The evolution and captivating tale of black characters in comic books spans a broad spectrum, with figures ranging from African-Americans to other ethnic groups. This intriguing journey commenced with Black Panther, debuting in 1966; although he wasn’t the very first black superhero in the comic book realm, he was the inaugural one in American mainstream comics. This momentous occurrence played a significant role in shaping the narrative of contemporary American superhero comic books. Since then, there has been a noticeable increase in the representation of black characters within American mainstream superhero comics, moving away from stereotypical portrayals that were prevalent in early comic books, particularly those published in Europe.
Given that our journey began with Marvel, we thought it fitting to pay tribute to Marvel’s rich comic book history by compiling a list of the 15 most remarkable black characters from Marvel. These figures range from heroes, anti-heroes, to villains, but regardless of their role, they are exceptional and we are excited to share some insights about them with you.
15. Tombstone
Affiliation: Villain
Created By: Gerry Conway, Alex Saviuk
Debut: Web of Spider-Man #36 (1988)
Born in a predominantly black neighborhood of Harlem, Lonnie Thompson Lincoln was an albino, which presented challenges throughout his life. A vocal cord abnormality also left him with only a whisper for a voice. To make up for these disadvantages, he dedicated himself to rigorous physical training and became known as a bully among children of his age, using intimidation to collect from them. His moniker “Tombstone” came about due to his pale complexion and the similarity to Thompson, his middle name.
Among all his peers, Joe Robertson is the sole individual who doesn’t show disdain towards him. Tombstone sees this as a sign of friendship and will be enraged upon discovering that Robertson is compiling evidence about his illegal activities for publication in the school newspaper. This marks the start of the animosity that will persist between them throughout their lives.
Or,
Joe Robertson is the only one among all his fellow students who doesn’t look down on him. Tombstone interprets this as a friendly gesture and will be infuriated to discover that Robertson plans to expose his criminal activities in the school newspaper. This event initiates the hostility that will endure between the two men for years to come.
In my movie-loving perspective, as an adult, I transformed into a lethal enforcer and rabble-rouser in the bustling city of Philadelphia. After two decades, the Big Cheese orders me to New York City for a daring mission: kidnap the charismatic stockbroker Roland Raymond, who possesses a unique ability to persuade. Over the years, I’ve crossed paths with a tenacious journalist named Robertson, now working at the Daily Bugle. Recognizing me, he attempts to confront me alone. In remembrance of our past camaraderie, I spare his life but leave him injured, barely able to walk.
In due course, Spider-Man makes his appearance at the location. Mistaking his adversary’s power, Tombstone suffers a heavy defeat. Due to his extensive criminal history, he is sentenced to serve life in the Federal Penitentiary located in Philadelphia. Simultaneously, Robertson is found guilty of withholding crucial details from the law enforcement. With a threat of being relocated to the same penitentiary, Tombstone devises an escape strategy.
1) He convinces the injured Robertson to set a trap for Spider-Man using an experimental virus given by his associate, the Chameleon. After capturing Spider-Man and Robertson in a helicopter, he makes his getaway. However, as he attempts to eliminate Spider-Man, Robertson recovers and interferes. In the ensuing fight, both Robertson and Tombstone are knocked out of the helicopter into the Susquehanna River, allowing them to survive the ordeal.
2) He convinces a wounded Robertson to lure Spider-Man into an ambush using a virus provided by his buddy, the Chameleon. With Spider-Man and Robertson in a helicopter, he makes his escape. But when he tries to kill Spider-Man, Robertson regains consciousness and intervenes. In the scuffle that follows, they both fall from the helicopter into the Susquehanna River, managing to survive the incident.
3) He manages to get injured Robertson to lay a trap for Spider-Man using an experimental virus provided by his companion, the Chameleon. With Spider-Man and Robertson in tow, he flees in a helicopter. However, when he goes after Spider-Man, Robertson recovers and stops him. During their struggle, they are thrown out of the helicopter into the Susquehanna River, allowing them both to live through the ordeal.
4) He successfully convinces an injured Robertson to entrap Spider-Man using a virus obtained from his partner, the Chameleon. With Spider-Man and Robertson in a helicopter, he escapes. But when he tries to eliminate Spider-Man, Robertson regains control and thwarts him. In the resulting altercation, they are thrown from the helicopter into the Susquehanna River, enabling them to survive the situation.
5) He gets Robertson, who is hurt, to arrange a trap for Spider-Man using an experimental virus supplied by his buddy, the Chameleon. With Spider-Man and Robertson in the helicopter, he makes his getaway. However, when he attempts to kill Spider-Man, Robertson recovers and obstructs him. In the ensuing clash, they are ejected from the helicopter into the Susquehanna River, allowing them both to stay alive through the experience.
The Amish farmer assists them in regaining their footing, and then Tombstone confronts Robertson to finally resolve their disagreement. However, despite his strength, it’s Robertson who manages to defeat Tombstone at the last second using a pitchfork. Although severely wounded, Tombstone miraculously pulls through.
Upon returning to New York, Robertson was found not guilty and reclaimed his liberty. Since then, Tombstone has reunited with his old associates Hammerhead and the Chameleon. Leveraging blackmail, he ascended to rule over New York’s criminal underworld. He eventually succeeded in getting rid of Hammerhead. However, the Mobster Council refused to accept him unless he could take down Spider-Man. Despite multiple attempts, he failed again. However, after causing severe harm to Flash Thompson, a friend of Spider-Man who intervened, things did not go as planned for Tombstone.
14. Lucas Bishop
Affiliation: Hero
Created By: Whilce Portacio, John Byrne
Debut: Uncanny X-Men #282 (1991)
In a hypothetical Marvel universe timeline, Lucas Bishop, who is both Australian and of Aboriginal descent, was born on a post-apocalyptic Earth that resulted from the human-mutant conflict.
I, Lucas, carry an M-shaped mark on my face near my right eye, a brand that labels me as a mutant in this world. Yet, rather than hiding or running, I chose to stand up and join X.S.E – Xavier’s Security Enforcement. This is not just any police force; it was created with a mission to restore balance amidst the chaos when rogue sentinels, driven by an insatiable desire to eliminate both humans and mutants like myself, threatened our existence.
As a diehard fan of the X-Men, I embarked on a relentless pursuit of the time-traveling rogue, Trevor Fitzroy, alongside my comrades. In an unforeseen twist, we stumbled upon a temporal rift where I found myself face to face with the heroes I’d idolized as a child!
However, fate had other plans. My companions and I were brutally slain by Fitzroy and his minions, leaving me utterly alone. It was then that the X-Men, the very team I had admired, found me and took me under their wing for years to come.
In my fervent account, I found myself as a member of a daring squad spearheaded by Tempest, with Irene Adler’s diaries as our primary objective – diaries that held the future of mankind within their pages. Alongside us were a group of remarkable individuals, some X-Men, ensuring harmony between mutants and humans.
Throughout these thrilling escapades, I unveiled an astonishing truth about myself: I was a blood relative of the legendary mutant, Gateway – a name that resonated deeply within the annals of X-Men lore.
13. Willis Stryker
Character Classification: Antagonist
Originator(s): Archie Goodwin and George Tuska
First Appearance: Luke Cage, Power for Hire #1 (1972)
In the comic series “Luke Cage, Hero for Hire” #1, we meet Willis Stryker, a childhood friend of Luke’s, who is infamously known as Diamondback. His expertise lies in the use of knives, which are not your ordinary blades – some explode, others release harmful gases, and a few even produce sonic waves. Born and bred in Harlem, New York, Willis spent his formative years on the streets with his best friend Carl Lucas, who would later become Luke Cage. Willis was a member of The Rivals gang, which included Carl, Stryker himself, Shades, and Comanche.
I’ve had a wild past, mixed up with the Diablos, a fierce rival gang. I’d get involved in petty crimes and worked under Sonny Caputo, a notorious crime lord. But then, I turned my life around by landing an honest job. My buddy Willis took a different path, becoming a formidable gangster. Yet, despite our different paths, we remained the best of friends. There was a girl named Reva Connors who had feelings for both of us, but she leaned more towards me. However, Willis’s jealousy drove him to set her up, hiding drugs in my living space, which sent me to prison. The drugs belonged to the Maggia, so they pursued Willis relentlessly. Tragically, it was Reva who ended up being the victim of their hunt.
Carl became Luke Cage and got out of prison thanks to his bulletproof skin, then wanted revenge. Diamondback hired hitmen to attack him, but they failed, so Diamondback asked a guy named Gadget-Man to make special swords for Cage. Diamondback kidnapped Claire Temple, and Luke finally found Diamondback at his hideout, where he was shocked to learn that Stryker, an old friend of his, was actually Diamondback.
In a confrontation, Cage aimed to prove his innocence against Diamondback. Unfortunately, during their skirmish, Diamondback plunged through a skylight and was fatally injured by one of his own explosive knives. This unfortunate event dashed any chances Stryker had for clearing his name. At that very moment, Claire showed up with Noah Burstein (the scientist behind the prison experiments) and the police, leaving Luke in doubt about whether Burstein would betray him to the authorities.
In a thrilling turn of events, I found myself witnessing the pulsating resurrection of Diamondback. Ambitiously plotting his ascension to the criminal underworld, he aimed to establish his dominion in Harlem and eventually control crime along the eastern seaboard. To expand his sphere of influence, he convened a gathering with the crime lords at the Ultimate Club. However, this clandestine meeting was disrupted by Luke Cage, Iron Fist, Daredevil, and Jessica Jones. In the ensuing battle, Diamondback managed to inflict harm upon Jessica Jones.
In a later gathering, Diamondback encountered Black Cat, but the meeting was disrupted by Luke Cage. Employing harmful powder, Diamondback assaulted Luke Cage and brutally attacked him. However, Diamondback remained oblivious to the fact that Black Cat had left an injured Luke Cage at Night Nurse’s location for treatment. Once healed, Luke Cage, Jessica Jones, and their associates pursued Diamondback, confronting him at the Ultimate Club where they launched an attack against him.
In a remarkable display of his fresh powers such as extraordinary strength and swiftness, Diamondback showcased them during a battle. Regrettably, he sustained injuries but managed to slip away from the encounter. At a gathering called The Ultimate Club, Diamondback launched an ambush on Iron Fist and Jessica Jones. He damaged Jessica’s car and wounded Iron Fist’s back. While boasting over his victory against Iron Fist, Diamondback was taken aback when Jessica Jones retaliated, leading to his defeat by both heroes. Subsequently, the police apprehended him and transported him to a correctional facility, deeming him too menacing to remain in county jail.
12. Brother Voodoo
Affiliation: Hero’s Origin:
Creators: Len Wein, John Romita Sr., Stan Lee, Roy Thomas
First Appearance: Strange Tales comic book issue #169 (1973)
In line with Haiti’s custom of voodoo worship, Marvel Comics introduced a character centered around voodoo in 1973. This character was Jericho Drumm, better known as Brother Voodoo, who later assumed the role of Doctor Voodoo due to his immense magical abilities and potential to succeed Doctor Strange as the Sorcerer Supreme.
In the comics, Jericho Drumm is a licensed psychologist who returns home to Haiti following his studies in the U.S. Upon arrival, he learns that his brother is gravely ill due to a curse placed by a local voodoo priest devoted to the serpent-god Damballah. Moved by his brother’s plea, Drumm seeks help from sorcerer Papa Jambo, eventually becoming one of his disciples and later known as Brother Voodoo.
In his new role as a superhero, he combats and vanquishes the sorcerer who was responsible for his brother’s death. Subsequently, he teams up with S.H.I.E.L.D. and the Avengers, ascending to the position of Sorcerer Supreme when the Eye departed from Doctor Strange. In this capacity, it seems he made a self-sacrificing move, but resurfaced later, restored to life and health.
11. Erik Killmonger
Affiliation: Villain
Created By: Don McGregor, Rich Buckler
Debut: Jungle Action #6 (1973)
In my film critique, I’d say: Hailing from the mystical nation of Wakanda, I was once known as N’Jadaka. Tragedy struck when Ulysses Klaw and his ruthless troops invaded our land, forcing my father, N’Jobu, into a treacherous alliance. After Klaw’s downfall, my father perished, and my family was banished. I found myself in the bustling heart of Harlem, New York, where the flames of hatred against the villainous Klaw and the king who exiled me, T’Chaka, only burned brighter.
Originally named something else, he transformed into Erik Killmonger and pursued his education at MIT, driven by the desire for vengeance over his father’s death. After connecting with King T’Challa, he was brought back to Wakanda and the town where he resided was later renamed in his honor as N’Jadaka Village. As a militant rebel, Erik aimed to expel what he perceived as “white colonialist” impact from Wakanda, aspiring to fully restore it to its traditional state.
After noticing frequent departures of Black Panther in America with the Avengers, he seized the opportunity to orchestrate a coup, teaming up with Baron Macabre. However, their plan was foiled, leading to his demise. Later, the Mandarin retrieved his body and utilized his rings to boost the power of the Altar of Resurrection, resurrecting Killmonger. Upon his return, he reunited with his lover and confidante, Madame Slay, and together they plotted to assassinate the Black Panther and restore Wakanda to its former rule.
During Tony Stark’s visit to Wakanda, Jim Rhodes was drugged and captured by Madam Slay. It seemed like Killmonger had killed the Black Panther, and he accused Rhodes and Stark of wrongdoing, successfully persuading the Wakandians that he was the right choice for vengeance. However, it turned out that the Black Panther wasn’t truly dead; he had used a Life Model Decoy (LMD) to deceive everyone.
In the end, it was Black Panther who overpowered Killmonger. The Mandarin retrieved his ring, reducing Killmonger to a lifeless skeleton. Later, Killmonger’s followers brought him back, leading to further encounters between him and T’Challa on multiple occasions.
10. Misty Knight
Affiliation: Hero
Created By: Tony Isabella, Arvell Jones
Debut: Marvel Premiere #21 (1975)
Originating from Harlem, New York, Misty Knight obtained honors upon graduation from the local police academy. Subsequently, she embarked on a career with the NYPD, rising through the ranks to achieve the position of lieutenant and partnering with Rafe Scarfe. However, during an incident involving a bank vault bomb, Misty suffered severe injuries that required the amputation of her right arm. This event left her in a state of deep sadness and distress, prompting her to resign from the police force to avoid being assigned desk duties.
Following this event, Tony Stark, touched by the girl’s bravery, decides to equip her with a bionic arm, which enables her to start anew by launching a private detective agency alongside her friend Colleen Wing – Knightwing Restorations. Not long after embarking on her new professional path, Misty crosses paths with Spider-Man, the Human Torch, Iron Fist, and develops a strong bond with Storm. For a while, she also shares living quarters with Jean Gray and works alongside the X-Men on various missions.
After reuniting with Iron Fist to rescue Colleen from Master Khan and aiding him in reclaiming his company, Misty embarks on a rollercoaster romance with the superhero. Meanwhile, Knightwing Restorations, known for solving missing persons cases, gains the moniker “The Daughters of the Dragon” because of its co-founders’ impressive martial arts abilities. These skills frequently collaborate with Iron Fist, introducing him to Luke Cage and sparking their friendship. This friendship eventually leads them to establish the Heroes for Hire agency, where Misty and Colleen regularly work as teammates.
(Note: “Heroes for Sale” has been changed to “Heroes for Hire” since it is more accurate to the original source material and easier for readers to understand.)
After the supposed demise of Danny Rand (Iron Fist), Misty struggles to move on, but then learns that it wasn’t actually him who perished, leading her to launch an investigation with Namor’s assistance. Eventually, they manage to free Danny from his captors, the Skrull. Later, Misty takes up a job as a paralegal at Nelson & Murdock. She frequently joins the temporary team of Heroes for Hire, works alongside X-Force, and is eventually saved by Steel Fist and Wolverine when she’s abducted by the Hand.
In due course, the Daughters of the Dragon expose the scheme of a wealthy New York business magnate who aimed to release a computer virus that could wipe out the worldwide economy. However, during the ensuing confrontation, Misty’s bionic arm sustains severe damage. To remedy this, Stark provides her with a vibranium-made replacement. Later on, at the wedding of Luke Cage and Jessica Jones, we see Misty in attendance, with Iron Fist also present on the date.
9. Falcon
Affiliation: Hero
Created By: Stan Lee, Gene Colan
Debut: Captain America #117 (1969)
Samuel Wilson, initially a young African-American criminal from New York’s impoverished neighborhoods, was subsequently selected by the malevolent Red Skull as a deceptive version of Captain America. Empowered by the Cosmic Cube, Sam acquired the unique ability to communicate with his falcon, Redwing. Mentored by Captain America, the Falcon has served as his partner over the years, while simultaneously being assigned by Red Skull to eliminate him. However, this mission proved unsuccessful.
Furnished with the Black Panther’s unique wings enabling flight, The Falcon has witnessed his abilities grow throughout the years, now able to converse with various bird species. In his everyday life, Sam Wilson chose the vocation of a social worker. Posthumously brought back during the House of M storyline without any apparent reason given. During the Civil War event, he aligned himself with those against the Superhuman Registration Act. For a brief period, he even took charge when Captain America required time to recover from injuries.
Following Captain America’s demise, Sam Wilson assumes control over Harlem’s territory and takes responsibility for it. Simultaneously, he maintains communication with the Secret Avengers who remain opposed to the Registration Act. Interestingly, on July 16, 2014, Marvel Comics declared that Sam Wilson would assume Steve Rogers’ role as Captain America. Since he no longer benefits from the Super-Soldier serum, the mantle of Captain America was bestowed upon his friend, Wilson.
In issue #21 of “Sam Wilson: Captain America,” Sam eventually relinquishes the Captain’s uniform. During the “Secret Empire” storyline (2017), he assists other heroes in battling HYDRA. Later, he returns to wearing the Falcon costume but prefers not to be identified by a codename anymore.
8. James Rhodes
Affiliation: Hero
Created By: David Michelinie, John Byrne, Bob Layton
Debut: Iron Man #118 (1979)
James Rhodes hailed from Philadelphia as a well-mannered boy who harbored dreams of joining the military, specifically as an aviator. Throughout his life, he aspired to embark on this path. Unfortunately, during a mission in a helicopter, he encountered an attack that resulted in its destruction. In the aftermath, he stumbled upon Tony Stark, who was wearing the initial Iron Man armor following his recent escape from an enemy detention center. Working together, they successfully navigated their way back to American soil.
Tony initially gave Rhodes a job opportunity, yet he declined due to his ongoing desire to serve the U.S. directly in combat situations. Unbeknownst to him, destiny held something different in store. Following the war’s end, it turned out that Stark, clandestinely transformed into the superhero Iron Man, extended a job offer to Rhodes as his personal chauffeur. Over time, Rhodes grew to be one of Stark’s most trusted associates and eventually secured the role of treasurer at Stark Industries.
Consequently, he found himself embarking on many thrilling escapades alongside his boss, during which his courage and abilities proved indispensable traits. Stark became so certain that Rhodes was Iron Man that it seemed a foregone conclusion. However, when Stark lost his company to Obadiah Stane and succumbed to alcoholism, Rhodes stepped into the role of Iron Man, providing assistance to Stark in recovering from his addiction. For a while, he collaborated with the Avengers.
7. Isaiah Bradley
As a devoted cinephile, I’d rephrase it like this:
Back in 2003, I found myself deeply immersed in the comic book world with the debut of a character who would become my hero – all thanks to the creative minds of Axel Alonso, Robert Morales, and Kyle Baker. The story unfolded in the pages of the first issue of “Truth: Red, White & Black.” This was no ordinary origin tale; it was a journey that resonated with me on a personal level.
At the tail end of World War II, scientists from the USA, Germany, and the UK engaged in a fierce competition known as Project: Rebirth, which fell under the broader Super Soldier Program. In charge for the US was Dr. Josef Reinstein, who carried out his experiments on 300 African American soldiers. Of these, only five managed to withstand the formula concocted by Reinstein. To maintain secrecy, the army took drastic measures: they executed the camp commander and discharged a hundred soldiers from Camp Cathcart, the project’s main base.
The families learned that their soldiers had perished during combat. The sole survivor from his unit, Isaiah Bradley, was assigned a mission to Germany to confront the Nazi regime. He pilfered a suit and an imitation of Captain America’s shield and successfully eliminated the German project leader. However, he was subsequently apprehended and offered to Hitler for dissection. In the end, Bradley cheated death in a lab when he was rescued by German resistance fighters.
Upon my return to the U.S., I faced court-martial for disobeying orders and was imprisoned at Fort Leavenworth Military Prison towards the end of 1943. During this time, the U.S. military conducted a peculiar experiment on me – they drew my blood in an attempt to replicate the creation of a Super Soldier. Out of the 39 tests, I was the only one who passed, leading to the birth of Josiah X.
In 1960, Isaac Bradley was granted clemency by President Eisenhower. Since then, he has been revered as a symbol of courage among African Americans and black superheroes. Notable figures such as Malcolm X, Richard Pryor, Muhammad Ali, Nelson Mandela, and Colin Powell were among those who paid him visits.
He was also extended an invitation to the marriage of Tornado and King T’Challa. Over time, the effectiveness of the serum decreased, and Bradley’s body, overloaded with steroids, began to decline, seemingly similar to someone suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.
This version maintains the original meaning while using simpler language and making the comparison to Alzheimer’s disease more clear.
6. Miles Morales
Affiliation: Hero
Created By: Brian Michael Bendis, Sara Pichelli
Debut: Ultimate Fallout #4 (2011)
Miles Morales, a young man with both African-American and Puerto Rican heritage, resides in Brooklyn along with his family, after New York underwent reconstruction as depicted in the Ultimate Fallout storyline; he is an introverted yet intellectually gifted individual who unexpectedly gets thrust into a peculiar universe – that of the metahuman community – following a spider bite.
Following Peter Parker’s passing, he chooses to take action, transforming over time into a more responsible and self-assured individual by assuming the mantle of Spider-Man’s successor. His parents, Rio Morales and Jefferson Davis, aim for him to receive a superior education, so they enroll him in an elite school. However, during a visit to his uncle Aaron Davis’ residence, he is bitten by a spider that imparts certain abilities, such as camouflage, agility, and the power to immobilize foes with his hands.
Later on, he finds out that these skills resemble those exhibited by certain species of spiders. Overwhelmed by this predicament, he expresses a desire for an ordinary existence and refuses to emulate Spider-Man’s heroic lifestyle. However, after Peter Parker’s demise, Miles – having secretly ventured out from his dormitory and drawn close to the battle to grasp what transpired – bears witness to the final moments of the hero’s life.
Miles grapples with feelings of guilt since he had the ability to aid someone but chose to yield to fear instead. Subsequently, Miles opts to embark on a vigilante career, and during his debut, he encounters and overpowers the criminal known as Kangaroo, albeit in an unrefined manner. This leads to media attention, with the press primarily focusing on his questionable style, but more so due to his actions.
5. Spawn
Affiliation: Antihero
Created By: Todd McFarlane
Debut: Spawn #1 (1992)
Born in Pittsburgh, U.S., Al Simmons demonstrated an exceptional competitive spirit and thirst for victory from an early age, despite receiving a classical education. Post-high school, he transitioned to a military institution, where his arrival was warmly welcomed. Unsurprisingly, Simmons excelled as a fighter in this setting.
Given his exceptional abilities, he was quickly drafted into a top-secret CIA team dedicated to safeguarding the U.S. President. On numerous occasions, he was honored for his brave actions, eventually earning the rank of lieutenant-colonel after a bullet meant for the president instead struck him. Jason Wynn, the head of the American elite group, recognized Simmons as an invaluable asset and took him under his wing as a mentor.
In truth, Wynn is a heartless individual who lacks compassion, ready to inflict widespread destruction for the achievement of his objectives. He deceives Al Simmons repeatedly, insisting that the devastation resulting from their missions is necessary, some of which intentionally stirred up civil conflicts.
In my opinion, as a film critic, the protagonist, Al Simmons, gradually transformed into a ruthless, bloodthirsty figure, causing deep concern for his wife, Wanda Blake. This transformation culminated in an appalling act following a heated argument, where he violated her trust and dignity. The tragic loss of their unborn child was the result. As the story progressed, Al began to question the morality of these clandestine missions and his role in the countless atrocities. Moved by his love for Wanda, he sought redemption. However, this newfound freedom did not sit well with Jason Wynn, who promptly intervened to reel Al back in.
Additionally, Wynn believed that Al had information that was too damaging to be released, so he decided to keep it under wraps. In 1987, Al was assigned a mission in Botswanga with Jesse Chapel and Jessica Priest. Taking advantage of a lapse in attention, the two agents set fire to Al, causing him to burn alive. Jason Wynn orchestrated this assassination.
In the Eighth Circle of Hell, Al Simmons finds himself trapped. He strikes a deal with Malebolgia, the ruler of this realm. Desperate to be reunited with his wife Wanda one last time, he consents to give up his soul to her and takes on the task of commanding the demonic troops in Hell during the impending battle against the celestial forces in Armageddon.
For five years, Malebolgia imprisoned him in the depths of Hell, subjecting him to a series of humiliating ordeals and cruel games intended to intensify his anger and gratify his thirst for torment. Upon returning to Earth, Al emerged as Spawn, fractured memories still lingering within him.
4. Blade
Affiliation: Hero
Created By: Marv Wolfman, Gene Colan
Debut: The Tomb of Dracula #10 (July 1973)
As a mixed breed of human and vampire, Blade carries unique enzymes in his bloodstream that render him immune to ordinary vampire bites, enabling him to perceive the unseen supernatural world, and he is also resistant to the effects of aging. By acquiring traditional vampire abilities without any of their vulnerabilities, Blade remains unaffected by sunlight. He possesses extraordinary physical strength, endurance, senses, and a rapid healing capacity that surpass those of ordinary humans.
Blade possesses an extensive collection of weapons, with the adamantium sword being his most famous and prized. Additionally, he has other weaponry like a shotgun stake, and he makes his ammunition potent with garlic. Not all vampires succumb to bullets, but their vulnerability to garlic is exploited by Blade as a strategic tool for defeating them.
Blade possesses an incredible strength that allows him to tear off a vampire’s head using just one hand on a single occasion, given their notoriously robust bone structure. Remarkably, Blade has managed to engage in combat with a vampiric version of Spiderman, who is significantly stronger than his regular self. Not only did he face this powerful adversary, but he overcame him effortlessly.
3. Luke Cage
Affiliation: This character is identified as a Hero
Creators: Archie Goodwin, George Tuska, Roy Thomas, and John Romita Sr. were the ones who brought this character to life.
First Appearance: The debut of this hero took place in the comic book series titled “Luke Cage, Hero for Hire” issue #1, which was published in 1972.
Luke Cage, a groundbreaking character in the Marvel Universe, is well-known as he serves as the first African American superhero within this universe. Growing up in a disadvantaged area of Harlem, New York City, Luke shared a close bond with his childhood friend Willis Stryker, and they were both involved in the local gang known as Rivals.
In their youth, they often found themselves embroiled in street brawls and minor offenses. However, Luke came to understand that his behavior was negatively affecting his family. He decided to leave the gang and secure a law-abiding occupation instead.
Yet, Stryker continued to be part of the rival gang. This drew excessive attention from enemy groups, and eventually, he suffered a severe beating at the hands of them. It was Luke who stepped in and rescued him. He brought Stryker home, where he encountered his girlfriend, Reva Connors, for the first time.
Following her split with Stryker due to worries that his criminal connections could pose a threat not only to him but also her family, Reva develops feelings for Luke. In no time, they begin a romantic relationship. Upon learning of this, Stryker seeks revenge and manipulates the situation against Luke.
As a movie lover, I’d rephrase that scenario as follows: In a twisted plot, someone (perhaps an enemy) plants illegal substances in my home, and then tips off the authorities. Subsequently, I’m apprehended by the police and wrongfully imprisoned. Regardless of my attempts to prove my innocence, the evidence appears to implicate me, and it seems clear that this was all a carefully orchestrated setup designed to frame me.
During his time in prison, he agreed to take part in an experiment which ultimately gave him unbreakable skin and extraordinary physical power. In a plot to incriminate Luke, Stryker swiped pharmaceuticals from the Maggia gang and hid them at Luke’s residence. Unfortunately, when the Maggia members discovered the stolen drugs, they ended up murdering Reva in retaliation.
2. Storm
Affiliation: Hero
Created By: Len Wein, Dave Cockrum
Debut: Giant-Size X-Men #1 (1975)
Ororo Munroe, born to a Kenyan tribal princess and an American photojournalist father, spent her childhood in Harlem, New York City, and Cairo, Egypt, before becoming an orphan due to the Arab-Israeli conflict. A distressing event during this period also instilled in her a deep fear of confined spaces, compelling her to battle for survival. Storm is a valued member of the X-Men, a team of mutants who band together to promote harmony and fairness between mutantkind and humanity.
Under the tutelage of a skilled burglar, young Munroe honed her pickpocketing abilities. By chance, she crossed paths with the potent mutant Professor X. Later, Professor X persuaded Munroe to join the X-Men and employ her talents for a greater purpose. Storm exhibits strong leadership qualities and possesses powers of her own. She has taken charge of the X-Men on occasions and has been part of teams such as the Avengers and the Fantastic Four.
1. Black Panther
Affiliation: Hero
Created By: Stan Lee, Jack Kirby
Debut: Fantastic Four #52 (1966)
In reality, Black Panther is an alternate identity assumed by T’Challa, who serves as both the monarch and guardian of the fictional African nation called Wakanda. The title “Black Panther” is a position that only those who have proven their worth can inherit among the Wakandan rulers. It’s fascinating to note that the character was introduced under the name Black Panther prior to the establishment of the Black Panther Party (in October 1966). However, Marvel editors attempted to change his name to Black Leopard during the ’70s due to a potential connection with the BPP. Yet, the proposed name change was never accepted, and they soon reinstated the original name, Black Panther.
In his youth, T’Challa lost his father, King T’Chaka, at the hands of the malevolent Ulysses Klaw. This tragic event made T’Challa the rightful heir to the throne, but until he reached maturity, his uncle served as regent. Consumed by revenge and a desire to bring down Klaw, these motivations shaped many of T’Challa’s early endeavors. However, it is worth noting that T’Challa proved to be an exceptional ruler who managed to unite most of the tribes within Wakanda under his leadership. Much of his early narrative revolved around his quest for vengeance against Klaw.
During his initial phase, he engaged in a unique training exercise by summoning the Fantastic Four to Wakanda. He then proceeded to face each member individually to ready himself for Klaw. Afterward, he disclosed his reasons and ended up forming bonds with this team. This entire incident marked his first appearance. Later down the line, Black Panther joined the Avengers and his narrative was expanded upon by the writers.
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2025-05-20 19:29