a comic strip love letter to the Black action films of the 70's heyday, and adds that his focus is not the garishness or the sub-par values the genre was forced to deal with.

To Jay, the genre is bursting at the seams with "... An undeniable edge and raw energy..." A world with limitless storytelling potential... To this, I can obviously attest and agree. After reading and keeping up with the current storyline, 'The Thrill-Seekers', Jay is certainly living up to the edge and raw power with each installment!


PLANET GRIFFIN gives a big thumbs up to Jay Potts and The WORLD OF HURT Online! Support the site and tell'em that PLANET GRIFFIN and THE NEXT 100 sent ya!

2 comments:

Jay Potts said...

Rodbuddah-

Thanks for the shout-out, man! My first review. I feel like I've arrived!

By the way, Trouble Man my absolute favorite movie of the Blaxploitation genre, and it doesn't get nearly enough love. Robert Hooks was utterly smooth and inscrutable as the original "Mr. T." After killing a penthouse full of thugs, he still took the time to change his suit before leaving the scene of the massacre.

Thanks again!

- JEP

Rodbuddah said...

I appreciate it in return, Jay! I think the World of Hurt carries real heat! I've been writing about how the old school era is coming back strong--- your site delivers another coffin nail to the doubters!
Stay connected with us, Jay--- The Summer's just getting started!