The face of Western comics is changing, but it’s been a long road and a journey that still has many hills to climb. Black characters are taking on more prominent roles in the panels we read, and more Black creators are shaping their stories behind the scenes. But what of the creatives who came before? This column traces the path of Black comics creativity throughout the decades, with each year focusing on a book that features a Black writer, artist, colourist, letterer, or editor. From underground comix through Black Panther and beyond, this series will reveal the evolution of diversity in the comics industry, and shed some light on the unsung Black heroes that have helped to shape it.
– 1970: Ebon #1 and Larry Fuller
by Wendy Browne
– 1971: Creepy #43 and Billy Graham
by Wendy Browne
– 1972: Luke Cage, Hero for Hire #1 and Billy Graham
by Matthew Cowans
– 1972: Super Soul Comix #1 and Richard “Grass” Green
by Touissaint Egan
– 1974: Jungle Action #10 and Billy Graham
by Jay Rincher
– 1975: White Whore Funnies #1 and Larry Fuller & Raye Horne
by Wendy Browne
– 1976: Fast Willie Jackson and Golden Legacy and Bertram A. Fitzgerald
by Wendy Browne
– 1977: Black Lightning #1 and Trevor Von Eeden
by Terrence Sage
– 1977: The Love Rangers #1 and Vernon Grant
by Wendy Browne
