All-Negro Comics #1 (1947)
Anthology published by Orrin C. Evans; Various artists (All-Negro Comics, 1947)
Ace Harlem (crime story by John Terrell), Dew Dillies (humor by Cooper), Lion Man (jungle story by Geo. J. Evans Jr.), and Sugarfoot (adventure story by Cravat). Lil’ Eggie one-page strip by Terrell. One page of Hep Chicks on Parade cartoons. Two-page text story, “Ezekiel’s Manhunt.” The inside front cover editorial by Orrin C. Evans notes that “every brush stroke and pen line in the drawings on these pages are by Negro artists.” (via mycomicshop.com)
Notes
“All-Negro Comics” was a groundbreaking, albeit short-lived, comic book published in 1947. It holds the distinction of being the first known comic magazine written and drawn entirely by African-American writers and artists. “All-Negro Comics” was published by All-Negro Comics, Inc. in 1947.
The comic was the brainchild of Orrin Cromwell Evans, an African-American journalist and advocate for racial equality. Evans assembled a team of talented black writers and artists, including his brother, George J. Evans Jr., and John Terrell, to bring his vision to life.
Only one issue was ever released. Evans attempted to publish a second issue but was unable to purchase the newsprint required. One writer believes Evans was blocked from doing so by prejudiced distributors, as well as from competing, white-owned publishers (such as Parents Magazine Press and Fawcett Comics) which began producing their own black-themed titles.
Ace Harlem: A detective series featuring a black police officer as the protagonist.
Lion Man and Bubba: An adventure series about a college-educated African American sent to Africa by the United Nations.
Sugarfoot: A humor feature about traveling musicians.
The Little Dew Dillies: A children’s feature.
In 2022, comics writer Chris Robinson successfully funded a Kickstarter to remaster and reprint the comic. The reprinted edition won an Eisner Award for Best Archival Collection/Project — Comic Books in 2024.
