The comic history of Marvel's Black heroes is being spotlighted in a new book: My Super Hero Is Black. This non-fiction title will be focusing on the company's Black characters and creators. It is the latest collaboration between Marvel Comics and Gallery Books Group.
Marvel has had numerous iconic Black superheroes on many teams. From the X-Men's Storm to the Defenders' Luke Cage and more, there are so many incredible Black heroes with lengthy histories. There have also been incredible creators, making it fitting that they will also be included in this book, which is slated to release this upcoming Fall.
In a new announcement, Marvel has revealed that My Super Hero Is Black is written by John Jennings and Angélique Roché. This is the second book to come out of the company's partnership with a Simon & Schuster imprint. The first, Super Visible: The Story of the Women of Marvel, Margaret Stohl and Judy Stephens, is scheduled to release on March 29th. This partnership has focused on Marvel's history, as well as its cultural impact. The book cover for My Super Hero Is Black, which is illustrated by Natacha Bustos, has also been revealed. It features numerous Black heroes including Storm, Falcon, Miles Morales, Iron Heart, Black Panther, Misty Knight, Nick Fury, Shuri, Luke Cage, and Moon Girl, as well as many others.
"From the introduction of Black Panther in the 1960s and publisher Stan Lee's early efforts at addressing systemic racism, to the groundbreaking work of creators like Billy Graham, Christopher Priest, Reggie Hudlin, and Ta-Nehisi Coates, My Super Hero is Black offers a rich examination, celebration, and historical overview of Marvel's Black characters and creators. It also includes accounts from prominent Black creators and luminaries about their personal relationships with Marvel Super Heroes."
John Jennings is a comics scholar, as well as an Eisner winner. He is a Professor of Media and Cultural Studies at the University of California at Riverside and he specializes in race's visual culture in media forms, such as comics and film. Angélique Roché is the host of the podcast, Marvel's Voices, which has helped inspire Marvel's comic line of the same name. This is sure to be an incredible volume for Marvel Comic fans to hear more about the voices in the comic industry, as well as about their favorite Black heroes. With a rise in visual representation of some of these heroes, it is very fitting that more of their history should be spotlighted and reflected upon.
As Jennings says, "One of Marvel Comics' core mantras is that they want their comics to show 'the world outside your window' and that is exactly what they have done over the last eight decades. My Super Hero Is Black is not just a reference book but it shows the potential of these amazing Black characters through new windows and new vantage points." Roché adds that this upcoming Marvel book "follows the journey of the industry on its path to the modern Black super hero, one of the grandest examples of our modern mythology." This work is a celebration of the evolution and legacy of heroes who have inspired fans around the world. Fans can learn more about their favorite Black heroes and creators from Marvel Comics when My Super Hero Is Black releases on October 11.
Source: Marvel Comics