African characters in comics
Encyclopedia
Characters native to the African continent
have been depicted in comics since the beginnings of the modern comic strip
. Initially, such early 20th-century newspaper
comics as Winsor McCay
's Little Nemo
depicted the racist stereotype
of a spear-carrying cannibal, a comedic
convention of the time. African characters later began to appear as another stereotype, the "noble savage
" — a similar progression to that of depictions of Native Americans
— and eventually as standard human beings.
Lee Falk
's adventure comic strip Mandrake the Magician
featured the African supporting character Lothar from its 1934 debut on. He was a former "Prince of the Seven Nations", a federation of jungle tribes, but passed on the chance to become king and instead followed Mandrake on his world travels, fighting crime. He is often referred to as the strongest man in the world. Initially an illiterate exotic dressed in animal skins who provided brawn to complement Mandrake's brain on their adventures, he was modernized in 1965 to dress in suits and speak standard English.
The publisher All-Negro Comics, Inc. published a single issue of All-Negro Comics
(June 1947), a 15-cent omnibus, at a time when comics generally cost a dime, starring characters that included Lion Man. Lion Man is a young African scientist sent by the United Nations
to oversee a massive uranium
deposit at the African Gold Coast
. Wearing a loin cloth and tribal headband, he is joined by a young war orphan named Bubba, and fights the villainous Doctor Blut Sangro.
It wasn't until Waku, Prince of the Bantu in the omnibus Jungle Tales from Marvel Comics
' 1950s predecessor Atlas Comics
, that mainstream comic books depicted an African character as a strong, independent hero. Waku was an African chieftain in a feature with no regularly featured Caucasian
characters.
Two early Westernized, non-stereotyped African-American supporting characters in comics are Detective Grey in later episodes of the 1940-1952 comic-book-like Sunday newspaper feature "The Spirit", and World War II
soldier Jackie Johnson, who integrated the squad Easy Company when introduced as the title character of the story "Eyes for a Blind Gunner" in DC Comics
' Our Army at War
#113 (Dec. 1961) by writer Bob Kanigher and artist Joe Kubert
. He was followed shortly thereafter by Marvel Comics
' first African-American supporting character, World War II soldier Gabe Jones, of an integrated squad in Sgt. Fury and his Howling Commandos
#1 (May 1963).
The first African-American title character of a comic book
series was the titular star of the Western
comic book Lobo
(Dell Comics
, two issues, 1965-1966). The first known Black superhero
in mainstream American comic books is Marvel's the Black Panther
, an African who first appeared in Fantastic Four
#52 (July 1966). This was followed by the first African-American superhero in mainstream comics, the Falcon
, introduced in Captain America
#117 (Sept. 1969). DC's first African-American superhero was Sgt. Willie Walker, a.k.a. Black Racer of the New Gods
, introduced in writer-artist Jack Kirby
's New Gods #3 (July 1971). Marvel's first major African female character was the superhero Storm.
, designed as an educational tool, was published in 1975 by Bardon Press Features of London, England
, for distribution in Nigeria
. The series, starring Powerman
, was written by Don Avenall (aka Donne Avenell) and Norman Worker, and illustrated by Dave Gibbons
and Brian Bolland
. In 1988, Acme Press republished the series in the UK for the first time, to capitalize on the popularity of the artists, both of whose careers had since taken off. Acme changed Powerman's name to Powerbolt, to avoid confusion with the character Luke Cage
, published by Marvel Comics
. Powerman, who was superstrong and could fly, appeared in stories rendered in a simple style reminiscent of Fawcett Comics
' Golden Age
Captain Marvel
. His only apparent weakness was snakebite.
Jet Jungle
and his black panther Jupiter starred in one of the longest running radio plays and comic strips in South Africa, from 1965 to 1985. Progressive for his time, Jet Jungle appealed to children across the spectrum but never succeeded in breaking out of the stranglehold of economic sanctions and a cultural boycott caused as a result of the racist policies of the government of the day. Nevertheless he can be credited with inspiring a generation of naturalists and environmentalists to save the rain-forests and jungles of Africa.
In November 2005, Nelson Mandela
announced that the comic book A Son of the Eastern Cape would provide an illustrated history of Mandela's formative years, starting with his birth. The opening panels show Mandela as a swaddled baby in his parents' arms in their mud hut in the village of Mwezo, near Qunu
in the Eastern Cape. The graphic novel was made up of 8 volumes, written and illustrated by Nic Buchanan of comics company Umlando Wezithombe, and to be translated into South Africa's 10 other official languages. A teacher's guide was also to be created.
Umlando Wezithombe produce African comic books and have covered topics such as Steve Biko, Xhosa Cattle Killings, Mapungubwe, Table Mountain, water conservation, quadraplegia, gay and lesbian rights, recycling, and more. See www.umlando.co.za.
Africa
Africa is the world's second largest and second most populous continent, after Asia. At about 30.2 million km² including adjacent islands, it covers 6% of the Earth's total surface area and 20.4% of the total land area...
have been depicted in comics since the beginnings of the modern comic strip
Comic strip
A comic strip is a sequence of drawings arranged in interrelated panels to display brief humor or form a narrative, often serialized, with text in balloons and captions....
. Initially, such early 20th-century newspaper
Newspaper
A newspaper is a scheduled publication containing news of current events, informative articles, diverse features and advertising. It usually is printed on relatively inexpensive, low-grade paper such as newsprint. By 2007, there were 6580 daily newspapers in the world selling 395 million copies a...
comics as Winsor McCay
Winsor McCay
Winsor McCay was an American cartoonist and animator.A prolific artist, McCay's pioneering early animated films far outshone the work of his contemporaries, and set a standard followed by Walt Disney and others in later decades...
's Little Nemo
Little Nemo
Little Nemo is the main fictional character in a series of weekly comic strips by Winsor McCay that appeared in the New York Herald and William Randolph Hearst's New York American newspapers from October 15, 1905 – April 23, 1911 and April 30, 1911 – July 26, 1914; respectively.The...
depicted the racist stereotype
Stereotype
A stereotype is a popular belief about specific social groups or types of individuals. The concepts of "stereotype" and "prejudice" are often confused with many other different meanings...
of a spear-carrying cannibal, a comedic
Comedy
Comedy , as a popular meaning, is any humorous discourse or work generally intended to amuse by creating laughter, especially in television, film, and stand-up comedy. This must be carefully distinguished from its academic definition, namely the comic theatre, whose Western origins are found in...
convention of the time. African characters later began to appear as another stereotype, the "noble savage
Noble savage
The term noble savage , expresses the concept an idealized indigene, outsider , and refers to the literary stock character of the same...
" — a similar progression to that of depictions of Native Americans
Indigenous peoples of the Americas
The indigenous peoples of the Americas are the pre-Columbian inhabitants of North and South America, their descendants and other ethnic groups who are identified with those peoples. Indigenous peoples are known in Canada as Aboriginal peoples, and in the United States as Native Americans...
— and eventually as standard human beings.
American Comics
CartoonistCartoonist
A cartoonist is a person who specializes in drawing cartoons. This work is usually humorous, mainly created for entertainment, political commentary or advertising...
Lee Falk
Lee Falk
Lee Falk, born Leon Harrison Gross , was an American writer, theater director, and producer, best known as the creator of the popular comic strip superheroes The Phantom and Mandrake the Magician, who at the height of their popularity attracted over a hundred million readers every day...
's adventure comic strip Mandrake the Magician
Mandrake the Magician
Mandrake the Magician is a syndicated newspaper comic strip, created by Lee Falk , which began June 11, 1934. Phil Davis soon took over as the strip's illustrator, while Falk continued to script. The strip was distributed by King Features Syndicate.Davis worked on the strip until his death in 1964,...
featured the African supporting character Lothar from its 1934 debut on. He was a former "Prince of the Seven Nations", a federation of jungle tribes, but passed on the chance to become king and instead followed Mandrake on his world travels, fighting crime. He is often referred to as the strongest man in the world. Initially an illiterate exotic dressed in animal skins who provided brawn to complement Mandrake's brain on their adventures, he was modernized in 1965 to dress in suits and speak standard English.
The publisher All-Negro Comics, Inc. published a single issue of All-Negro Comics
All-Negro Comics
All-Negro Comics was a single-issue, small-press American comic book that represents the first known comics magazine written and drawn solely by African-American writers and artists.-Publication history:...
(June 1947), a 15-cent omnibus, at a time when comics generally cost a dime, starring characters that included Lion Man. Lion Man is a young African scientist sent by the United Nations
United Nations
The United Nations is an international organization whose stated aims are facilitating cooperation in international law, international security, economic development, social progress, human rights, and achievement of world peace...
to oversee a massive uranium
Uranium
Uranium is a silvery-white metallic chemical element in the actinide series of the periodic table, with atomic number 92. It is assigned the chemical symbol U. A uranium atom has 92 protons and 92 electrons, of which 6 are valence electrons...
deposit at the African Gold Coast
Gold Coast (British colony)
The Gold Coast was a British colony on the Gulf of Guinea in west Africa that became the independent nation of Ghana in 1957.-Overview:The first Europeans to arrive at the coast were the Portuguese in 1471. They encountered a variety of African kingdoms, some of which controlled substantial...
. Wearing a loin cloth and tribal headband, he is joined by a young war orphan named Bubba, and fights the villainous Doctor Blut Sangro.
It wasn't until Waku, Prince of the Bantu in the omnibus Jungle Tales from Marvel Comics
Marvel Comics
Marvel Worldwide, Inc., commonly referred to as Marvel Comics and formerly Marvel Publishing, Inc. and Marvel Comics Group, is an American company that publishes comic books and related media...
' 1950s predecessor Atlas Comics
Atlas Comics (1950s)
Atlas Comics is the term used to describe the 1950s comic book publishing company that would evolve into Marvel Comics. Magazine and paperback novel publisher Martin Goodman, whose business strategy involved having a multitude of corporate entities, used Atlas as the umbrella name for his comic...
, that mainstream comic books depicted an African character as a strong, independent hero. Waku was an African chieftain in a feature with no regularly featured Caucasian
Caucasian race
The term Caucasian race has been used to denote the general physical type of some or all of the populations of Europe, North Africa, the Horn of Africa, Western Asia , Central Asia and South Asia...
characters.
Two early Westernized, non-stereotyped African-American supporting characters in comics are Detective Grey in later episodes of the 1940-1952 comic-book-like Sunday newspaper feature "The Spirit", and World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
soldier Jackie Johnson, who integrated the squad Easy Company when introduced as the title character of the story "Eyes for a Blind Gunner" in DC Comics
DC Comics
DC Comics, Inc. is one of the largest and most successful companies operating in the market for American comic books and related media. It is the publishing unit of DC Entertainment a company of Warner Bros. Entertainment, which itself is owned by Time Warner...
' Our Army at War
Our Army at War
Our Army at War was the title for a comic book published by DC Comics that featured war themed stories and was the first appearance for popular heroes such like Sgt. Rock and Enemy Ace. The series started in August 1952 and ended in February 1977....
#113 (Dec. 1961) by writer Bob Kanigher and artist Joe Kubert
Joe Kubert
Joe Kubert is an American comic book artist who went on to found The Kubert School. He is best known for his work on the DC Comics characters Sgt. Rock and Hawkman...
. He was followed shortly thereafter by Marvel Comics
Marvel Comics
Marvel Worldwide, Inc., commonly referred to as Marvel Comics and formerly Marvel Publishing, Inc. and Marvel Comics Group, is an American company that publishes comic books and related media...
' first African-American supporting character, World War II soldier Gabe Jones, of an integrated squad in Sgt. Fury and his Howling Commandos
Sgt. Fury and his Howling Commandos
Sgt. Fury and his Howling Commandos are a fictional World War II unit in comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, they first appeared in Sgt. Fury and his Howling Commandos #1 . The main character, Sgt...
#1 (May 1963).
The first African-American title character of a comic book
Comic book
A comic book or comicbook is a magazine made up of comics, narrative artwork in the form of separate panels that represent individual scenes, often accompanied by dialog as well as including...
series was the titular star of the Western
Western fiction
Western fiction is a genre of literature set in the American Old West frontier and typically set from the late eighteenth to the late nineteenth century. Well-known writers of Western fiction include Zane Grey from the early 1900s and Louis L'Amour from the mid 20th century...
comic book Lobo
Lobo (Dell Comics)
Lobo is a fictional Western comic book hero who is the medium's first African-American character to headline his own series.-Publication history:...
(Dell Comics
Dell Comics
Dell Comics was the comic book publishing arm of Dell Publishing, which got its start in pulp magazines. It published comics from 1929 to 1973. At its peak, it was the most prominent and successful American company in the medium...
, two issues, 1965-1966). The first known Black superhero
Superhero
A superhero is a type of stock character, possessing "extraordinary or superhuman powers", dedicated to protecting the public. Since the debut of the prototypical superhero Superman in 1938, stories of superheroes — ranging from brief episodic adventures to continuing years-long sagas —...
in mainstream American comic books is Marvel's the Black Panther
Black Panther (comics)
The Black Panther is a fictional character in the Marvel Comics universe. Created by writer-editor Stan Lee and penciller-co-plotter Jack Kirby, he first appeared in Fantastic Four #52...
, an African who first appeared in Fantastic Four
Fantastic Four
The Fantastic Four is a fictional superhero team appearing in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The group debuted in The Fantastic Four #1 , which helped to usher in a new level of realism in the medium...
#52 (July 1966). This was followed by the first African-American superhero in mainstream comics, the Falcon
Falcon (comics)
The Falcon is a fictional comic book superhero in comic books published by Marvel Comics.Created by writer-editor Stan Lee and artist Gene Colan, and introduced in Captain America #117 , the character is mainstream comics' first African-American superhero...
, introduced in Captain America
Captain America
Captain America is a fictional character, a superhero that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Captain America Comics #1 , from Marvel Comics' 1940s predecessor, Timely Comics, and was created by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby...
#117 (Sept. 1969). DC's first African-American superhero was Sgt. Willie Walker, a.k.a. Black Racer of the New Gods
New Gods
The New Gods are a fictional race appearing in publications by DC Comics, as well as the title for four series of comic books about those characters. They first appeared in New Gods #1 , and were created and designed by Jack Kirby....
, introduced in writer-artist Jack Kirby
Jack Kirby
Jack Kirby , born Jacob Kurtzberg, was an American comic book artist, writer and editor regarded by historians and fans as one of the major innovators and most influential creators in the comic book medium....
's New Gods #3 (July 1971). Marvel's first major African female character was the superhero Storm.
African Comics
The series PowermanPowerman (comic book series)
Powerman is a British comic book series written by Don Avenall and Norman Worker, and illustrated by Dave Gibbons and Brian Bolland that was initially distributed in Nigeria. The series starred a superhero named Powerman...
, designed as an educational tool, was published in 1975 by Bardon Press Features of London, England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
, for distribution in Nigeria
Nigeria
Nigeria , officially the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is a federal constitutional republic comprising 36 states and its Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The country is located in West Africa and shares land borders with the Republic of Benin in the west, Chad and Cameroon in the east, and Niger in...
. The series, starring Powerman
Powerman (comic book series)
Powerman is a British comic book series written by Don Avenall and Norman Worker, and illustrated by Dave Gibbons and Brian Bolland that was initially distributed in Nigeria. The series starred a superhero named Powerman...
, was written by Don Avenall (aka Donne Avenell) and Norman Worker, and illustrated by Dave Gibbons
Dave Gibbons
Dave Gibbons is an English comic book artist, writer and sometime letterer. He is best known for his collaborations with writer Alan Moore, which include the miniseries Watchmen and the Superman story "For the Man Who Has Everything"...
and Brian Bolland
Brian Bolland
Brian Bolland is a British comics artist, known for his meticulous, detailed linework and eye-catching compositions. Best known in the UK as one of the definitive Judge Dredd artists for British comics anthology 2000 AD, he spearheaded the 'British Invasion' of the American comics industry, and in...
. In 1988, Acme Press republished the series in the UK for the first time, to capitalize on the popularity of the artists, both of whose careers had since taken off. Acme changed Powerman's name to Powerbolt, to avoid confusion with the character Luke Cage
Luke Cage
Luke Cage is a fictional character, a superhero appearing in comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Archie Goodwin and artist John Romita, Sr., he first appeared in Luke Cage, Hero for Hire #1...
, published by Marvel Comics
Marvel Comics
Marvel Worldwide, Inc., commonly referred to as Marvel Comics and formerly Marvel Publishing, Inc. and Marvel Comics Group, is an American company that publishes comic books and related media...
. Powerman, who was superstrong and could fly, appeared in stories rendered in a simple style reminiscent of Fawcett Comics
Fawcett Comics
Fawcett Comics, a division of Fawcett Publications, was one of several successful comic book publishers during the Golden Age of Comic Books in the 1940s...
' Golden Age
Golden Age of Comic Books
The Golden Age of Comic Books was a period in the history of American comic books, generally thought of as lasting from the late 1930s until the late 1940s or early 1950s...
Captain Marvel
Captain Marvel (DC Comics)
Captain Marvel is a fictional comic book superhero, originally published by Fawcett Comics and later by DC Comics. Created in 1939 by artist C. C. Beck and writer Bill Parker, the character first appeared in Whiz Comics #2...
. His only apparent weakness was snakebite.
Jet Jungle
Jet Jungle
Jet Jungle is the name of a mid-sixties scifi adventure superhero, who appeared in a hit radio play: "The incredible adventures of the most amazing man of our time" broadcast on South Africa's Springbok Radio as well as a Sunday comic of the same name...
and his black panther Jupiter starred in one of the longest running radio plays and comic strips in South Africa, from 1965 to 1985. Progressive for his time, Jet Jungle appealed to children across the spectrum but never succeeded in breaking out of the stranglehold of economic sanctions and a cultural boycott caused as a result of the racist policies of the government of the day. Nevertheless he can be credited with inspiring a generation of naturalists and environmentalists to save the rain-forests and jungles of Africa.
In November 2005, Nelson Mandela
Nelson Mandela
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999, and was the first South African president to be elected in a fully representative democratic election. Before his presidency, Mandela was an anti-apartheid activist, and the leader of Umkhonto we Sizwe, the armed wing...
announced that the comic book A Son of the Eastern Cape would provide an illustrated history of Mandela's formative years, starting with his birth. The opening panels show Mandela as a swaddled baby in his parents' arms in their mud hut in the village of Mwezo, near Qunu
Qunu
Qunu is a small rural village in South Africa's Eastern Cape Province, south-west of Mthatha on the road between Butterworth and Mthatha.Mvezo on Mbashe River is near where Nelson Mandela was born, and Qunu is where he grew up and later retired after leaving office as South Africa's President in...
in the Eastern Cape. The graphic novel was made up of 8 volumes, written and illustrated by Nic Buchanan of comics company Umlando Wezithombe, and to be translated into South Africa's 10 other official languages. A teacher's guide was also to be created.
Umlando Wezithombe produce African comic books and have covered topics such as Steve Biko, Xhosa Cattle Killings, Mapungubwe, Table Mountain, water conservation, quadraplegia, gay and lesbian rights, recycling, and more. See www.umlando.co.za.
DC Comics
- Adiremi - personification of the living wind she is a pattern in the clouds. One of the Orishas.
- Agemo - the chameleon, depicted as a shapeshifter. One of the Orishas.
- Computo (Danielle Foccart)Computo (Danielle Foccart)Computo is the code name for Danielle Foccart, a female fictional character in the DC Universe who became a member of the "Batch SW6" group of the Legion of Super-Heroes in the 30th century...
- member of an alternate version of the Legion of Super-HeroesLegion of Super-HeroesThe Legion of Super-Heroes is a fictional superhero team in the 30th and 31st centuries of the . The team first appears in Adventure Comics #247 , and was created by Otto Binder and Al Plastino....
(in a now-erased continuity); hails from Côte d'IvoireCôte d'IvoireThe Republic of Côte d'Ivoire or Ivory Coast is a country in West Africa. It has an area of , and borders the countries Liberia, Guinea, Mali, Burkina Faso and Ghana; its southern boundary is along the Gulf of Guinea. The country's population was 15,366,672 in 1998 and was estimated to be... - Doctor MistDoctor MistDoctor Mist is a fictional character, a comic book superhero published by DC Comics. He was created by E. Nelson Bridwell and Ramona Fradon, first appearing in a cameo in Super Friends #12 . Doctor Mist is based on both the Guardian of the Gate and the character of King Noot introduced in Chapter...
- former leader of both the Global GuardiansGlobal GuardiansThe Global Guardians is a team of fictional DC Comics superheroes whose members hail from countries around the world. The concept originated in the Super Friends Saturday morning cartoon, in which several heroes were added to the Justice League to give it more ethnic diversity.-History:The...
and Primal ForcePrimal ForcePrimal Force is a comic book series which was published by DC Comics from October 1994 to December 1995 and ran fifteen issues, including a zero numbered issue. The series starred The Leymen, a magic-themed superhero team in the fictional DC Universe...
. - Erinle - depicted as a living flame, needs to consume to live. One of the Orishas.
- Eshu - The trickster and maintainer of balance. very similar to AnansiAnansiAnansi the trickster is a spider, and is one of the most important characters of West African and Caribbean folklore.He is also known as Ananse, Kwaku Ananse, and Anancy; and in the Southern United States he has evolved into Aunt Nancy. He is a spider, but often acts and appears as a man...
. - Freedom BeastFreedom BeastFreedom Beast is a fictional comic book character in the DC Universe.-Fictional character biography:A South African by birth, Freedom Beast was born Dominic Mndawe. His first appearance was in Animal Man #13...
- a South African hero from the Global GuardiansGlobal GuardiansThe Global Guardians is a team of fictional DC Comics superheroes whose members hail from countries around the world. The concept originated in the Super Friends Saturday morning cartoon, in which several heroes were added to the Justice League to give it more ethnic diversity.-History:The...
. - ImpalaImpala (DC Comics)Impala is a fictional character, a comic book superhero published by DC Comics. He first appeared in Super Friends #7 , and was created by E. Nelson Bridwell and Ramona Fradon....
- a former member of the Global Guardians, now deceased. - Invisible Kid (Jacques Foccart)Invisible Kid (Jacques Foccart)Jacques Foccart is a comic book character, a superhero in the DC Comics universe and the second to assume the name Invisible Kid. He is a member of the Legion of Super-Heroes in the 30th and 31st centuries...
- member of the Legion of Super-HeroesLegion of Super-HeroesThe Legion of Super-Heroes is a fictional superhero team in the 30th and 31st centuries of the . The team first appears in Adventure Comics #247 , and was created by Otto Binder and Al Plastino....
; hails from Côte d'IvoireCôte d'IvoireThe Republic of Côte d'Ivoire or Ivory Coast is a country in West Africa. It has an area of , and borders the countries Liberia, Guinea, Mali, Burkina Faso and Ghana; its southern boundary is along the Gulf of Guinea. The country's population was 15,366,672 in 1998 and was estimated to be... - Jakuta - a warrior of living stone and earth. Interestingly enough, Jakuta like Shango is traditionally a thunder god known as "Thrower of Light". One of the Orishas.
- Kid Impala - of the Ultramarine CorpsUltramarine CorpsThe International Ultramarine Corps, formerly the Ultramarine Corps, is a fictional team of superheroes published by DC Comics. They first appeared in DC One Million #2 , and were created by Grant Morrison and Howard Porter....
- Mawu - Mawu is the mother of the gods. She is always depicted as riding the rainbow serpent Oshunmare. Mawu created Ifé the living homeland of the gods, and imbued it with Lido (her life-force). Her traditional name is Mawu-Lisa. One of the Orishas.
- Mohammed Ibn Bornu - North African warrior hero from the Cadre of the Immortal. He rode a robot horse and carried and electronic spear that fired bolts of lightning.
- Molo - the International Sea DevilSea Devils (comics)The Sea Devils are a team of characters in comics published by DC Comics. They are a team of conventional adventurers, in undersea adventures. They were created by writer Robert Kanigher and artist Russ Heath ....
who represented Africa. - Moremi - she appears to be a communally sentient flock of birds. One of the Orishas.
- Obatala of the White Cloth - leader of the Orishas. Used to take mortal form, was killed in mortal form by the king of Benin. He is later re-incarnated as a mortal man named Doctor Efraim Ngai, with no memory of his godly origins.
- Ochun - basically a naiad, Ochun personified the "Sweet Waters" and can manifest in any body of water. One of the Orishas.
- Ogun - God or iron and the forge, sometimes referred to as He-Who-Is-Iron. The blacksmith god who was the and creator of the Golden Chain linking earth to Ifé home of the gods. And he was also the one who broke the chain at Shango's request. One of the Orishas.
- Olorun - depicted as a face that took up the entire sky, Olorun is defined as "He-Who-is-the-Sky". Olorun was the first Orisha, born of Mawu into the land of Ifé.
- Orunmilla - The lawgiver of the Orishas, and voice of Olorun. Carries an everburning torch.
- Osain - depicted as a human woman spontaneously formed from the leaves of a tree. One of the Orishas.
- Oshunmare - A giant rainbow serpent which is ridden by Mawu the goddess of creation. One of the Orishas.
- Shango - A hotheaded, war-axe wielding thunder god capable of changing his size at will, warchief of the Orishas.
- VixenVixen (comics)Vixen is a fictional character, a comic book superheroine published by DC Comics universe. She debuted in Action Comics #521 , and was created by Gerry Conway and Bob Oksner.-Publication history:...
- a member the Justice LeagueJustice LeagueThe Justice League, also called the Justice League of America or JLA, is a fictional superhero team that appears in comic books published by DC Comics....
. Was originally supposed to be the first African-American super heroine but her comic was canceled during the DC ImplosionDC ImplosionThe DC Implosion is the popular label for the sudden cancellation of more than two dozen ongoing and planned series by the American comics publisher DC Comics in 1978.-History:...
Animal characters
- Gorilla GroddGorilla GroddGorilla Grodd is a supervillain appearing in DC Comics, primarily as an enemy of The Flash. He debuted in Flash v.1 #106 , and was created by writer John Broome and artist Carmine Infantino....
- Hyper-intelligent, telepathic renegade from Gorilla City, long-time foe of the FlashFlash (comics)The Flash is a name shared by several fictional comic book superheroes from the DC Comics universe. Created by writer Gardner Fox and artist Harry Lampert, the original Flash first appeared in Flash Comics #1 ....
. - King NnamdiNnamdi (comics)Nnamdi is a fictional character, a comic book sentient gorilla published by DC Comics. He first appeared in The Flash vol. 2 #194, , and was created by Geoff Johns and Scott Kolins.-Fictional character biography:...
- son of Solovar and his true successor. Like his father, Nnamdi is a telepathic gorilla. He took over after a brief interim government led by Ulgo. Nnamdi has rebuilt and redesigned Gorilla City with a mix of modern technology and African philosophy. Nnamdi has decreed total isolation from humankind. (DC Comics) - King SolovarSolovarSolovar is a fictional character, a sentient gorilla in the . The character is the progressive leader of a race of gorillas that first appeared as supporting characters of the Flash.-Character history:...
- he was the telepathic leader of the hidden Gorilla City in Africa. After his assassination, Solovar was succeeded by his nephew Ulgo, and then later his son Nnamdi. - Ulgo - intermediary successor and murderer of Solovar, temporary leader of Gorilla City, not a telepath.
Wildstorm (ABC/Homage)
- Anansi - an illusion-casting hero Astro CityAstro CityKurt Busiek's Astro City is a comic book series centered on a fictional American city of that name. Written by Kurt Busiek, the series is co-created and illustrated by Brent Anderson with character designs and painted covers by Alex Ross...
universe, based in Kenya where he fought the invading Enelsians. - FlintFlint (comics)Flint, Victoria Ngengi, is a comic book character from Wildstorm, created by Jeff Mariotte and Ron Lim. She is also a member of StormWatch.-History:...
- a superstrong and near invulnerable Kenyan woman. Formerly of StormwatchStormwatch (comics)Stormwatch is a fictional United Nations-sponsored superhero team that originated in the Wildstorm Universe and has since been revived as part of the DC Universe. The original version of Stormwatch first appeared in Stormwatch Stormwatch is a fictional United Nations-sponsored superhero team that...
and an associate of the Authority.
Marvel Comics
- BashengaWakanda (comics)Wakanda is a fictional nation in the Marvel Universe. It is the most prominent of several fictional African nations in the Marvel Universe. Wakanda is located in Northeastern Africa, although its exact location has varied throughout the nation's publication history: some sources place Wakanda in...
- an ancient Wakandan whose first and only appearance was in Black Panther v1 #7 from 1978, Bashenga was supposedly the first king of Wakanda and the first Black Panther some 10,000 years ago. - Misty KnightMisty KnightMisty Knight is a fictional character in Marvel Comics' Marvel Universe. She was first mentioned in Marvel Premiere #20 and appeared in the next issue. She normally appears with Colleen Wing.-Publication history:...
- is a fictional character in Marvel Comics' Marvel Universe. She was first mentioned (by name) in Marvel Premiere #20 (January 1975) and appeared in the next issue. She normally appears with Colleen WingColleen WingColleen Wing is a fictional character in the Marvel Comics.-Publication history:Colleen Wing first appeared in Marvel Premiere #19 , and was created by Doug Moench and Larry Hama.-Fictional character biography:...
. - Bedlam III - member of the Exemplars.
- The Black Musketeers - the trio of Dr. Joshua Itobo, Ishanta, and Khanata were all members of the royal family of the African kingdom of WakandaWakanda (comics)Wakanda is a fictional nation in the Marvel Universe. It is the most prominent of several fictional African nations in the Marvel Universe. Wakanda is located in Northeastern Africa, although its exact location has varied throughout the nation's publication history: some sources place Wakanda in...
. They were usually called to assist the king. - Black PantherBlack Panther (comics)The Black Panther is a fictional character in the Marvel Comics universe. Created by writer-editor Stan Lee and penciller-co-plotter Jack Kirby, he first appeared in Fantastic Four #52...
- hereditary title of the ruler of Wakanda, currently who is currently T'challa son of T'chaka, grandson of Azzari the Wise (yet another story names Chanda as his grandfather). - Brillalae - which means "She Who Glistens," is a native of Murkatesh. She attempted to recruit Abe Brown of America as the new Black Tiger. Heroes for Hire foiled her invasion of Halwan a neighboring African country.
- Cub - member of the Remnants (counter earth).
- Doctor Crocodile - ally of Captain BritainCaptain BritainCaptain Britain , briefly known as Britannic, is a fictional character, a superhero appearing in the comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by Chris Claremont and Herb Trimpe, he first appeared in Captain Britain Weekly, #1...
- Embyrre - an ancient African Vampiress who lived and died in the pages of Midnight Sons.
- Erik KillmongerErik KillmongerErik Killmonger is a fictional supervillain published by Marvel Comics. Due to extensive training, he is an expert fighter and both a physical and mental match for his nemesis the Black Panther.-Publication history:...
- a long time enemy of the Black Panther. - Hack - a teleporting mutant from GenoshaGenoshaGenosha is a fictional country that has appeared in numerous comic book series published by Marvel Comics. It is an island nation that exists in Marvel's main shared universe, known as "Earth 616" in the Marvel Universe. The fictional nation served as an allegory for slavery and later for South...
(a fictional island nation located near MadagascarMadagascarThe Republic of Madagascar is an island country located in the Indian Ocean off the southeastern coast of Africa...
). - Ikon - a Black Panther villain named Dr. A'kurru whose body was made of living wood.
- FrenzyJoanna CargillJoanna Cargill, also known as Frenzy, is a fictional character, a mutant superhuman in the Marvel Comics universe. She has been a member of supervillain groups, including the Alliance of Evil and the Acolytes, as well as the superhero team the X-Men....
- Acolyte. - Gentle - student from Xavier's.
- ImpalaImpala (Marvel Comics)Impala is a fictional character in the Marvel Comics Universe.-Fictional character biography:Impala is female, and was apparently born in Zambia, Africa. She is a mercenary and professional criminal, but follows a strict honor code. A non-powered athlete and fighter, she carries various throwing...
- villainous member of Bad Girls, Inc. - Ivory - member of the S.H.I.E.L.D.S.H.I.E.L.D.S.H.I.E.L.D. is a fictional espionage and a secret military law-enforcement agency in the Marvel Comics Universe. Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in Strange Tales #135 , it often deals with superhuman threats....
Super SoldiersSupersoldierSupersoldier is a term often used to describe a soldier that operates beyond normal human limits or abilities. Supersoldiers are common in science fiction literature, films, TV programs, computer, conspiracy theories, and video games, but have also made appearances in other related genres, such as...
. - Leecher - member of the Bio-Genes a group of Somalian Mutant rebels.
- LightbrightLightbrightLightbright is a fictional Marvel Comics superhero. She first appeared in Silver Sable #16, , and was created by Gregory Wright and Steven Butler.-Fictional character biography:...
- member of the Intruders, formerly with the Bio-Genes a group of SomalianSomali peopleSomalis are an ethnic group located in the Horn of Africa, also known as the Somali Peninsula. The overwhelming majority of Somalis speak the Somali language, which is part of the Cushitic branch of the Afro-Asiatic language family...
Mutant rebels. - Mali - member of the Bio-Genes a group of Somalian Mutant rebels.
- Man-ApeMan-ApeMan-Ape is a fictional character, a supervillain in the , and frequent enemy of the Black Panther. He first appeared in Avengers #62 -Fictional character biography:...
- now labelled a villain, M'Baku was Wakanda's greatest warrior second only to the Black Panther. He plotted to usurp the throne with the help of the outlawed White Gorilla cult who were ancient rivals of the Black Panther cult, which basically made them heretics since Panther worship is the state religionState religionA state religion is a religious body or creed officially endorsed by the state...
. - Midnight SunMidnight Sun (comics)Midnight Sun is a fictional character, a former supervillain in the Marvel Comics universe. He first appeared in Marvel Special Edition #16 , and was created by Steve Englehart, Jim Starlin, and Al Milgrom.-Midnight:...
- an African child named M'Nai adopted by Fu Manchu, and raised alongside his son Shang-ChiShang-ChiShang-Chi is a Marvel Comics character, often called the "Master of Kung Fu". He was created by writer Steve Englehart and artist Jim Starlin....
. Fu Manchu impressed with his stoic nature trained him as one of the Si-Fan his elite assassins. Due to his badly disfigured face he always wore a mask, he was mute due to the attack that scarred his face. because they were equally skilled Fu Manchu sent him to kill Shnag Chi after Shang refused to assassinate James Petrie. Midnight died as a result of their second battle, but was later resurrected by the Kree in cloned body and gifted with cosmic powers strong enough to challenge the Silver SurferSilver SurferThe Silver Surfer is a Marvel Comics superhero created by Jack Kirby. The character first appears in Fantastic Four #48 , the first of a three-issue arc that fans call "The Galactus Trilogy"....
. After a couple of battles with the Surfer he settled down to a peaceful life in the Blue Area of the Moon where he was accepted by the InhumansInhumansThe Inhumans are a fictional race of superhumans, created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. This race appears in various comic book series published by Marvel Comics and exists in that company's shared universe, known as the Marvel Universe....
. - Monica RambeauMonica RambeauMonica Rambeau is a fictional character, a comic book superheroine in the Marvel Comics universe. Initially known as Captain Marvel, the character became a leader of the Avengers...
- Initially known as Captain Marvel, the character became a member of the Avengers and served for a time as their leader. She later used the codenames Photon and Pulsar after another Captain Marvel surfaced. Presently she uses no codename as the leader of Nextwave. - Moses MagnumMoses MagnumMoses Magnum is a fictional character, an arms dealer, terrorist, and supervillain in the Marvel Comics universe.-Publication history:Moses Magnum first appeared in Giant-Size Spider-Man #4 , and was created by Gerry Conway and Ross Andru....
- the ruler of Canaan a small offshoot of Wakanda. An enemy of the Black Panther. - Mubaru - was a Wakandan cabinet member who represented the Mountain Tribes.
- N'Kama - a Zulu Warrior hired by Damon DranDamon DranDamon Dran is a fictional character in the Marvel Universe.-Publication history:Damon Dran first appeared in Daredevil #92-94 , and was created by Gerry Conway and Gene Colan....
to capture the Black Widow. Master of hand-to-hand combat, also a master hunter and tracker. - N'Kantu, the Living MummyN'Kantu, the Living MummyN'Kantu the Living Mummy is a fictional supernatural hero in the Marvel Comics universe. He first appeared in Supernatural Thrillers #5 , created by Steve Gerber and Rich Buckler.-Publication history:...
(Swarili tribe's king) - Punchout - member of the Genoshan Press Gang.
- Sekmeht the Lion God - leader of the Lion Cult of Wakanda. Believes himself to be an actual God, opposed to the Panther Cult whose worship diminished his own followers. banished to another dimension by Iron Man and Mantis.
- Shola InkosiShola InkosiShola Inkosi is a fictional character in the Marvel Comics universe. He is a mutant with the power of telekinesis. He first appeared in Mekanix #1, and was created by Chris Claremont and Juan Bobillo.-Fictional character biography:...
- a telekinetic/telepathic mutant from GenoshaGenoshaGenosha is a fictional country that has appeared in numerous comic book series published by Marvel Comics. It is an island nation that exists in Marvel's main shared universe, known as "Earth 616" in the Marvel Universe. The fictional nation served as an allegory for slavery and later for South...
(a fictional island nation located near MadagascarMadagascarThe Republic of Madagascar is an island country located in the Indian Ocean off the southeastern coast of Africa...
) - Solomon Prey - a villain and enemy of the Black Panther, he possesses bat-like wings that enable him to fly. Also has razor sharp claws.
- SombreSombreSombre is a 1998 French film directed by Philippe Grandrieux, starring Marc Barbé and Elina Löwensohn. The film was nominated for the Golden Leopard and won the C.I.C.A.E...
- an agent of Eric Killmonger and enemy of the Black Panther. Sombre's touch is highly corrosive and painful. - Splice - Chandra Ku was a 13-year old Zulu girl from the 18th century. Recruited into the Young Gods by an African goddess.
- Sparrow - member of the Soldiers of Misfortune.
- Storm - Ororo Munroe. A former leader and member of the X-MenX-MenThe X-Men are a superhero team in the . They were created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby, and first appeared in The X-Men #1...
, and revered in KenyaKenyaKenya , officially known as the Republic of Kenya, is a country in East Africa that lies on the equator, with the Indian Ocean to its south-east...
as a weather goddess. She is married to Black Panther and rules Wakanda as queen by his side. - Transfaser - member of the Bio-Genes a group of Somalian Mutant rebels.
- VibraniaVibraniaVibrania, is a Marvel Comics superheroine character from the fictional country of Kwarrai, Africa. Though her appearance was brief in the Marvel Universe, it was memorable to the superhero Speedball. She was created by Scott Lobdell, Ron Wilson & Don Perlin and first appeared in Marvel Super-Heroes...
(Ally of Speedball) - VibraniumVibranium (comics)Vibranium , is a Marvel Comics superhero character. He was formerly known as Baru, the former king of the fictional country of Canaan, Africa until being turning into living Vibranium by Diablo.-Publication history:...
- The former king of Canaan. Baru was deposed by Moses MagnumMoses MagnumMoses Magnum is a fictional character, an arms dealer, terrorist, and supervillain in the Marvel Comics universe.-Publication history:Moses Magnum first appeared in Giant-Size Spider-Man #4 , and was created by Gerry Conway and Ross Andru....
and transformed into living VibraniumVibraniumVibranium is a fictional metal that appears in the Marvel Universe. It is most commonly known as one of the materials used to construct Captain America's shield, but it is also noted for its connection to the Black Panther and his native homeland of Wakanda .-Publication history:Vibranium first...
by the villain DiabloDiablo (comics)Diablo is a fictional character, a supervillain in the Marvel Comics universe who is an enemy of the Fantastic Four. He is depicted as an evil alchemist. He was created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in Fantastic Four vol...
. - Vibraxas - was formerly a member of Fantastic ForceFantastic ForceFantastic Force was a superhero team in the Marvel Universe, a spin-off of the Fantastic Four. The team had its own title, which lasted for eighteen issues from November 1994 to April 1996...
.
Atlas Comics
- Waku Prince of the Bantu - the titular character was an African chieftain in a feature with no regularly featured Caucasian characters.
Marvel UK
- AfrikaaWakanda (comics)Wakanda is a fictional nation in the Marvel Universe. It is the most prominent of several fictional African nations in the Marvel Universe. Wakanda is located in Northeastern Africa, although its exact location has varied throughout the nation's publication history: some sources place Wakanda in...
- Afrikaa Ngala first appears in Black Axe #5 Marvel UK. Draws power from a magma pool known as the "Heart of Afrikaa". - Doctor Crocodile - Joshua N'dingi, Chief of the African nation of Mbangawi. A friend of Captain BritainCaptain BritainCaptain Britain , briefly known as Britannic, is a fictional character, a superhero appearing in the comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by Chris Claremont and Herb Trimpe, he first appeared in Captain Britain Weekly, #1...
and powerful magic user, it was he who uncovered Jamie Braddock'sJamie BraddockJames "Jamie" Braddock Jr. is a fictional character appearing in the Marvel Comics universe. The elder brother of the twin superheroes Captain Britain and Psylocke, he is a mutant possessing the ability to manipulate reality in a variety of ways. Though his mutant powers are very powerful, he is...
insanity and evil to his siblings Brian and BetsyPsylockePsylocke is a fictional character depicted in comic books published by Marvel Comics, most notably those comics featuring the superhero team the X-Men. The character has also appeared in licensed adaptations. Created by writer Chris Claremont and artist Herb Trimpe, she first appeared in the UK...
. - Howitzer - a member of the Genedogs and English hero team combining mutants and mutates.
Strikeforce Morituri
- SilencerSilencer (comics)Silencer is a fictional character, a superhero in the Marvel Universe, member of the Strikeforce: Morituri. The character was created by Peter B. Gillis and Brent Anderson.-Publication history:Silencer was created by writer Peter B...
- Akiya Bandaranaike, who appeared in Strikeforce: MorituriStrikeforce: MorituriStrikeforce: Morituri is a comic book series published by Marvel Comics from 1986 to 1989. The series was created by writer Peter B. Gillis and artist Brent Anderson....
by writer Peter B. GillisPeter B. GillisPeter B. Gillis is an American comic book writer best known for his work at Marvel Comics and First Comics in the mid-1980s, including the series Strikeforce: Morituri, and the digitally drawn comic series Shatter.-Biography:...
and penciler Brent AndersonBrent AndersonBrent Anderson is an American comic book artist known for his work on X-Men: God Loves, Man Kills and the comic book series Astro City.- Early life :...
, volunteered to become a Morituri after discovering she was genetically compatible to undergo the process. Her strength and endurance were superhuman and she could nullify sound.
Supremeverse
- The Five - five unnamed African superhumans who tell the Squadron SupremeSupreme PowerThe Squadron Supreme is a fictional superhero team that appears in publications under the mature-audience MAX imprint by Marvel Comics. The team first appears in Supreme Power #1 and was created by writer J...
and Hyperion to leave Africa and never return. - The Voice - General John M'Butu, a genocidal tribal leader gifted with a powerful psychic suggestion ability with a vocal component.
African Prince
- Captain Africa - baqased in Juba Castle near the high-tech metropolis called Egyptica, Prince Najee M’Witu is secretly Captain Africa a brilliant detective.
All-Negro Comics
- Lion Man - American born, college educated Lion Man is a young scientist, sent by the United Nations to watch over the fearsome ‘magic mountain’ off the African Gold Coast.
ANIA Publishing
- Zwanna, Son of Zulu - An over the top caricature of the black superhero, complete with a "Zulu-sense", and the ability to summon the powers of the Zulu. He carries a short spear in one hand, with green tassles which are in fact magical vines that he can mentally control.
Arcane Comics
- Nighthawk - appeared in the Soul Sorcerer
- Noah - appeared in the Soul Sorcerer
Awesome Comics
- Nubian Knight - an ordinary man living in South Africa who is granted super powers by "El" an ancient Godlike being.
Daathrekh Publishing
- NETERS - cifer-RA (high-science-entertainment) Daathrekh Publishing
Griot Enterprises
- The Horsemen - Incarnations of the Yoruba pantheon's orishas including Yemaya, Ogun, Obatala, Oshun, Shango, Oya, and Eshu
Miller Publishing Co.
- Ku-Zu'u, King of the Jungle (Wildman Comics & Stories #8, meets Xal-Kor the Human Cat)
Urban Style Comics
- Dreadlocks - he is a blind, revolutionary hero empowered by the gods of ancient Alkebulan. Taught by the master teacher Pharohn, his duty is to bring Ma'at (order, justice, peace) to the people.
Double Storey
- Red Monkey http://www.sundaytimes.co.za/2004/02/29/news/cape/nct04.asp - Dave the Red Monkey, a red "apeman" stoner, lives in a surreal version of Cape TownCape TownCape Town is the second-most populous city in South Africa, and the provincial capital and primate city of the Western Cape. As the seat of the National Parliament, it is also the legislative capital of the country. It forms part of the City of Cape Town metropolitan municipality...
alongside normal appearing humans. Dave appears in "Red Monkey: The Leaking Cello Case" written and illustrated by South African artist Joe Daly, and published by Double Storey in 2003. "The characters spend their lives in a sophisticated, new age version of hell. Monkey-footed Dave lives in decaying art deco splendour, dodging his underachieving dagga-smoking white buddies who are always out to loan a buck."
Gettosake
- Credence Walker http://www.gettosake.com/credence.html - a Doc SavageDoc SavageDoc Savage is a fictional character originally published in American pulp magazines during the 1930s and 1940s. He was created by publisher Henry W. Ralston and editor John L...
styled adventurer in an alternate Africa, written by Travis G. Johnson, with plot and art by Jeremy & Robert Love. Originally slated to be published in 2004 by Gettosake Entertainment.
Webcomics
- Eleggua - the modern incarnation of the Yoruba trickster deity Eleggua also known as EshuEshuÈṣù is both an orisha and one of the most well-known deities of the Yoruba mythology and its related New World traditions.He has a wide range of responsibilities: the protector of travelers, deity of roads, particularly...
. Created for the online medium by Alex Hernandez (writer)Alex Hernandez (writer)Alex Hernandez is a Cuban-American writer of indie webcomics based in Hialeah, FL. He is best known for his work on the open source character, Jenny Everywhere. He also has an extensive list of creator-owned work such as Eleggua, Thoth Boy, Kobuta, Children of Mars, The Mantis, The Magnificent...
and illustrated by Korshi Dosoo http://www.lairofthetwistedkitten.co.uk/index.html. Here are links to the comic series, the first part Eleggua: Divine Infections and the second Eleggua: Blood & Thunder.
Television
- Anansi the Spider - a hero of Ghana, and the greatest hero in west Africa. Anansi has the power to create visible, realistic illusions. He is named after AnansiAnansiAnansi the trickster is a spider, and is one of the most important characters of West African and Caribbean folklore.He is also known as Ananse, Kwaku Ananse, and Anancy; and in the Southern United States he has evolved into Aunt Nancy. He is a spider, but often acts and appears as a man...
, the trickster spider of African folklore. Made guest appearances on the animated television show Static ShockStatic ShockStatic Shock is an American animated television series produced by Warner Bros. Animation. It premiered in September 2000 on the Kids' WB! block and ran for four seasons, with a total of 52 half-hour episodes....
.
See also
- List of black animated characters
- List of black superheroes
- Portrayal of black people in comic booksPortrayal of black people in comic booksBlack people have been portrayed in comic books since the medium's beginning, with their portrayals often the subject of controversy. The integration of black characters in mainstream and superhero comics has endured various obstacles and challenges. Many critics have outlined the role of black men...
- Ethnic stereotypes in comicsEthnic stereotypes in comicsReflecting the changing political climate, the representation of racial and ethnic minorities in comic books have also evolved over time. This article is intended to document and discuss historical and contemporary racial and ethnic stereotypes in the medium of mainstream comics.-Sociopolitical...
- Stereotypes of African Americans
External links
- Afros, Icons, and Spandex: A Brief History of the African American Superhero
- Red Monkey: The Leaking Cello Case review from Za@Play
- Joe Daly interview in the South Africa Sunday Times
- Pulse (May 2, 2006): "Intro to Webcomics: The Work of Alex Hernandez
- Grand Comics Database: All-Negro Comics #1
- From "Under Cork" to Overcoming: Black Images in the Comics