The Legacy of Black Comics

A Powerful Timeline of Black Creativity, Resistance, and Imagination

From independent pioneers to mainstream legends, Black comic creators and characters have shaped the industry through bold stories, fearless heroes, and cultural breakthroughs. This timeline traces the journey — decade by decade — of how Black comics grew from underground brilliance to global icons.

First Black superhero in comics

🟣 1947 - Lion Man Debuts in All-Negro Comics

Published by journalist Orrin C. Evans, All-Negro Comics#1 introduced Lion Man — a heroic African protector created entirely by Black writers and artists.

Mainstream’s first Black superhero

🟣 1966 - Black Panther Joins the Marvel Universe

T’Challa, the king of Wakanda, made his debut in Fantastic Four#52, paving the way for Black superheroes in mainstream comics.

First solo Black superhero series

🟣 1972 – Luke Cage Breaks Onto the Scene

Luke Cage, Hero for Hire#1 launched Marvel’s first solo series featuring a Black superhero — a street-level hero with unbreakable skin and bulletproof resolve.

DC Comics embraces diversity

🟣 1977 – Black Lightning Sparks Change

Jefferson Pierce became DC's first Black hero with a solo title, using his electrical powers and voice as a schoolteacher to fight injustice inBlack Lightning#1.

A Black-owned comic universe emerges

🟣 1993 – Milestone Media Launches with Power

Black creators founded Milestone Media and introduced characters like Static, Icon, Rocket, and Hardware, forever changing the superhero landscape.

Representation hits Saturday mornings

🟣 2000s – Static Shock Electrifies TV Screens

Based on Milestone’s hero, theStatic Shockanimated series brought Black superheroes into households worldwide with smart storytelling and cultural depth.

Literature meets legacy

🟣 2016 – Ta-Nehisi Coates Reimagines Black Panther

National Book Award winner Ta-Nehisi Coates wrote a critically acclaimed Black Panther run that explored politics, identity, and Afro-futurism with nuance and depth.

A global cultural phenomenon

🟣 2018 – Marvel’s Black Panther Makes History

Ryan Coogler’sBlack Pantherfilm became a blockbuster success and a cultural milestone — celebrating African heritage, pride, and Black excellence.

Black indie voices rise

🟣 2020 – Independent Creators Lead a New Wave

Kickstarter, Webtoon, and social media empowered a new generation of Black indie creators telling authentic, innovative stories from their own perspective.

A legacy reignited

🟣 2023 – Milestone Comics Returns to DC

Milestone’s heroes returned in a modern relaunch — reigniting the spirit of resistance and excellence that made them icons of Black superhero storytelling.

The future is Black, bold, and brilliant

🟣 2025 – Looking Forward in Comics and Culture

With new generations of creators and fans, the legacy of Black comics continues to grow — bold, diverse, and limitless in its imagination.

Celebrating the past, inspiring the future

Black Comics: A Legacy of Power, Pride, and Possibility

From humble beginnings to global phenomena, Black comics have continuously shattered barriers, challenged narratives, and redefined heroism. This rich legacy not only honors the creators and characters who paved the way but also lights the path forward for future generations to imagine and create without limits. The story of Black comics is far from over—it’s an ever-evolving celebration of resilience, creativity, and empowerment.