Jack Kirby’s original concept art for Black Panther. Photo from Wikipedia
Marvel Comics’ Black Panther was America’s first African comic book superhero, debuting in 1966 — 32 years after Mandrake the Magician, who is believed to be America’s first ever superhero. It would be 50 years before Black Panther would be introduced in live-action, appearing in 2016’s Captain America: Civil War. Black Panther is the T’Challa (politician) turned Prince turned King of the fictional African nation Wakanda.
In 1969, Marvel’s Falcon was introduced as the first African-American superhero. He would later become Captain America’s partner and is the first black superhero to not have the word “black” in his title. He wasn’t introduced on the silver screen until Captain America: The Winter Soldier in 2014.
Luke Cage, or Power Man, followed in 1972, also with Marvel Comics. Originally, Cage sported an afro; however, his modern appearance has a shaved head. In 1973, Blade was introduced. Initially hailing from London, England, his on-screen portrayals depict him as being from Detroit, Chicago.
The first black female superhero appeared in 1975, again with Marvel Comics. The daughter of a Kenyan Princess who married an American photographer, Ororo Munroe is the X-Men’s first black member.
The first DC Comics black superhero was Green Lantern in 1971, replacing the original Lantern who was injured. In 1977, Black Lightning appeared as DC’s second black superhero. He has yet to appear in a live-action movie.
In 1980, Cyborg was born, and is arguably the best known and most popular of DC’s African-American superheroes.
Annie Lane
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What about Lothar, Mandrake’s partner? He was from Africa. He was also portrayed (actually by an actor of Hawaiian descent) in the 1930’s Mandrake film serial.
What about Lion-Man in 1947’s All Negro Comics?
What about Black Racer from DC’s New gods?
What about Black Lightning’s TV show?
What about Static Shock’s TV show?
What about Shaq starring in the superhero movie Steel, based on the DC Comics character?
All this stuff is on Wikipedia…
Thanks, Michael. This representation of superheroes, as you can tell, is a snapshot. Throughout February we will be featuring several snippets in black history. They won’t be comprehensive by any means, but are simply meant to acknowledge and honor the journey, the struggle, the success in general. Additional research by way of comments is welcomed and appreciated! All the best.
With all due respect to the great Jack Kirby, that original- concept-art outfit for the Black Panther would’ve been just terrible! Far too “busy”…
The all-black outfit, with its cleaner lines (and more-restrained cloak), that he wore in that first appearance (with the Fantastic Four) suited the innate hunter in him so much better…
Totally agree! Love the modern depiction of Black Panther. The initial concept kind of reminds me of Robin.
“Mandrake the Magician, who is believed to be America’s first ever superhero.”
while not published until June 1938, Superman was actually created in 1933, pre-dating even Mandrake.
Though created by the same duo, the Superman of 1933 was a telepathic villain. The super human Superman we all came to know and love didn’t debut until after Mandrake.