Marvel Comics By Black Creators

We could all use more heroes in our lives right now. Marvel Comics has answered this silent plea by offering a hundred comics by black creators free on their Marvel Unlimited app. You can download the app in the Apple or Google Play store. We each picked out titles that interested us to read this past weekend.

Candace:

I’ve only started getting back into reading comics since this quarantine (I bought a bunch of Star Wars comics during May the 4th, of course). But I always loved the Marvel related movies and television shows.

Shuri Vol. 1: The Search For Black Panther

Nnedi Okorafor (Writer), Leonardo Romero (Illustrator), Jordie Bellaire (Color Artist)

I chose this comic because of how much I loved her character (played by Letitia Wright in the Marvel movies). While she is a scientific genius, she is always relatable. Shuri is written by best-selling Afrofuturist author Nnedi Okorafor and drawn by Eisner-nominated artist Leonardo Romero. 

The plot centers around Shuri creating a rocket ship (because she is brilliant) and her brother is lost on a mission in space. She is asked by her mother and other female leaders of Wakanda to take up the Black Panther mantle in her brother’s absence. At first, she is hesitant in taking up the role (in a previous comic she did and died… it’s a long story that the comic does a good job of explaining). However, she once again flexes her heroic muscles and teams up with some other well-known superheroes to save her brother. This comic allows Shuri to step up from a supporting character and kid sister into being the hero of her own story.

Both the story and artwork is beautiful - it works well as a standalone story too. Next on my book reading list is Binti, a science fiction novella written by Okorafor.

Vanessa:

I admit that I have not really read comics since I was a kid, but having these available online are a wonderful mini-break into a different universe! Even though I am unaware of most backstories, reading them makes me feel young at heart, and reaffirms my hope that there are those people out there who have the heart of a hero and the courage to tell their stories.

Ironheart #1

Eve L. Ewing (Writer), Kevin Libranda (Illustrator), Amy Reeder (Illustrator)

Though the origin story is laced with pain (as many comic book characters are), Ironheart (Riri Williams) has channeled that pain into a determination to keep others safe. She is brilliant - an engineer who used Tony Stark’s technology to build a suit of her own. She feels at home in the sky, which I immediately related to, as flying is the most exciting and freeing superpower to have; haven’t we all wanted to escape into the clouds, and watch the world with a renewed awe and simplicity from miles above?

Riri must eventually return to earth, though, where she has her own lab currently set up at MIT (brilliant, like I said). A group of foreign dignitaries have arrived to see her latest tech, and she cautiously leads them around before they run off to a meeting to - I am not sure, hopefully solve the world’s problems? And, of course, as you can guess what happens when global leaders are all gathered together in the Marvel Universe, a villain enters and gives Riri the opportunity to flex her scientific mind to gracefully save the day.

Riri has some definite emotional scarring, and confronts the terrifying notion that she could have chosen evil over good - and who knows, she still might. Her personal interactions are few and far between, but she is not opposed to opening up her iron heart to the right people - I just hope those people treat it with kindness.

Marvel Rising #1 - Heroes of the Round Table

Nilah Magruder (Writer), Roberto di Salvo (Illustrator)

I was drawn to this because - well, Heroes of the Round Table? How can that not be a setup for something amazing? Also, two of the heroes are The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl and Tippy-Toe the Squirrel Who Needs No Other Name. I had to know.

This story is from the perspective of the Magnificent Ms. Marvel, who has duped Spider-Man and Inferno into a day of touring Empire State College with Squirrel Girl (and Tippy-Toe) as their guide. Because, of course, super heroes need higher education too (I guess...I still have no idea how they find the time for any of this stuff). As someone who is pursuing a higher education career, though, props to the explanation of how people need liberal arts (or in this case - humanities/communications). Either way, it is always interesting to see superheroes walking around and doing normal things, reinforcing the idea that their humanity is at the core of everything they do - and how anyone can be heroic if they choose.

Do not fear, though, action is also awaiting! Remember the whole “Round Table” thing? Well, the heroes are distracted from their tour when they hear the sound of cars screeching. As it unfolds, it appears that the drivers are - jousting. Yes, jousting, with the cars as their horses and some hockey sticks as their lances. However, their eyes are glaring bright green, which usually isn’t a good sign. 

You quickly learn that someone has come back from the Medieval Times - is it Arthur? You will have to read to find out! This is a fun and quippy story, and I personally can’t wait to read more.

Joseph:

Me and Marvel go way back. Ever since I saw Sam Raimi's Spider-Man back in 2002, I fell in love with the realm of superheroes. While I didn't grow up with Marvel comics, I always like when I get the opportunity to read one. This is one of those times.

Falcon #1

Rodney Barnes (Writer), Josh Cassara (Illustrations)

Out of the long list of comics I could have read, I picked Falcon #1 for one reason and one reason only: Falcon. I've loved the character since I first saw him in The Super Hero Squad Show in 2009. Anthony Mackie's wonderful portrayal of Sam Wilson in the Marvel Cinematic Universe is another reason why I love the character so much. So reading a comic about him really excited me, and it didn't disappoint. Written by Rodney Barnes (of The Boondocks and Everybody Hates Chris fame), Falcon #1 is a wonderful introduction to the adventures of some of Marvel's greatest Black heroes. 

After HYDRA stages a mass takeover with the help of an evil Steve Rogers, Sam Wilson decides to step away from the Captain America mantle and craft his own legacy. The comic immediately sucks you in, as Sam describes his purpose in life and what he represents to the people of Chicago. Gone is the shield and the old-fashioned colors of the past, as Falcon makes his way in the universe by flying high in the sky once again in a snazzy red and black costume. Meanwhile, Sam's protégé, Rayshaun, attempts to craft his own legacy by becoming the superhero, Patriot. Rodney Burnes' writing is incredibly compelling, as it sucks the reader in from page one. The comic's themes of legacy and bravery engage you and also begs you to keep going after an amazing cliffhanger. 

Barnes' excellent writing is complemented by Joshua Cassara's dynamic art, the amazing colors courtesy of Rachelle Rosenberg, and the really great lettering of Joe Caramanga. If you want to get to know two great characters, as well as experience some great stories before The Falcon and The Winter Soldier hits Disney+, Falcon #1 and it's subsequent issues are the way to go.

Bri:

I have never read a Marvel comic. When I was little I read some old Wonder Woman comics my mom had, some Archie comics, and Cheryl Blossom. And to top it off, I’ve barely seen any of the Marvel movies -- I know what you’re thinking, shame on me. I’ll get to them eventually. 

Killmonger “By Any Means”

by Bryan Edward Hill (Writer), Don McGregor (Writer), Juan Ferreyra (Illustrator), Rich Buckler (Illustrator)

“You know the ending. But you don’t know this journey. If you stick with me for these 5 issues, then I hope it entertains you. I hope it feels as honest to you as it does to me.” -- Bryan Edward Hill, open letter at the end of Killmonger Issue 1.

I wasn’t sure if I would understand a lot of the comic, since I really don’t know the characters. Black Widow, who? But what drew me to reading Killmonger was my love of well-written villains. I have to admit, Batman villains are my favorite - I loved the cartoon where Harley was first introduced. The one thing about DC is that there has always been more behind them than other villains - not just some catch phrase and wanting power/greed. There was always something deeper. You understand why they become who they are and what they are; there is a solid reason and foundation (granted let’s not discuss recent DC movies in that statement). 

I’m glad I chose to read Killmonger - because it had what I was looking for. Erik does not know who the other Marvel characters are (like myself) - which was honestly refreshing. Devil-Man? Don’t know him. But Erik is just more than your average villain. He is real. His anger is real - and honestly justified. Erik Killmonger or N’Jadakda isn’t just a ready-made, generic villain; he is someone who has experienced horrible events - taken away from his home, parents killed, given the name Erik because it wasn’t a “jungle name”. Especially with everything that has come to light over the years, one really feels for Erik. He has a background that humanizes him - unlike most common superhero villains. 

Bryan Edward Hill’s writing is superb, and there is complete character development - which I simply fawn over. When a writer writes from their heart, their passion and honesty makes the characters feel alive. Each has a unique personality, and you can hear their words ooze from the page. I was excited and invested throughout all 5 issues. Again, yes, sometimes I realized that I did not understand the background extremely well - but it’s written in a way that you don’t need to have complete Marvel knowledge (though I’m sure it would help). I would 10/10 recommend this series to anyone, because I think journeys are important - the decisions we choose to formulate our outcomes, how we need to face our fears in order to grow even if we don’t want to admit that we are afraid - it makes for an intriguing story. I may not understand Killmonger’s pain, but I can relate to the fundamentals. And I think at the end of the day, that is what shows us we are all just humans. 

“Killmonger is a tragedy. It’s a tragedy because revenge is inherently tragic; The commitment to anger and violence always turns on the actor, eventually. All energy returns to its host. There was an easier way to do this. I could have done a charismatic story, riding the wave of the Black Panther films popularity, challenging nothing, but that’s a waste of your time, isn’t it? What I’ve decided to do might not succeed, it might strike at things you feel are sacred, but it comes from the most honest parts of the imagination.” -- Bryan Edward Hill, letter at the end of Killmonger Issue 1 

Thank you for your honest imagination Bryan - I look forward to reading more from you. Also, Disney +, do you think we could get a mini series based on this comic? Thanks.