The author, Mat Johnson, is an African-American who, due to his light skin, was able to be perceived as a white person.

Fearing that his brother will be lynched before given a chance to clear his name, Zane decides to go on one final investigation to free him, and brings along a friend who hopes to assume his job after he retires.

[2] Nisi Shawl of the Seattle Times wrote that "with its savvy comments on racial politics and privilege, Incognegro is a valiant and successful effort to redeem the past without rewriting it".

[4] Charles Solomon of the San Francisco Chronicle wrote that Incognegro' "portrayal of a savage chapter in the history of race relations in the United States reflects the growing diversity and maturity of the graphic novel".

[3] A prequel series Incognegro: Renaissance[6] also written by Mat Johnson, was published by Berger Books (imprint of Dark Horse Comics) from February 2018 until June 2018.