Cover Art for 50 Indy Black SuperHeroes
Photo Credit: World of Black Heroes
It is my pleasure to present the “50 Indy Black SuperHeroes” that you should that should know. Compiled courtesy of “World of Black Heroes”; which is a website dedicated to following the portrayal of Black heroes; Black here is a term loosely being used to refer to the racial group of humans with dark skin colour, to categorize a number of diverse populations into one common group. This list includes African American characters, characters of sub-Saharan African descent, Australian indigenous people, dark skinned Latinos or populations characterized by dark skin colour (a definition that also includes certain populations in Oceania, Southeast Asia, southern South Asia, and the southern Middle East). World of Black Heroes will bring you everything on these characters in comics, movies, on TV, books and the people who bring them to you, the voracious comic readers and fans!!! Indy/Independent in this case will be used to signify not associated with or connected to the big three: Marvel, DC and Image Comics.
3 of my favourite comic titles that I have read and high recommend from Africa made it into the list, one from South Africa(39th on the list) and 2 from Nigeria (47thand 48th on the list…yippee...Am waving the green and white flag for my home country!!!). Ladies and gents; here they are as follows below:
Kwezi Cover Art - Issue #02
Photo Credit: Loyiso Mkize Art
Publisher: Loyiso Mkize Art
Created by: Loyiso Mkize
1st appearance: Kwezi #1, 2014
Brief Biography
Kwezi means ‘star’ in Xhosa and Zulu; an appropriate name for a 19-year-old youngster who discovers that he is gifted with super powers. He starts out as a bit of an anti-hero torn between the temptations of the big city life and staying true to his cultural roots. Like any other kid walking the streets of Johannesburg, Kwezi likes girls and fashion, but his life gets more intricate when he learns that he is different from his peers. The narrative unfolds as Kwezi tries to mediate living large in the city and accepting social responsibility for his powers. With Kwezi, we finally have a South African superhero who deals with local issues and makes references to local jokes and who uses slang that is true to the streets of Johannesburg. Loyiso,his creator’s hope is that Kwezi will ultimately become a cult figure; a one of a kind superhero that truly represents the youth of South Africa. For more info visit the official website.
E.X.O: The Legend of Wale Williams – Issue #01
Photo Credit: YouNeek Studios
Publisher: YouNeek Studios
Created by: Roye Okupe
1st Appearance: E.X.O. The Legend of Wale Williams Chapter 1
Brief Biography
E.X.O - Reckless and impatient; these are some of the words that describe this “Hero in the making”. Wale’s genius makes him slightly arrogant and audacious, which more than often leads him into dangerous situations. However, throughout his journey, his bravery, selflessness and strength will show why his true calling is to be Lagoon City’s hero. Wale was born and raised in Lagoon City, Nigeria, but due to an incident, Wale leaves Lagoon City never to return.
However, 5 years later Wale is tricked into returning home to Lagoon City to investigate his father’s mysterious disappearance. His only clue is a cryptic NanoSuit left behind for him by his father, a suit which grants superhuman abilities. As he comes to understand the suit’s powers, Wale realizes he must restore hope to the city by preventing catastrophic attacks from the sociopath extremist, Oniku. For more info visit the YouNeek Studios website.
Might of Guardian Prime – Issue #03
Photo Credit: The Comic Republic
Publisher: Comic Republic
Created by: Jide Martin
1st appearance: Might of Guardian Prime Issue 1, June 2013
Brief Biography
Guardian Prime is the fifth element, one of the five elements essential for life to exist on earth (earth, water, air, fire and man). He is the perfect man created how God intended man to be (in his image).
A Guardian is born to the human race every 2000 years; some live their lives without ever knowing. Gaya (Mother Nature) awakens the Guardian in the host when the need arises and this time the guardian is a Nigerian (Tunde Jaiye). Tunde Jaiye , a 25 year old fashion designer by day and a super hero whenever the need arises lives in Victoria Garden Lekki in Eko City. The son of Chief Biodun Jaiye, a politician and Mrs. Evelyn Jaiye, a business woman; Tunde, brought up mostly by his mom has lived a sheltered and pampered life and as a result has his perception of what he believes a better Nigeria should be. For more info visit the Comic Republic website.
Article Credits/References: Google, Comic Panel, World of Black Heroes and CG Blogger’s Archives
