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Reading Time: 5 minutesBlack superheroes have been providing a mirror to generations of children since first appearing in comics in the ’60s, giving them something positive to emulate. Early versions of superheroes that most people are familiar with, like Black Panther, Luke Cage and Storm, have paved the way for other characters in addition to modern avatars of black superheroes.
In today’s world, black superheroes can be found not only in comic books but in films, on television shows, and in animated series. To celebrate Black History Month and the significant impact of black superheroes, here is a list of movies, films and animated series to check out.
1. Black Panther (2018)
Credit: Walt Disney Studios
Jack Kirby and Stan Lee created the superhero Black Panther for Marvel comics. The character made its debut in 1996 as the first African superhero in an American comic book. Black Panther is a title given to the chief of the high-tech developed African nation of Wakanda. After establishing a connection with the Panther God, the black Panther improves his abilities that include enhanced strength, durability, speed, healing and heightened senses and reflexes. T’Challa in the movie is the current Black Panther.
2. Eternals (2021)
Credit: Walt Disney Studios
Phastos was sent to Earth in 5000 BC to progress the planet’s social group. Thus, the Eternals were created, a genetically superior spin-off race of humanity that possesses abilities such as immortality and levitation. Phastos is quite brilliant and is responsible for various advanced technologies. The African American character is also the first openly LGBTQ+ superhero to be featured in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
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3. The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (2021)
Credit: Marvel Studios
Sam Willson, aka The Falcon, is known to be the first African American superhero featured in mainstream comic books. The character was created by Stan Lee and Gene Golban and made his debut in 1969. The Falcon had been featured in various comics and films such as Captain America: The Winter Soldier and Avengers: Age of Ultron.
This limited series focuses on Wilson, who takes over the Captain America shield while taming up with the Winter Soldier on a globe-trotting operation to take down the radical group, the Flash-Smashers.
4. X-Men (2000)
Credit: 20th Century Fox
Ororo Monroe, better known as Storm, is one of the most popular and powerful members of the X-Men. The female character who can fly and control weather first appeared in comic books in 1975. Storm is also a skilled thief and an expert in hand-to-hand combat. The dominant female has led the X-men herself a couple of times and is a force to be reckoned with in her own right, and audiences will be captivated by the superhero in this movie.
5. Blade (1998 and 2022)
Credit: Marvel Studios
Blade is a half-vampire, half-anti-hero that was created in the Marvel Universe. He’s dedicated his life to fighting vampires mainly because the vampire Frost was the one responsible for Blade’s mother’s death. After his mother died, his initial mission was to seek revenge against his mother’s killer, but he kept the grudge going. The movie puts a fresh spin on the comic book story and produced two sequels with talks about a reboot in the works starring Mahershala Ali, but you can watch Wesley Snipes as Blade in the 1998 film on Amazon Prime now.
6. Black Lightning (2018-2021)
Credit: Netflix
Black Lightning is a superhero that first appeared in comic books published by DC Comics. He’s a metahuman with the natural ability to generate and manipulate electricity. The television series follows Jefferson Pierre, a retired superhero turned high school principal who comes out of retirement when his city is in trouble. His daughters begin using their superpowers so they can fight crime alongside their dad to save their town.
7. Zach Snyder’s Justice League (2021)
Credit: HBO Max
Initially, the superhero was created by George Pérez and Marv Wolfman and is one of the most iconic members of both the Justice League and Teen Titans. In the superhero’s first reprise, Cyborg was a regular teenager named Victor Stone until his parent’s experiment went terribly wrong with a monster coming through, killing his mother and mauling Victor before the beast is forced back into the portal.
To save his life, Stone’s father must insert prosthetics on parts of his face and body. After the face alterations, Stone feels like an outsider but ends up finding his purpose after stopping a friend from conducting terrorist attacks and joining Teen Titans. The adult version of the character was established to be the founding member of the Justice League, and in Zack Snyder’s adaptation, Cyborg is the heart and soul of the movie.
8. Luke Cage (2016-2018)
Credit: Netflix
The superhero Luke Cage is the first black comic book character to star in his own show. The superhero made his debut in 1972. Cage was incarcerated for a crime he didn’t even commit, and while being held captive, he was subjected to an experimental procedure that gave him super strength and bulletproof skin. After obtaining the powers, Cage becomes a fugitive and attempts to build a new life for himself in Harlem, and it’s not long until he’s confronted with this past and must fight an uphill battle to save the heart of his city.
9. Static Shock (2000-2004)
Credit: HBO Max
This animated series was created by the iconic comic book writer Dwayne McDuffie and is historic for being the first broadcast animated series to showcase an African American superhero. The show focuses on the heroic exploits and teenage experiences of the DC superhero known as Static, who fights with his electromagnetic powers. The animated series ran for four seasons, and the adult version of the character can be seen in Justice League: Unlimited.
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Toni Sutton
Toni Sutton is a full-time freelance lifestyle writer from New York, now based in San Diego. Toni has written for print and online media outlets since 2008 and worked for Slickdeals for many years tracking down and confirming great deals, so she is a true deal hunter. While not a parent herself, she is an expert in helpful parenting hacks and advice with her vast experience as a former nanny and teacher's assistant. When this 'budget-nista' isn't hunting for a great deal or the perfect cup of coffee, she enjoys anything active that involves the outdoors. Toni also reports on the latest TV, streaming, and movie news, so is the perfect person to hit up for your next watch binge list.