A look at African American heroes in comic books

The mutant weather goddess, Ororo Munroe, was born in Harlem, NY but moved back to her mother’s native Africa when she was a small child. She was orphaned at the age of six and was forced to live on the streets of Cairo, Egypt for years. When her mutant ability to control the weather manifested she was worshiped as a god.Hearing the call of Professor X and wanting more from her life, Ororo joined the X-Men leaving Africa to serve a greater good in all of mankind.As the X-Man Storm, she has gone on to be the leader of the team and was married to the Black Panther for a couple years. She has now returned to the X-Men where she plays a prominent role in the running of the team. You can find her in the new X-Men series by Brian Wood which focuses on an all-female group of X-Men.The character appeared in three X-Men movies and was portrayed by Halle Berry. Storm has also been a featured character in every animated incarnation of the X-Men.John Stewart was originally chosen to be the “back-up” Green Lantern for Earth. When Hal Jordan stepped down as Green Lantern, Stewart became the official Green Lantern of space sector 2814. He was the main Green Lantern in Green Lantern (Volume 2) issues 182-200. From time to time his role in the DC Comics universe has changed but he is now back to full Green Lantern status and is appearing in the Green Lantern Corps series.John Stewart, originally created by Dennis O’Neil and Neal Adams in 1971, was the Green Lantern chosen for the “Justice League” animated series which ran for four seasons and is often noted as the most recognizable Green Lantern.From the African nation of Wakanda comes T’Challa, the king of the small and mysterious nation. Imbued with the powers of the Panther God, the Black Panther is not only a political leader but is the spiritual leader of his nation.First appearing in the pages of Fantastic Four #52, the Black Panther was the first African character with super powers in comics. The character defeated the entire Fantastic Four in an attempt to prove his skills and prowess. He then enlisted their aid to save his nation.Soon after meeting the Fantastic Four, the Black Panther met Captain America who suggested he join the Avengers. Making his way to the United States, the Black Panther joined Earth’s Mightiest Heroes where he filled a much needed leadership roll.The Panther has headlined in many series over the years. Most notably the Black Panther series by Christopher Priest which took the character in revolutionary new directions.View the list »
In honor of Black History Month a look at important African American heroes.

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As part of Black History Month the Hollywood Comic Books Examiner looks to see how comic books, an original American art form, changed from a medium dominated by white super heroes where blacks played supporting roles as non-powered civilians to becoming a important part of comic book publishing.

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In 1966, during the height of the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s comic book creators Stan Lee and Jack Kirby did something unheard of in comic books up to that point. In Fantastic Four #52 they introduced the first black super powered hero, the Black Panther. The character comes from the secret African nation of Wakanda so he is not an African American but his presence in the comic books diversified the genre and added a much needed multi-cultural boost to a modern mythology.

Much like when Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier of professional sports, The Black Panther opened the gates for more and more characters of color. The Black Panther was followed in 1969 by the Falcon (Captain America #117) who is considered the first African American super-powered hero. The Falcon comes from Harlem and debuted as a new partner of Captain America and co-headlined Captain America’s comic book for 88 issues at a time when it was considered a tough-sell to have an African American headlining a comic title.

DC Comics soon followed Marvel’s lead with the introductions of many memorable characters. Green Lantern John Stewart has gone on to be one of the most recognizable Green Lanterns due to his appearance on the Justice League cartoon.

Since the 1960s many characters of color have entered the comic book landscape and all publishers have felt their impact. Many have gone on to be featured in other mediums outside of comic books from cartoons to movies.

Unfortunately, the major publishers Marvel Comics and DC Comics still have trouble finding a market for titles headlined by African American heroes. DC Comics made valiant attempts in September 2011 by launching titles headlined by Static and Mister Terrific. Both titles failed to catch on with the readership and were cancelled after eight issues. The medium is ever changing and it won’t be long until a new series starring a hero of color returns to the comic stands.

DC Comics through ComiXology.com is having weekly sales celebrating Black History Month. Be sure to check in weekly as the title hero focused sale changes every Thursday.

View the list
  • From the African nation of Wakanda comes T’Challa, the king of the small and mysterious nation. Imbued with the powers of the Panther God, the Black Panther is not only a political leader but is the spiritual leader of his nation.First appearing in the pages of Fantastic Four #52, the Black Panther was the first African character with super powers in comics. The character defeated the entire Fantastic Four in an attempt to prove his skills and prowess. He then enlisted their aid to save his nation.Soon after meeting the Fantastic Four, the Black Panther met Captain America who suggested he join the Avengers. Making his way to the United States, the Black Panther joined Earth’s Mightiest Heroes where he filled a much needed leadership roll.The Panther has headlined in many series over the years. Most notably the Black Panther series by Christopher Priest which took the character in revolutionary new directions.
  • John Stewart was originally chosen to be the “back-up” Green Lantern for Earth. When Hal Jordan stepped down as Green Lantern, Stewart became the official Green Lantern of space sector 2814. He was the main Green Lantern in Green Lantern (Volume 2) issues 182-200. From time to time his role in the DC Comics universe has changed but he is now back to full Green Lantern status and is appearing in the Green Lantern Corps series.John Stewart, originally created by Dennis O’Neil and Neal Adams in 1971, was the Green Lantern chosen for the “Justice League” animated series which ran for four seasons and is often noted as the most recognizable Green Lantern.
  • The mutant weather goddess, Ororo Munroe, was born in Harlem, NY but moved back to her mother’s native Africa when she was a small child. She was orphaned at the age of six and was forced to live on the streets of Cairo, Egypt for years. When her mutant ability to control the weather manifested she was worshiped as a god.Hearing the call of Professor X and wanting more from her life, Ororo joined the X-Men leaving Africa to serve a greater good in all of mankind.As the X-Man Storm, she has gone on to be the leader of the team and was married to the Black Panther for a couple years. She has now returned to the X-Men where she plays a prominent role in the running of the team. You can find her in the new X-Men series by Brian Wood which focuses on an all-female group of X-Men.The character appeared in three X-Men movies and was portrayed by Halle Berry. Storm has also been a featured character in every animated incarnation of the X-Men.
  • Michael Holt is billed as the “World’s Third Smartest Man”, and began operating as Mister Terrific in 1997 after assuming the role from the original Mister Terrific, Terry Sloane, who was created in 1942.  The new Mister Terrific gained much regard when Geoff Johns wrote him into the JSA series and made him the leader of the team. This version also appeared on the “Justice League” animated series often as the man left in charge of the Watchtower.Revamped in September 2011 by writer Eric Wallace in a new costume designed by Cully Hamner, Mister Terrific received his first ongoing series. The character was portrayed as the head of a multi-billion dollar corporation and was also a world-class Olympic level gymnast. The series failed to catch on with readers, but the character was transported to Earth-2 where the character fell under the control of an evil version of the original Mister Terrific, Terry Sloane.
  • Introduced first as an opponent for Captain America, Sam Wilson quickly turned things around and became Captain America’s most trusted ally. The Falcon received his powers from the Cosmic Cube which allow him to fly through the air and communicate with birds. He is often joined by his falcon Redwing as they patrol the streets of Harlem.Shortly after his debut in Captain America 117, the Falcon co-headlined the Captain America series for 88 issues teaming with Captain America through some of his biggest adventures.The Falcon makes sporadic returns here and there joining the Avengers when they need a helping hand. The character is slated to appear in the upcoming movie "Captain America: The Winter Soldier". The Falcon was also the 'Speed Factor' for Iron Man's Super Hero Squad in the animated series, "Super Hero Squad".
  • The teenage hero was created by Dwayne McDuffie, Robert L. Washington III, and John Paul Leon as part of Milestone Comics line of comics that was distributed by DC Comics. Virgil Hawkins was one of the original stars of Milestone Comics which had a greater representation of minority heroes. Following his introduction in 1993, the character has appeared in several series over the last two decades and has even joined the Teen Titans at DC Comics.Static’s true popularity comes from a Saturday morning animated series, “Static Shock”, which ran four seasons with 52 episodes on the WB Network and Cartoon Network. The electrically powered teen tried to keep a normal life in his hometown of Dakota but often needed to use his powers to help his friends and save the day.
  • The first of the Marvel Comics super heroes to make it to the big screen was none other than the vampire hunting Blade. Played by Wesley Snipes, the Blade movies focused on the character’s roots as someone born with all of a Vampire’s strengths and none of their weaknesses. Through three movies that were followed by a short-lived television series the character gained more popularity outside of comic books than he had in the pages of the Marvel magazines he appeared in. Created by Marv Wolfman and Gene Colan, Blade debuted in Tomb of Dracula #10 (1973), the character has come and gone from the comics making an impact every time he returns.
  • When Superman was seemingly killed by the monster Doomsday, John Henry Irons created a suit of armor to give him the abilities of the Man of Steel and began to patrol the streets of Metropolis to keep the streets safe. When Superman returned John Henry Irons continued to protect the innocent as the hero known as Steel.Created by Louise Simonson and John Bogdanove for the "Reign of the Supermen" story line in 1993 from DC Comics, Steel has gained a lot of popularity in his supporting role as Superman’s ally. He has appeared in several series and was portrayed by Shaquille O’Neil in the “Steel” movie in 1997. Despite the box office failure of the movie the character has become a part of the DC Comics universe and returned in the New 52 Action Comics series by Grant Morrison.
  • Originally Tony “Iron Man” Stark’s personal pilot, Jim “Rhodey” Rhodes was forced to step into the role of Iron Man when personal matters kept Tony Stark from donning the armor. Beginning in Iron Man #168 until Iron Man #191, the man in the armor was Rhodes. He filled the metal shoes admirably and dealt with many menaces that Tony Stark had never faced.Years later, Jim Rhodes was asked to wear the Iron Man armor again. This time the suit was customized more for the former Air Force pilot. Loaded with more weapons, the new suit of armor was called War Machine.The character has headlined at least two War Machine series from Marvel Comics and has been a part of all of the “Iron Man” movies, played by first by Terrence Howard and in the sequels portrayed by Don Cheadle.
  • Victor Stone was a world class athlete who was involved in an accident that left him near death. His scientist father desperate to keep his son alive replaced the damaged parts of his body with robotic parts. The results saved Victor but he was now far more than human. Coming to grips with his new life was tough but Cyborg now fights for the side of good as a member of DC Comics’ Justice League.Created by Marv Wolfman and George Perez to be a member of the New Teen Titans, Cyborg went on to join the Super Friends in the animated series and was the first African American member of that team. He was also one of the original members of the Teen Titans in the animated series of the same name and will appear in the new "Teen Titans Go" series planned for a 2013 release on Cartoon Network.
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, Hollywood Comic Books Examiner

David Suiter, is an avid comic book fan since 1989. A collection in excess of 20,000 comic books. He loves the heroics and the splendor of the characters in an art form that is only restricted by the imagination.

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