Staff Picks
Black Superheroes (2022 Update)
- Thomas M.
- Wednesday, February 16, 2022
Collection
Following 2019's list of Comics With Black Protagonists, here are some recent releases featuring black superheroes. Some are from big, established universes, while others star in their own fantasy series.
Naomi. Issue 1-6, Season One.
Published in 2019
DC's biggest, newest mystery starts here! When a fight between Superman and Mongul crashes into a small Northwestern town, Naomi begins to uncover the last time a super-powered person visited her home-and how that might tie into her own origins and adoption. Follow Naomi's journey on a quest that will take her to the heart of the DC Universe and unfold a universe of ideas and stories that have never been seen before. Join writers Brian Michael Bendis and David Walker and breakout artist Jamal Campbell in Wonder Comics' massively ambitious new series and star...Naomi.
Naomi. Season One
Published in 2019
"When a fight between Superman and Mongul crashes into a small northwestern town, a local teenager named Naomi starts looking into what happened the last time a super-being visited her hometown--and how that visit might tie into her own origins as an adopted child. But Naomi's seemingly harmless curiosity exposes more than just her family's startling secrets--it attracts the attention of forces that could threaten the Earth itself! Learning the truth about her heritage will turn Naomi's life upside down. Can she learn to control her uncanny new abilities and come to terms with her strange new place in the world before it's too late?"-- Back cover.
Shadowman Book 1. Issue 1-4
Published in 2021
The forces of darkness are awakening and they are hungry for life. Jack Boniface, a.k.a. Shadowman, faces the terrors that tear at the fabric of humanity's world. As the forces of darkness pry open doorways across the nation, the Shadowman will make a cross-country descent into horror... as something far more sinister emerges from the shadows. From the bestselling master of horror Cullen Bunn (Venom) and bone-chilling artist Jon Davis-Hunt (Clean Room) comes a shocking supernatural odyssey!
Hardears
Published in 2021
Barbadian folklore meets superheroes in this Afro-Caribbean fantasy adventure story. Hardears is an Afro-Caribbean fantasy-adventure graphic novel by Matthew Clarke and Nigel Lynch. The story takes place in an alternative world on Jouvert Island; a magical analog of the island of Barbados and begins when a superstorm of unprecedented strength obliterates the island, leaving it totally defenseless. As the island reels from the devastation, Mr. Harding, the head of the Merchant Guild, charges in and promises to rebuild the economy of the island by creating jobs in his giant corporation. However, it's soon discovered that Harding is a parasite and is capturing people from the island and using their life essence or vibes to feed his factories. Bolo, a local hero, saves his love Zahrah from Hardin and cronies but the lovers are then framed as rebels against the state. The state has been compromised by the factories and the workers who know the truth about Harding must go into hiding. If Bolo, Zahrah, and their allies don't take down Harding and the corrupt government, all will be lost. Together, they must find the strength of their island and ancestors to fight the evil forces that have taken over their homeland.
Hardears
Published in 2021
Hardears is an Afro-Caribbean fantasy-adventure graphic novel by Matthew Clarke and Nigel Lynch. The story takes place in an alternative world on Jouvert Island; a magical analog of the island of Barbados and begins when a superstorm of unprecedented strength obliterates the island, leaving it totally defenseless. As the island reels from the devastation, Mr. Harding, the head of the Merchant Guild, charges in and promises to rebuild the economy of the island by creating jobs in his giant corporation. However, it's soon discovered that Harding is a parasite and is capturing people from the island and using their life essence or vibes to feed his factories. Bolo, a local hero, saves his love Zahrah from Harding and cronies but the lovers are then framed as rebels against the state. The state has been compromised by the factories and the workers who know the truth about Harding must go into hiding. If Bolo, Zahrah, and their allies don't take down Harding and the corrupt government, all will be lost. Together, they must find the strength of their island and ancestors to fight the evil forces that have taken over their homeland.
Future State
Wonder Woman
Published in 2021
"Who is Wonder Woman? Future State: Wonder Woman follows the stories of three wonder-filled women, Maria Flor, Nubia, and Diana Prince. Maria Flor will face off against the forces of hell, while Nubia leads a squad of Amazons far from Paradise Island. And Diana Prince is ready to fight for the world until the very end."-- Provided by publisher.
Future State
Wonder Woman
Published in 2021
What does the future hold for Wonder Woman? Quite a lot! This collection brings together all the adventures of Wonder Woman from DC's Future State event. First up is Nubia, the finest Amazon warrior, who heads out on her own to gather magical relics before Grail can get them and use their combined powers to cause some unholy mischief. Then, down in Brazil, Yara Flor takes a journey into Hell to save one of her fallen sisters. She also finds the time to team up with Jonathan Kent, the next Superman, to help the sun retain his supremacy as the ruler of the sky. Finally, long after all her friends and allies have fallen, Diana Prince must make one last stand against the Undoing, a malevolent force that threatens to pull the universe apart. Collects Future State: Immortal Wonder Woman #1-2, Future State: Superman/Wonder Woman #1-2 & Future State: Wonder Woman #1-2.
Black Panther
The Intergalactic Empire of Wakanda. Issue 1-6, Many Thousands Gone.
Published in 2019
A bold new direction for the Black Panther! For years, T'Challa has protected Wakanda from all invaders. Now, he will discover that his kingdom is much bigger than he ever dreamed. Across the vast Multiverse lies an empire founded in T'Challa's name. Readers caught a glimpse of it in MARVEL LEGACY #1. Now learn the truth behind the Intergalactic Empire of Wakanda! A Panther story unlike any other begins with T'Challa as a stranger in a strange land - with no memory of his past, only the suffering of a present spent toiling in the Vibranium mines. But all hope is not lost. A rebellion is growing - and they have a plan. But who will lead these lost citizens? Where is the Black Panther? And what is the M'Kraan Shard?
Marauders by Gerry Duggan. Volume 1, Issue 1-6
Published in 2020
Ahoy, muties - the X-Men sail at dawn! Mutantkind has begun a glorious new era on Krakoa, but some nations' human authorities are preventing mutants from escaping to this new homeland. Which is where Captain Kate Pryde and her high-seas allies come in! Funded by Emma Frost and the Hellfire Trading Company, Kate and her crew of Storm, Pyro, Bishop and Iceman sail the seven seas to liberate their fellow mutants - as the Marauders! But the real cutthroats are back home in the Hellfire Club's Inner Circle, where Sebastian Shaw has recruited a new Black Bishop to aid in his machinations against the Club's two queens. As tensions rise, Kate's crew finds itself caught in the dead center of the Battle of Madripoor! Can the Marauders avoid being made to walk the plank?
Black Panther. Issue 1-6. World of Wakanda
Published in 2021
Wakanda! Home of the Black Panther, a proud and vibrant nation whose legends and mysteries run deep. Now, delve deep into Wakanda's lore with a love story where tenderness is matched by brutality! You know them as the Midnight Angels, but for now they are just Ayo and Aneka - young women recruited to become Dora Milaje, an elite task force trained to protect the crown of Wakanda at all costs. But with their king shamed and their queen killed, Ayo and Aneka must take justice into their own hands! They've been officers. Rebels. Lovers. But can they be leaders? Plus: the return of former White Tiger, Kasper Cole! As Wakanda burns, Cole can only watch helplessly from halfway around the world. Will he find a new beginning - or meet a painful end?
Omni. Volume One, The Doctor is in
Published in 2020
"Gifted doctor Cecelia Cobbina was once held in the highest regard by peers and patients alike. But that was before an incident in Africa changed her life forever. Now with the ability to process thoughts at the speed of light, she faces the unimaginable burden of literally having an answer for everything. As the truth of her origin slowly comes into focus, Cecelia must overcome her fears and tackle the one mystery she can't seem to crack: the truth behind her new abilities."--Provided by publisher.
Far Sector
Published in 2021
Green Lantern Sojourner "Jo" Mullein must investigate a murder in the City Enduring, while navigating its three races' rocky history and current coexistence at the edge of the universe.
Far Sector. Issue 1-12
Published in 2021
Acclaimed, award-winning author N.K. Jemisin (The Fifth Season, The City We Became) makes her comic book debut with bestselling artist Jamal Campbell (Naomi) as they thrust you into a stunning sci-fi murder mystery on the other side of the universe! For the past six months, newly chosen Green Lantern Sojourner "Jo" Mullein has been protecting the City Enduring, a massive metropolis of 20 billion people. The city has maintained peace for over 500 years by stripping its citizens of their ability to feel. As a result, violent crime is virtually unheard of, and murder is nonexistent. But that's all about to change in this new graphic novel that puts a unique spin on the legacy of the Green Lanterns!
Mister Miracle
The Great Escape
Published in 2022
Scott Free wants nothing more than to leave Apokolips for planet Earth, and he knows exactly how to do it. But his plan never involved falling in love with the head of the Female Furies, Big Barda-the one person tasked with ensuring he never escapes. From Varian Johnson, the author of the Coretta Scott King Author Honor book The Parker Inheritance, and Afrofuturist artist Daniel Isles (a.k.a. DirtyRobot) comes the story of an escape plan that will take a miracle to pull off. Luckily for Scott, everyone calls him Mister Miracle! Okay, no one calls him that...yet.
Mister Miracle
The Great Escape
Published in 2022
Scott Free, a student at the Goodness Academy on the planet Apokolips, wants to escape to Earth but falls in love with the head of the Female Furies--the one person tasked with ensuring he never escapes.
Falcon & Winter Soldier. Issue 1-5. Cut off One Head
Published in 2021
A tale of two Caps! An office of dead government agents. A gifted new killer. Two ex-Captain Americas. When a dramatic attempt on the life of Bucky Barnes reunites him with Sam Wilson, the old friends are plunged headlong into a race to uncover the new leader of Hydra before a mass-casualty event announces the terror group's resurgence to the world! The clock is ticking - but who is the Natural, and how did he beat Sam and Bucky so easily? It's a bullet-riddled, window-smashing, table-breaking brawl for it all, and the Hydra Supreme is about to ascend!
Nubia
Real One
Published in 2021
Nubia has always stood out because of her Amazonian strength, but even though she uses her ability for good she is seen as a threat, so when her best friend Quisha is threatened by a boy who thinks he owns the town, Nubia risks everything to become the hero society tells her she is not.
Nubia. Real One
Published in 2021
Nubia has always been a little bit...different. As a baby she showcased Amazon-like strength by pushing over a tree to rescue her neighbor's cat. But despite her having similar abilities, the world has no problem telling her that she's no Wonder Woman. And even if she were, they wouldn't want her. Every time she comes to the rescue, she's reminded of how people see her: as a threat. Her moms do their best to keep her safe, but Nubia can't deny the fire within her, even if she's a little awkward about it sometimes. Even if it means people assume the worst. When Nubia's best friend, Quisha, is threatened by a boy who thinks he owns the town, Nubia will risk it all-her safety, her home, and her crush on that cute kid in English class-to become the hero society tells her she isn't. From the witty and powerful voice behind A Blade So Black, and with endearing and expressive art by Robyn Smith, comes a vital story for today about equality, identity, and kicking it with your squad.
Malika
Warrior Queen. Volume 1
Published in 2021
Part of the YouNeek YouNiverse! Extraordinary fantasy and superhero stories inspired by African history, culture, and mythology-created by the best Nigerian comics talent! Following the exploits of queen and military commander Malika, who struggles to keep the peace in her ever-expanding empire, Azzaz, this historical fantasy is set in fifteenth-century West Africa and created by an all-star team from Nigeria. Growing up as a prodigy, Malika inherits the crown from her father in an incredibly unusual way, splitting the kingdom of Azzaz in half. After years of civil war, Malika finally unites all of Azzaz, expanding it into one of the largest empires in all of West Africa--but expansion will not come without its costs. Enemies begin to rise within her council, and Azzaz catches the attention of one of the most feared superpowers the world has ever known: the Ming Dynasty! As Malika fights to win the clandestine war within the walls of her empire, she must also turn her attention to an indomitable and treacherous foe with plans to vanquish her entire people. Malika: Warrior Queen Volume 1 also features bonus stories "Malika: Dragon Trials" and "WindMaker: Birth of a King"-and a new "behind the scenes" section! "Our mission is and always has been about empowering African creatives and storytelling while bringing both to a global audience." - Roye Okupe, Founder/Creative Director at YouNeek Studios
Iyanu
Child of Wonder
Published in 2021
"A teenage orphan with no recollection of her past, suddenly discovers that she has abilities that rival the ancient deities told in the folklore of her people."-- Provided by publisher.
Iyanu
Child of Wonder. Volume 1
Published in 2021
Part of the YouNeek YouNiverse! Extraordinary fantasy and superhero stories inspired by African history, culture, and mythology-created by the best Nigerian comics talent! Iyanu, a teenage orphan with no recollection of her past, suddenly discovers that she has abilities that rival the ancient deities told in the folklore of her people. It is these abilities that are the key to bringing back an "age of wonders," as Iyanu begins her journey to save a world on the brink of destruction! The Corrupt--cursed wildlife and strange, divine beasts--are determined to destroy humanity, unless Iyanu can stop them. "Our mission is and always has been about empowering African creatives and storytelling while bringing both to a global audience." - Roye Okupe, Founder/Creative Director at YouNeek Studios
Malika
Warrior Queen
Published in 2021
"Queen and military commander Malika struggles to keep the peace in her ever-expanding empire, Azzaz, in this historical fantasy set in fifteenth-century West Africa and created by an all-star team from Nigeria"-- Provided by publisher.
Miles Morales
Published in 2021
An original middle-grade graphic novel from Graphix starring Brooklyn's Spider-Man, Miles Morales, by bestselling author Justin A. Reynolds and Eisner nominee Pablo Leon! Miles Morales is a normal kid who happens to juggle school at Brooklyn Visions Academy while swinging through the streets of Brooklyn as Spider-Man. After a disastrous earthquake strikes his mother's birthplace of Puerto Rico, Miles springs into action to help set up a fundraiser for the devastated island. But when a new student's father goes missing, Miles begins to make connections between the disappearance and a giant corporation sponsoring Miles' fundraiser. Who is behind the disappearance, and how does that relate to Spider-Man? A true middle grade graphic novel starring one of Marvel's most popular characters, bestselling author Justin A. Reynolds (Opposite of Always) and Eisner award-nominated artist Pablo Leon (Refugees) create a riveting story that will connect with new and well-versed comics readers alike.
Future State. Issue 1-4. The Next Batman
Published in 2021
The first Future State collections are here! Giant, sprawling future Gotham City is under martial law, protected and regulated by a private security force led by the infamous Peacekeepers. Their mandate is to maintain the safety of the citizens of Gotham, regardless of any constitutional rights, and to hunt down, incarcerate, or kill all masked vigilantes, villains, and criminals in the city limits. It's a dangerous and violent look at a possible future Gotham City and the heroes and villains who live there! Also collects select stories from Future State: Dark Detective #1-4, and Future State: Nightwing #1-2.
Future State
The Next Batman
Published in 2021
"Giant, sprawling future Gotham City is under martial law, protected and regulated by a private security force led by the infamous Peacekeepers. Their mandate is to maintain the safety of the citizens of Gotham, regardless of any Constitutional rights, and to hunt down, incarcerate, or kill all masked vigilantes, villains, and criminals in the city limits. It's a dangerous and violent look at a possible future Gotham City and the heroes and villains who live there!"-- Provided by publisher.
The Other History of the DC Universe. Issue 1-5
Published in 2021
The long-awaited miniseries written by Academy Award-winning screenwriter John Ridley (12 Years a Slave, Let It Fall) and beautifully illustrated by Giuseppe Camuncoli and Andrea Cucchi is now available in one volume! The Other History of the DC Universe takes a look at the mythology of the DC Universe as seen through the prism of several generations' worth of DC Super Heroes who come from historically disenfranchised groups. Extensively researched and masterfully executed, The Other History of the DC Universe promises to be an experience unlike any other. You may think you know the history of the DC Universe...but the truth is far more complex. The Other History of the DC Universe isn't about saving the world-it's about having the strength to simply be who you are. Collects The Other History of the DC Universe #1-5.
The Next Batman. Issue 1-4. Second Son
Published in 2021
Discover the origin of the new Dark Knight, Tim "Jace" Fox! The estranged son of billionaire Lucius Fox returns to Gotham City and takes on the mantle of Batman after being away for years. Where has the eldest son of one of Gotham's premier families been for these "missing" years, and how did he become Gotham's new protector? The prodigal Fox returns home following the tragic events of The Joker War and Lucius Fox taking full control of the massive Wayne fortune. While his mother and sisters greet Jace, his younger brother, Luke, secretly the armored vigilante known as Batwing, does not welcome his sibling back with open arms. Is the city big enough for two Fox brothers? Find out how Jace evolved from man of mystery to Gotham's newest guardian.
The Next Batman
Second Son
Published in 2021
"Discover the origin of the new Dark Knight, Tim "Jace" Fox! The estranged son of billionaire Lucius Fox has returned to Gotham City and taken on the mantle of Batman after being away for years. Where has the eldest son of one Gotham's premiere families been for these 'missing' years and how did he become Gotham's New Protector? Tim "Jace" Fox has returned home following the tragic events of the Joker War and Lucius Fox taking full control of the massive Wayne fortune. While his mother and sisters greet Jace, his younger Luke, secretly the armored vigilante known as Batwing, does not welcome his estranged sibling back with open arms. Is there city big enough for two Fox brothers to protect it? Find out how Jace evolved from man of mystery to Gotham's newest guardian"-- Provided by publisher.
You Brought Me the Ocean
Published in 2020
"Jake Hyde doesn't swim-not since his father drowned. Luckily, he lives in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, which is in the middle of the desert, yet he yearns for the ocean and is determined to leave his hometown for a college on the coast. But his best friend, Maria, wants nothing more than to make a home in the desert, and Jake's mother encourages him to always play it safe. Yet there's nothing "safe" about Jake's future-not when he's attracted to Kenny Liu, swim team captain and rebel against conformity. And certainly not when he secretly applies to Miami University. Jake's life begins to outpace his small town's namesake, which doesn't make it any easier to come out to his mom, or Maria, or the world. But Jake is full of secrets, including the strange blue markings on his skin that low when in contact with water. What power will he find when he searches for his identity, and will he turn his back to the current or dive head first into the waves?"--Page [4] of cover.
You Brought Me the Ocean
Published in 2020
The New York Times bestselling illustrator of Blue is the Warmest Color, Julie Maroh, and Lambda Award-winning author Alex Sanchez (Rainbow Boys), present a new coming-out romance set against the backdrop of the DC Universe. Jake Hyde doesn't swim-not since his father drowned. Luckily, he lives in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, which is in the middle of the desert, yet he yearns for the ocean and is determined to leave his hometown for a college on the coast. But his best friend, Maria, wants nothing more than to make a home in the desert, and Jake's mother encourages him to always play it safe. Yet there's nothing "safe" about Jake's future-not when he's attracted to Kenny Liu, swim team captain and rebel against conformity. And certainly not when he secretly applies to Miami University. Jake's life begins to outpace his small town's namesake, which doesn't make it any easier to come out to his mom, or Maria, or the world. But Jake is full of secrets, including the strange blue markings on his skin that low when in contact with water. What power will he find when he searches for his identity, and will he turn his back to the current or dive head first into the waves?
Excellence. Volume 1, Issue 1-6, Kill the Past.
Published in 2019
Spencer Dales was born into a world of magic. His father belongs to the Aegis, a secret society of black magicians tasked with bettering the lives of others-with higher potential-but never themselves. Now it's time for Spencer to follow in his father's footsteps, but all he sees is a broken system in need of someone with the wand and the will to change it. But who will stand beside him in this fight for a better future? Khary Randolph and Brandon Thomas ignite a generational war in this action-fantasy series, made entirely by creators of color, and committed to one truth above all others-Excellence is Real.
Excellence Kill the Past
Published in 2019
"Spencer Dales was born into a world of magic. His father belongs to the Aegis, a secret society of black magicians ordered by their unseen masters to better the lives of others-of higher potential-but never themselves. Now it's time for Spencer to follow in his father's footsteps, but all he sees is a broken system in need of someone with the wand and the will to change it. But in this fight for a better future...who will stand beside him?"--Provided by publisher.
Green Lantern ; Volume 1, Invictus
Published in 2022
"Featuring fan favorites like John Stewart and Jessica Cruz team up with the new Teen Lantern Keli Quintela on an epic galactic adventure! As this new Green Lantern series begins, the newly formed United Planets and the Guardians of the Universe hold an intergalactic summit to decide who can best serve and protect the cosmos from danger. With the majority of Green Lanterns called back to Oa, John Stewart arrives alongside Teen Lantern Keli Quintela, whose powerful gauntlet could be one of the most powerful and unstable weapons in the universe. With the entire landscape of the universe in flux, is this the end of the Green Lantern Corps...or a new beginning?"-- Provided by publisher.
Bitter Root. Vol. 01, Family Business
Published in 2019
In the 1920s, the Harlem Renaissance is in full swing, and only the Sangerye Family, once known as the greatest monster hunters of all time, can save New York -- and the world -- from the supernatural forces threatening to destroy humanity. But those days are fading and the once-great family that specialized in curing the souls of those infected by racism and hate has been torn apart by tragedies and conflicting moral codes. A terrible tragedy has claimed most of the family, leaving the surviving cousins divided between by the desire to cure monsters or to kill them; they must heal the wounds of the past and move beyond their differences ... or sit back and watch a force of unimaginable evil ravage the human race.
Black Panther and the Agents of Wakanda. Issue 1-6
Published in 2020
Our first line of defense in a world under siege from all sides! From the pages of Jason Aaron's AVENGERS come the Agents of Wakanda - assembled by the Black Panther to fight the foes that Earth's Mightiest can't! Vampires. Aliens. Angry fish kings. T'Challa's handpicked Agents can handle it all. But as Wakanda makes waves on the world's map, not everyone is a fan. Now, General Okoye and T'Challa will take Gorilla-Man, Ka-Zar and the Wasp on a global fight for survival! But when a source of dark energy emanates from a small Oklahoma town, is it a super villain - or a savior? What if the greatest threat to Earth - is the moon? And can the squad keep a S.H.I.E.L.D. cache of experimental technology out of Deadpool's hands?