Up in the sky, it's NOT a bird, or a plane, and it's probably not a black superhero.
For the first 20 years of modern comic book history, black superheroes were ignored. But in the 1960s black superheroes descended on the hero genre in their tights and capes to save the world, just like the rest.
Up until then, there where NO black superheroes and only a few black characters who regularly appeared in the most popular superhero stories.
This summer, we have Hancock. But many came before him ...
If you don't know comics, than you've probably never heard of these guys, but trailblazing characters like Luke Cage, The Falcon and Black Panther took a stronghold in the comic industry upon their first appearance. They cleared the path for more black superhero creations.
Then came Storm of the X-Men, Spawn and Blade. From there, TV and movies and more modern heroes like the Black Power Ranger and Static Shock. (And don't get me started on the dozens of independent and underground black superhero comics. There's too many to count.)
We decided to rank them. They run the gamut from humorous heroes, like Blankman, to cartoon crusaders, such as Hong Kong Phooey.


Comments: (132)
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By: Anthony Walton on 7/01/2008 10:37AM
All those comic/movie/sports diversions are nice, and all, but let's not lose sight of who the real super heroes are.
If you're raising or you've been schooled by a strong black man, you realize the truths Hollywood will never show.
http://askyourdaddy.blogspot.com/
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By: Zjon D on 7/01/2008 12:26PM
OK, Where is Bishop?You put blankman up there and No Bishop??? How about The War Machine. With Iron Man dropping in theatre this summer,he should be mentioned as well. And as Much as I love Batman, he would not be nowhere without his chief engineer Earl.
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By: g. on 7/01/2008 12:54PM
This list is horrible.
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By: c Dave on 7/01/2008 3:04PM
This list is utter garbage. Black Panther should have rated waaaaaaaaaay higher on the list. His country, Wakanda, has never, ever been conquored by another cultural or tribe. Wakanda is a virtual utopia, where there is virtually no crime or proverty. He should be an example of what all black people should strive for. Be the best that you can be through hard work and dedication. Handi-man is a joke so is, Blankman, Pootie Tang, Honk-Kong Phooey, and Meteor Man. Lets be serious. Where is Huey Freeman from the Boondocks, his power is to stop racial injustice and tell white people that Jesus was black
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By: Planet Comic Book Radio on 7/01/2008 3:53PM
I agree with #2, we need Bishop in there. I thought Blade should be number 1. And there's also Catwoman missing.
Gah, just thought of something, if Orpheus is in this list, does that mean Neo is a superhero?
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By: the obenson report on 7/01/2008 4:21PM
Damn - you really had to dig deep to come up with this list, didn't you? It's obvious that genuine black super heros are severely lacking! Humorous list though. I'm going to link to this on my blog.
Cheers!
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By: Major Jack on 7/01/2008 5:06PM
co-sign #6, boy you crazy!!! Step up your superhero game!!! Handi-man was retarded, it was a joke!!! how u gonna disrespect our people like that??? No bishop, u crazy!!! U had so much potential with this list AARRGHHH!!!! I'm so disgusted!!!
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By: bramabull on 7/01/2008 4:41PM
what about Bishop from the Xmen
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By: frank on 7/02/2008 10:23AM
"If you're raising or you've been schooled by a strong black man, you realize the truths Hollywood will never show." You are retarded!
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By: nick blaze on 7/02/2008 10:23AM
this list SUCKS!!! handi man was a joke retard so was blankman and pootie tang.wheres the kids from da boondocks there cool!whers catwoman and bishop?
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