https://blackgirlnerds.com/5-black-indie-comics-for-blerds-to-binge-read/

For years, comic Blerds had to settle for heroes who played second fiddle to their white counterparts or two-dimensional caricatures that lacked depth or character. This sparked an uprising of artists who were eager to see Black characters depicted in a different light. These artists were hungry for comics that depicted the culture in more inventive ways, delivering timeless tales they could also relate to. Artists were ready for textured hair, richer hues of Brown skin, and speech bubbles filled with text that hit close to home. If you’re looking for authentic, high-quality Black comics that give Marvel and DC a run for their money, here are five to get you started.   

Harriet Tubman Demon Slayer 

Publisher: Kingwood Comics

Kingwoodcomics.com

What if, instead of leading the Underground Railroad, Harriet Tubman was a katana-wielding warrior who rescued slaves from the clutches of racist demons? This is the story of Kingwood Comic’s Harriet Tubman Demon Slayer. In HTDS, Tubman uses her superpowered strength and sword-fighting techniques to help lead an enslaved family to freedom while being hunted by blood-thirsty bigots and demonic slave owners. As comical as it sounds, it cleverly reclaims Black history in an extraordinarily entertaining way, delivering social themes and political statements without being exploitative. Before you ask, yes, watching the legendary abolitionist slash her way through racist vampires is just as satisfying as it sounds and is something that needs to be seen to be believed. Since its 2017 launch, Harriet Tubman Demon Slayer has had quite a success story. Not only has it achieved nationwide distribution, but the IP has expanded to include officially licensed figurines and a TV deal. As we speak, it’s currently being adapted to Disney Plus by Insecure’s own Prentice Penny.

The Antagonists

Publisher: Godhood Comics

Godhoodcomics.com

Godhood Comic’s The Antagonists will have you questioning your values and the ideologies of heroism as the concepts of good and evil are constantly called into question. The series follows Calvin and Tanya Eval, two supervillains who retired their evil terrorist ways to settle down and raise a family. Keeping their villainous lifestyle under wraps is a constant test of will and resilience as the Evals (aka Destructus and Ultima) juggle the hardships of raising a Black family in America while simultaneously dealing with the consequences of their dark pasts. The duality of being a family-oriented couple who doubles as evil masterminds makes for a compelling story of redemption, perception, and the consequences of life’s choices. The cut-throat action scenes, stellar portrayal of Black characters, and high-quality art style have made The Antagonists one of the most popular Black indie comics in recent history. With a nationwide distribution deal and a TV adaptation in the works, it is also one of the most successful.     

Niobe: She Is Life

Publisher: Stranger Comics

strangercomics.com

Niobe: She Is Life is the Black fantasy comic we’ve always dreamed of. The series follows Queen-to-be Niobe as she tries to escape the clutches of the vampire lord Essessa. When she tries to seek refuge among her people, the sacred elven tribe, they reject her for being half-human. Outcast, Niobe connects with a fellow exile, a man who’s accused of murder. As an act of love, she sets off on a quest to prove his innocence. As we watch a teen Niobe fight to find her tribe, we’re privy to profound philosophical themes about love, discrimination, empowerment, and self-discovery. The story also does wonders for Black representation.

1. It’s reportedly the first comic to feature a Black female author, artist, and hero.
2. The main character is judged harshly for being mixed-race and has difficulty fitting in with both species, a theme that may hit close to home for multicultural readers.  
3. The sacred elven tribe has Afrofuturistic designs, with hair texture and attire that pay homage to African ancestors.
4. In Niobe, Black culture is glorified. We’re not just badass elven warriors: we’re powerful. Godly. Kings and Queens. We rule nations and occupy kingdoms. 

If you’re not impressed by its breathtaking illustrations, you’ll be enchanted by its introspective dialogue, delivering a timeless fantasy tale that is centered around a Black heroine. 

Tuskegee Heirs: Flames of Destiny

Published by: Greg Burnham and Marcus Williams

What would happen if you took the work ethic and problem-solving of the Tuskegee airmen and pitted it against the world? The answer is the sci-fi action-adventure series Tuskegee Heirs: Flames of Destiny. Tuskegee Heirs tells the story of a crew of gifted aviators appointed Earth’s last line of defense against the looming threat of a deadly AI. Using the same moral ethics and team strategies used by the iconic Red Tails, they work together to defend Earth and prevent the destruction of civilization. The comic does a tremendous job of blending the thrills and excitement of sci-fi action-adventure with the essence and significance of Black history, glorifying aviation in a way that connects to a young audience. When co-creator Marcus Williams came up with the concept, his goal was to make it a story his culture would be proud of, and readers agree that Tuskegee Heirs does just that. By creating a story rooted in Black history and depicting Black kids as heroes, Tuskegee Heirs has a formula that unites comic book fans from every generation. Its unique story of maturity and self-discovery inspires younger readers while its homage to Black history makes their parents proud. With four issues out and a fifth along the way, we know it won’t be long before the creators accomplish their dream of getting an animated adaptation.    

Iyanu: Child of Wonder

Publisher: YouNeek Studios

youneekstudios.com

Iyanu’s heartwarming story, diverse characters, and inclusion of African culture have made it a hit for comic book fans all over the world. It tells the story of Iyanu, a teenage orphan with no memory of her past who suddenly discovers hidden supernatural abilities. These abilities resemble the powers of the Divine Ones, ancient deities known throughout African lore for turning Yorubaland into a high-tech utopia. When the future of her homeland is threatened by the evil Corrupt, it’s up to Iyanu to save her world from devastation and bring about a new “age of wonders.” In addition to a well-paced mythological tale, Iyanu: Child of Wonder does an amazing job of infusing fantasy with Yoruba culture, depicting everything from traditional foods to language and hairstyles. Iyanu is praised among readers for its captivating art style with high-quality imagery that sinks you deep into its epic tale. Iyanu’s inspiring story of humanity combined with its fascinating lore and page-burning adventure has accelerated its success, propelling it from booths at cons to the silver screen. An animated series is currently in development, so it won’t be long before you can enjoy Iyanu’s enriching story with the entire family.   

Although this list barely scratches the surface of the Black indie market, we’re grateful to the comics on this list and their contribution to the culture. We can’t wait to see how the influence of Black indie comics impacts the uprising of Black original art. What’s your favorite Black indie comic? Let us know on social media @blackgirlnerds.