The Boondocks comic strip, created by Aaron McGruder is the only place in any media outlet where I have encountered fair and balanced reporting, not to mention good “yo momma” jokes.

The comic strip depicts life and our current world from the perspective of two young brothas Huey Freeman and his brother Riley, who have moved from the city to live with their Grandfather in the deep suburbs with streets named “Timid Deer Lane”. Since its print debut in 1997 in the University of Maryland’s student newspaper, the characters have discussed and encountered many topics; our current President and his administration, distorted patriotism, Kobe Bryant, P. Diddy, race relations, BET, our desire to cater entertainment to our most ignorant folks, and, again, good “yo momma” jokes.

What separates the Boondocks from other comic strips is the funny and insightful way today’s relevant issues are reflected, he breaks down events so you really “get it”. Aaron McGruder’s degree in African American studies from the University of Maryland serves him well. He calls on his knowledge of our people in subtle ways. For instance, check the name he gave his main character. Huey Freeman combines the names of two highly political figures, Huey P. Newton of the Black Panther Party, and Dan Freeman the subject of the classic book & movie “The Spook Who Sat by the Door”. Or as Media Assassin Harry Allen pointed out in the foreword of the first Boondocks book, “Because I know You Don’t Read the Newspapers”, the balance achieved, by having the future, the past, and the present of black thought, history and perspective represented through the two young characters and their grandfather is near genius. The writing shows an instinctive understanding of the history of Black people in this country and the dynamic that goes with it. It is some of the most sophisticated, relevant, and humorous art to date.

The strip has many fans from Tavis Smiley to Michael Moore, who wrote the foreword for the latest Boondock’s book, “a RIGHT to be HOSTILE” due on bookshelves on September 23rd. If you want to read something funny that doesn’t insult your intelligence, go out and cop the book or subscribe online. The strip is currently found in Newsday and NY Daily News. DJO