BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Marvel celebrates Black History! Read some of the earliest appearances and major runs of these Black and African American heroes!
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Black Panther
In Fantastic Four (1961) #52
T’Challa, King of Wakanda. Proud and regal, the Black Panther is the monarch of a remote African nation more advanced than any other on Earth. T'Challa was also one of the first African heroes to appear on panel. Read his first appearance in the pages of Fantastic Four.
Gabe Jones
In Sgt. Fury (1963) #1
S.H.I.E.L.D. agent Gabe Jones began his career as a Howling Commando, serving with the Allied Forces during World War II. After becoming a decorated hero, Jones continued to work in espionage alongside Nick Fury.
Blade
In Blade (2006) #1
Half-man, half-vampire, the London-born Blade is Marvel’s go-to supernatural hunter. Blade’s struggle with his own vampirism makes him one of the more tortured heroes on our list… and one of the most compelling.
Luke Cage
In Hero for Hire (1972) #1
Exploding out of the '70s, Luke Cage is a pivotal hero in the Avengers lineup. He is also entrepreneurial—Cage was the first hero to hire out his services to the community at large!
Moon Girl
In Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur (2015) #1
Young genius and Inhuman Lunella Lafayette displays bravery beyond her years, using her vast intelligence and her telepathic link with Devil Dinosaur as a hero for all ages!
Misty Knight
In Heroes for Hire (2010) #1
Alongside Luke Cage, Misty Knight was an original Harlem Defender. While an NYPD cop, Knight lost an arm to a bomb blast… and had it replaced with a bionic model! Check out Misty in action as the head honcho of her Heroes for Hire operation, an expansive network of street-level heroes.
Goliath
In Avengers (1963) #32
Bill Foster had a difficult upbringing in Los Angeles, but his keen, scientific mind led him to become Goliath. Using Pym particles for good, Goliath was a super-sized ally to the Avengers, even assisting Cage and Black Panther on various missions. Here’s his first appearance!
Bishop
In X-Men (1991) #8
A man out of time, the oft stern Bishop is a soldier of the highest order. Hailing from a dystopic future which hunted and imprisoned mutants, Bishop sought out the X-Men to prevent this timeline from coming to pass. He’s also one of the most iconic X-Men of the '90s!
Doctor Voodoo
In New Avengers (2004) #54
Jericho Drumm. A mystic equal to Doctor Strange, Drumm was raised in the Vodou culture of his native Haiti. Doctor Voodoo is proud of his heritage, often serving as a medium for spirits and supernatural beings. Read the issue where he becomes the next Sorcerer Supreme, and see him in the classroom in STRANGE ACADEMY!
Storm
In Storm (2014) #1
A force of nature, it comes as no surprise that Storm was once regarded as a goddess. As stunning as she is powerful, Ororo Munroe has played many roles throughout her lifetime: Thief. Goddess. Hero. Queen. Storm is also one of the longest-running leaders of the X-Men, second only to Cyclops. See her take flight in her ongoing series, and read her latest appearances from the Dawn of X!
War Machine
In War Machine (2008) #1
In his weaponized suit, Colonel James Rhodes is War Machine, the militaristic answer to Iron Man. But this former Marine is far more than an engineer—“Rhodey” is Tony Stark’s confidante and friend, once wearing the Iron Man armor in his stead.
Falcon
In All-New Captain America (2014) #1
Growing up in New York City, Sam Wilson often dreamed of soaring over rooftops like the birds he had trained. With wings forged from Wakandan titanium, Wilson became Captain America’s partner-in-crimefighting... and eventually the All-New Captain America!
Ironheart
In Ironheart (2018) #1
Teenage super-genius Riri Williams is Ironheart, an armored hero who once carried the mantle of Iron Man! She may be young, but as a Champion and solo star Riri has the inventiveness and resolve to face the world of tomorrow. Read her solo series here.
Spectrum
In Mighty Avengers (2013) #1
While a lieutenant in the New Orleans Harbor Patrol, Monica Rambeau was struck by a weapon intended to kill. Instead, Rambeau became Spectrum, a Super Hero with intangibility, flight, and control over all forms of energy! This Avenger also went by Captain Marvel, and led a team of her own Mighty Avengers.
Patriot
In Young Avengers (2005) #1
Elijah Bradley grew up listening to tales of his grandfather Isaiah Bradley, one of the first Super-Soldiers to fight during World War II. But where his grandfather faded into anonymity, Eli upheld his heroic lineage. As Patriot he was the founding member and leader of the Young Avengers!
Miles Morales
In Miles Morales: Ultimate Spider-Man (2014) #1
One of the most beloved heroes on our list! Following Peter Parker’s death, an Afro-Latino teen from Brooklyn took up the mantle as the Ultimate Universe’s Spider-Man. And Miles’ rise is just beginning—he’s now a Spider-Man of the mainstream Marvel U!
Shuri
In Shuri (2018) #1
Shuri is the daughter of King T’Chaka and Queen Ramonda, making her the sister of T’Challa, the Black Panther. An engineering prodigy with a warrior’s heart, Shuri has served Wakanda as queen, the Black Panther, and as the Aja-Adanna, a spiritual leader.