I had the good fortune to help CBR’s Jonah Weiland with an interview he conducted recently with Chuck D and Adam Wallenta about their upcoming Public Enemy comic book series. I’ve been a huge PE fan since my friend, Mike, played “Yo, Bum Rush The Show” for me back in my freshman year of college in the late 80s. Since Chuck D is right at the top of the list of people I’d like to meet but would become totally vapor-locked if I actually did, I’m stoked to have had a chance to help out with this piece.

Chuck D explained that the Marvel Comics “Public Enemy” comic never got off the ground due to editorial changes at the company, but ultimately he’s happy how it’s all worked out. “This way with Adam Wallenta, it is a focused ‘labor of love’ 100% dedicated to our direction with little corporate intervention,” explained Chuck.

Wallenta said he’s been captivated by the work of Public Enemy from day one and it was the following rap by Chuck D from Public Enemy’s first album, “Yo, Bum Rush The Show,” that convinced him the band’s image would work well in comic form.

Turn the winter into summer - then from hot to cold
xpand my power on the hour - make you all behold
From the slammer swing a hammer like the Mighty Thor
God of Thunder, you’ll go under - then you’ll all applaud
And fathom that distance, that the mad must reap
Meet Namor sea lord - Prince of the deep
Here for you to fear at any cost
Tellin you to get busy or you better get lost
Livin’ lives civilized from the lessons I taught
Cities buried underground just because I went off
My friends, enemies - better be my friend
Is the question people guessin’ is this the end?
End of the world - are you guessin’ yes?
Just say and don’t delay it - get it off your chest
Houses of crack - I’ve seen too much
I go ready - aim - fire - then I’ll blow ‘em up

“I can remember I was actually reading Thor when I heard that,” said Wallenta. “Their lyrics were raw and powerful and contained action, adventure, political intrigue and a positive message. Much like my favorite comic book characters, the members of Public Enemy were outcasts in society trying to fight the good fight. Their music has a positive message that people from all backgrounds can relate to. They speak out against oppression, poverty, racism and fight corrupt governments, corporations and drug pushers. Even their names, Chuck D, Flavor Flav, Professor Griff and Terminator X sounded like names from a comic book. It just always seemed like a natural fit. When I read that Chuck was a big comic fan, it all made sense to me.

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