Mexican comic book irks African-Americans

HOUSTON, July 8 (UPI) -- African-American activists are demanding that a Wal-Mart store in Houston remove a popular Mexican comic book that they see as insulting and racist.

The latest issue of Memin Pinquin incensed some shoppers because the main character in the long-running series is a black boy with a face that has ape-like characteristics.

"I said, wait a minute: Is this a monkey or a little black boy?" shopper Shawnedria McGinty told the Houston Chronicle after she saw the comic book while shopping. "I was so upset. This is 2008."

Houston activist Quanell X called it "a disgrace" and held a rally Monday demanding the comic book's removal.

While Wal-Mart said Memin Pinquin was off the shelves Monday night, the Chronicle said Tuesday its reporters found it on sale at other Wal-Mart stores in the city.