Black History Month Milestones: 10 Frequently Asked Questions for Black Comic Book Collectors
For Black comic book collectors, understanding the history of our representation in this medium is more than just a hobby; it’s a reclamation of our narrative. From groundbreaking characters to pivotal moments, these 10 frequently asked questions delve into the key milestones that have shaped Black comic book history and continue to inspire a new generation of creators and fans.
Historical Moments
Who was the First Black Superhero?
Black collector’s consider Lothar of Mandrake the Magician (syndicated comic strip, 1934) as the first Black superhero. He would later appear in comics as well. If you perform a Google search for this information it says Lion Man, published in All-Negro Comics (1947) is the first Black superhero, however this is incorrect.
What is the First All-Black comic book?
All-Negro Comics #1 (1947) was published by the Philadelphia journalist Orrin C. Evans. It is the first comic book anthology created solely by Black writers and illustrators and featured all Black leading characters including the very popular Lion Man.
What is the most valuable Black comic book?
Phantom Lady #17 (Fox Studios,1947) is the most valuable Black comic book grails. Black collectors consider it to be a Black comic because it is illustrated by Matt Baker, the industry’s first Black comic book illustrator. The estimated value of the book is over $40,000 according to Heritage Auction.
You can learn more about Matt Baker and Phantom Lady #17 HERE.
Who was the first Black superhero to have their own title?
Ebon was published in 1970 by the acclaimed underground publisher Larry Fuller; several years prior to Luke Cage Hero for Hire #1 (Marvel, 1972) and the Black Panther #1 (Marvel, 1976). Which would make Ebon the first Black superhero with its own title, written and drawn by a Black creator. Needless to say, the significance of this book simply goes to show that Black Comic Book collecting doesn’t begin and end with Marvel and DC comics.
Who is the First Black Comic Book illustrator/artist?
Who is the first Black Eisner Award Winner?
Kyle Baker is the first African-American cartoonist to win the coveted Eisner Award in 1999 for his book You are Here (DC/Vertigo, 1999)
You can view all of the Black Eisner Award winner’s in our Collector’s Guide.
Women in Comics
Who is the First Black Superheroine?
Black Butterfly appears in Hell Fire #1 (1971), which predates the appearance of Storm (Giant-Size X-Men, Marvel, 1975).
Who is the first Black woman to work in comics?
The first Black woman cartoonist is Jackie Ormes, a syndicated artist published by Chicago Defender and Pittsburgh Courier between 1937-56.
The first Black woman to work in the comic book industry would be Joan Baccus, the author of Golden Legacy #2, (Fitzgerald Publishing, 1966)
Learn more about Black Women in the comic book industry in our Historic Timeline: Torchy to Teen Titans: Black Women in Comics (1937-2016)
Marvel and DC Firsts
Who are Marvel's and DC’s first Black superheroes?
Black Panther (Fantastic Four #52, Marvel, 1966) is Marvel comics first Black comic book character.
Mal Duncan, featured in Teen Titans #26 (DC, 1970), is DC comics’ first Black character. The first superhero to be featured in their own comic was Black Lightning (DC, 1977).
Marvel’s first Black artist/writers:
Writer: Christopher Priest received his first writing credit for Falcon #1 (Marvel 1983)
DC’s first Black artist/writers:
Writer/Artist: Adolphe Barreaux is an artist of mixed race whose work is featured in DC’s very first comic anthology, New Fun Comics #1 published in 1935.
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