Brent Dorian Carpenter
The story of Thugg begins atop Mt. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, where his perfectly preserved frozen body is discovered after 12,000 years in the ice. The ancient African is transported to the prestigious Yancey University in Massachusetts for study, where the head of the Bio-engineering department announces that it is possible to restore him to life utilizing the emerging new science of microrobotics called nanotechnology. Setting this mind-boggling enterprise into motion, it is quickly realized by the university staff that the Kilimanjaroan is unprepared to cope with the shocking circumstances of his resurrection and the realities he faces in 21st Century. Thugg is deeply distrustful of white people, having never seen one in his original lifetime, and thus is paired with the head of YU’s Psychology Department, a brilliant African American named Dr. Quantez Phillips, and his best friend and colleague, Dr. Ruthenia Haynes, head of the Language Department. Together they set out to prove that they can teach this 'caveman' to become a thinking and productive member of modern-day society. They succeed beyond their wildest imaginations. As Thugg’s language skills become increasingly sophisticated, he reveals that he was born a barbarian and ruled as the king of a vast, now extinct African empire. His saga intrigues and inspires all of humanity, especially African Americans, who hold him up as proof that blacks can achieve any goal they set their minds upon. Thugg becomes a global celebrity-a cross between Dr. Martin Luther King and Tupac Shakur. As he becomes increasingly cognizant of the dire plight of the black race, he invokes his royal roots and uses his status to speak out for revolution-a call that has the potential to dramatically alter race relations across the planet, for better or worse, forever. The epic saga plays out against the backdrop of the convoluted love triangle that erupts between Thugg, Dr. Haynes and Dr. Phillips, whose homosexuality is a closely guarded secret. Haynes’ and Phillips’ deep friendship is jeopardized as the two academicians battle each other for Thugg’s affections. And thus, the story examines the paramount issue of homophobia, as well as racism, sexism, ethics, drug and celebrity culture, and the prison/industrial complex, from the unique perspective of an ancient African 12 millennia misplaced from the time period of his birth. Born a barbarian. Died a king. Resurrected as legend. Destined to conquer. The 21st Century Chronicles of Thugg the Barbarian King is a homoerotic ghetto love story between the three most unexpected characters of all time-the latest stunning literary event from the unique bipolar mind of Brent Dorian Carpenter.
