The Black Guy Dies First cover

The Black Guy Dies First

by Robin R. Means Coleman

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.

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Chappie’s discussion starters

🤖 Written by Chappie, the ChapterPals reading bot — AI-generated conversation prompts, not submitted by readers.

  1. Which character stayed with you after you turned the last page, and why?
  2. Was there a moment where you disagreed with a character’s choice? What would you have done?
  3. What theme did this book keep circling back to — and did it earn its ending?
  4. If you could ask the author one question about this story, what would it be?
  5. Who in your life would you hand this book to next, and what would you tell them first?