17 Comics to Read in 2017: Black Superhero Edition

I know it’s late. Actually very late but hey, better late than never I always say. In case you’ve been living under a rock you need to catch up on our yearly reccomendations below before digging deep into 2017!

In the grand tradition started in 2013 here are the books that you owe it to yourself as Black Hero fans to read this 2017. In no order, here are our 2017 must reads:

Windmaker: The History Of Atala by Roye Okupe and Godwin Akpan

Synopsis: Inspired by African history, Windmaker: The History of Atala (Hardcover) is one part art book, one part prequel story to both the Malika: Warrior Queen & WindMaker: Return of a King graphic Novels. Pulling from the amazing depths of African history, Roye Okupe, writer of the hit graphic novel series E.X.O., creates a breathtaking kingdom called Atala. With this art book, he sets the foundations for what is definitely a deep and meaningful universe (The YouNeek YouNiverse) of heroes. Illustrator Godwin Akpan s painting breathes life into the story in an amazing way. From dragons, to mythical relics, a feuding royal family and magical swords, this book turns the fantasy genre on its head by placing familiar concepts in an awe inspiring African setting.

Spirit’s Destiny by Dorphise Jean/ Writer-Creator

Synopsis: On the surface, Destiny Mitsu Jean is a typical troublesome 16-year-old teenager who attends Bottom Creek Senior High. She is a lonesome, eccentric, ill-tempered, competitive, compassionate, and sarcastic individual. She is often judged as a disobedient hoodlum by many of the adults and the teachers in her community. She can come across as very anti-social when it comes to the general public. All of these traits stem from a history of abuse at the hands of a former caregiver. Destiny at first wasn’t too fond of her powers. She was very much using her abilities for selfish means, such as stealing goods. But when she notices a mother and child trapped in a burning car, she decides to use her newfound abilities to save these strangers. After the ordeal she finds out she was announced as a hero and little girl she saved named her Spirit. From that moment on this event inspired her to help people, instead of using her abilities for selfish acts. Living in a city like Miami where crime is a major fact of life, she decides to help law enforcement by making a difference.

Genius Vol. 1 by Adam Freeman (Author),‎ Marc Bernardin (Author),‎ Afua Richardson (Illustrator)

Synopsis: What if the greatest military mind of our generation was born to a people who are already supremely conditioned to wage war, who know nothing but violence from birth and must continually adapt to new predators in order to survive? This action-packed book contains the full story of a city that declares war on a brilliant young woman pushed to the edge. Collects PILOT SEASON: GENIUS #1 & GENIUS #1-5

Invincible Iron Man by Brian Michael Bendis (Author),‎ Stefano Caselli (Illustrator)

Synopsis: A new Iron Age begins! From the violent streets of Chicago, a new armored hero rises! Clad in her very own Iron Man armor, Riri Williams is ready to show the world what she can do as the self-made hero of tomorrow. Her technology just might change the face of the Marvel Universe forever…if she survives the experience. But is she ready for all the problems that come with stepping into Iron Man’s jet boots? Where’s a genius billionaire playboy philanthropist when you need one? COLLECTING: INVINCIBLE IRON MAN 1-6

Saga Vol. 3 by Brian K Vaughan (Author),‎ Fiona Staples (Artist)

Synopsis: Winner of the 2013 Hugo award for Best Graphic Story! When two soldiers from opposite sides of a never-ending galactic war fall in love, they risk everything to bring a fragile new life into a dangerous old universe. From New York Times bestselling writer Brian K. Vaughan (Y: The Last Man, Ex Machina) and critically acclaimed artist Fiona Staples (Mystery Society, North 40), Saga is the sweeping tale of one young family fighting to find their place in the worlds. Fantasy and science fiction are wed like never before in this sexy, subversive drama for adults.

In volume 3, as new parents Marko and Alana travel to an alien world to visit their hero, the family’s pursuers finally close in on their targets.

Spider-man: Miles Morales Vol. 1 (2016) by Brian Bendis (Author),‎ Sara Pichelli (Illustrator)

Synopsis: Miles Morales is hitting the big time! Not only is he joining the Marvel Universe, but he’s also a card-carrying Avenger, rubbing shoulders with the likes of Iron Man, Thor and Captain America! And he’ll soon be a media sensation in this All-New, All-Different New York! One thing’s the same, though: non-stop action! Like when Earth’s Mightiest heroes all fall, and Miles stands alone against a villain with the power to destroy the universe. Or when the Black Cat tries to get her claws in this new Spider-Man. Or when a new mutant threatens to grab the spotlight! And don’t forget Miles’ toughest foe yet: his grandmother! But his grades might be the ultimate challenge — maybe a study session (date?) with Ms. Marvel would help? Welcome to the neighborhood, Spider-Man — hope it’s friendly! Collects Spider-Man (2016) #1-5

Dynamo 5 Vol. 1: Post Nuclear Family by Jay Faerber (Author),‎ Mahmud A. Asrar (Artist),‎ Ron Riley (Artist)

Synopsis: He was the world’s greatest hero, but Captain Dynamo was not a faithful husband. Now he’s dead and his family is trying to piece their lives together. As his enemies descend on his unprotected city. Captain Dynamo’s widow rounds up his five illegitimate children, each of whom have inherited one of their father’s super-powers. Can these total strangers come to terms with their powers, their father’s legacy and each other as total chaos erupts?

Ultimates: Omniversal Vol. 1: Start With the Impossible

Synopsis: Black Panther! Captain Marvel! Ms. America! Spectrum! Blue Marvel! Together, they form the ultimate super team, finding and fixing problems beyond the limits of the infinite! From cosmic forces lurking on Earth to whatever waits beyond the omniverse – they start with the impossible and take it from there! And what’s more impossible than ending the threat of Galactus…forever? The devourer of worlds is beyond good and evil. He’s a necessary part of the universe. When Galactus hungers, living worlds must die. The Ultimates have heard it all before, and respectfully they disagree. The bigger they are, the harder they fall -but if they succeed in taking him down, what will take his place? Another problem: Space-time is broken. And to solve that, the Ultimates must think outside the box like never before! COLLECTING: ULTIMATES 1-5, AVENGERS 0

Samurai Shin by Mikel Miles Illustrated by Ivan Aguilar and art Fahmi Fauzi

Synopsis: Amir Atsuko and Keith Masaru are young warriors eager to prove that they are worthy of the title as Samurai. Although the two of them share such similar history and goals, they never have grown a liken to each other.
But unnecessary evil appear in the village a man with a bear mask decides to destroy the village.

Captain America: Sam Wilson Vo. 2 by Nick Spencer (Author),‎ Daniel Acuna (Illustrator),‎ Paul Renaud (Illustrator)

Synosis: For years, across two eras, Steve Rogers wielded his red, white and blue shield against unspeakable odds. For a time when he fell, his brother in arms Bucky Barnes picked it up. And when it was time to rest for good, Steve handed it to his friend Sam Wilson. Now all three men who were and are Captain America must unite for a heroic Standoff with the evil that lurks in Pleasant Hill! It’s a tale of Caps past and present, 75 years in the making! And if Sam gets out of it alive, shield still in hand, he’ll face the Americops, who have their own definition of law and order! Whatcha gonna do when they come for you? Plus: stories celebrating the legacy and legend of Captain America throughout history! COLLECTING: Captain America: Sam Wilson 7-8, Assault on Pleasant Hill Alpha, Assault on Pleasant Hill Omega

Gwan Anthology by Various

Synopsis: The Gwan Anthology is a collection of creator-owned short stories, centered around themes of foreign lands, the immigrant experience and cultural fusion.

This anthology highlights and celebrates comic creators who produce work with a sense of the immigrant/expat perspective, expressing both the joys and challenges of such a journey. The anthology includes multiple genres: sci-fi, fantasy, and slice of life; covering both real and imagined experiences.

Gwan features 30 artists, representing 15 countries from around the world.

Secret Wars by Jonathan Hickman (Author),‎ Esad Ribic (Illustrator),‎ Paul Renaud (Illustrator)

Synopsis: The Marvel Universe is no more! The interdimensional Incursions have eliminated each and every dimension one by one – and now, despite the best eff orts of the scientists, sages and superhumans of both dimensions, the Marvel Universe and Ultimate Universe have collided with one another…and been destroyed! Now, all that exists in the vast empty cosmos is a single titanic patchwork planet, made of the fragmented remains of hundreds of devastated dimensions: Battleworld! And the survivors of this multiversal catastrophe must learn to survive in this strange new realm! What strange creatures inhabit this world? Which familiar faces will make their return? And what happens when the various realms go to war? The Marvel Universe is dead…and the victors of the Secret Wars will determine what comes next! COLLECTING: Free Comic Book Day 2015 Secret Wars 0 (Secret Wars story), Secret Wars 1-9

Quantum and Woody Deluxe Edition Book 1 by James Asmus (Author),‎ Tom Fowler (Author, Artist),‎ Ming Doyle (Artist),‎ Kano (Artist),‎ Jordie Bellaire (Artist)

Synopsis: The most nominated series of the 2014 Harvey Awards! From award-winning writer James Asmus (Thief of Thieves, Gambit) and artists Tom Fowler (Venom), Ming Doyle (Mara), Kano (Gotham Central), and more, the origin of the world’s worst superhero team starts right here in Quantum and Woody’s first deluxe oversized hardcover collection!

Once upon a time, Eric and Woody Henderson were inseparable. Adopted brothers. Best friends. Brilliant minds. Years later, they are estranged siblings, petty rivals, and washed-up failures. But when their father’s murder leads them into the throes of a life-altering scientific accident, Eric and Woody will find themselves with a whole new purpose — and a perfectly legitimate reason to wear costumes and fight crime. Go big or go home, folks! Quantum and Woody are coming!

Collecting Quantum and Woody #1–12 and Quantum and Woody: The Goat #0, the Quantum and Woody Deluxe Edition Book 1 oversized hardcover also features more than 20-pages of special features, including rarely seen designs, artwork, and behind-the-scenes bonus material by Tom Fowler (Hulk: Season One), Ming Doyle (Mara), Andrew Robinson (The Fifth Beatle), Ty Templeton (Batman ’66), Ryan Sook (Seven Soldiers), and many more!

Savage Dragon: Growing Pains by Erik Larsen (Author, Artist)

Synopsis: Malcolm Dragon graduates and marries his high school sweetheart. Savage Dragon’s little boy takes the final steps toward adulthood while dealing with the cnsequences of an epic threesome with three women of three different races. It’s action, not safe for work sex and more soap opera realness than your average comic book, only from Erik Larsen! Collects SAVAGE DRAGON #205-210

Divinity III: Stalinverse by Matt Kindt (Author),‎ Trevor Hairsine (Artist)

Synopsis: Earth has a new god. The world you know is gone. Welcome to the Stalinverse, comrade. Welcome to the year 2017…where the Soviet Union has spent decades as the world’s reigning superpower and the Iron Curtain now encircles a planet riddled with war, strife, and oppression. Freedom is a thing of the past in the Stalinverse… So why can’t Russian intelligence officer Colin King shake the feeling that something has gone terribly wrong? He’ll put his freedom and life on the line to uncover the truth… Even if that means finding out whatever happened to the long-missing cosmonaut Abram Adams – the one man who just might hold the key to unraveling the dystopian world of today…New York Times best-selling writer Matt Kindt (4001 A.D.) and blockbuster artist Trevor Hairsine (DIVINITY II) bring you the Valiant Universe like you’ve never seen it before! Collecting DIVINITY III #1–4.

Motor Crush by Story: Brenden Fletcher, Cameron Stewart, Babs Tarr, Art: Cameron Stewart, and Babs Tarr

Synopsis: The team behind the critically acclaimed revamp of Batgirl returns with an exciting sci-fiaction-adventure series! By day, Domino Swift competes for fame and fortune in a worldwide motorcycle racing league. By night, she cracks heads of rival gangs in brutal bike wars to gain possession of a rare, valuable contraband: an engine-boosting “machine narcotic” known as Crush. Featuring Part One of ISOLA: PROLOGUE by BRENDEN FLETCHER and KARL KERSCHL!

Tribe by Todd Johnson & Larry Stroman (Author)

Synopsis: The Tribe (created by Todd Johnson and Larry Stroman) is an African American super-hero team operating out of New York. Blindspot, Shift, Rosalyn, Steel Pulse, The Front, Short Order and Hannibal make up the core team roster. When Tribe was released in 1993, it was well received by fans, selling over one million copies – making it the largest selling single issue of an African American comic created by African American creators.

Vegas Baby by Creator, Writer: R. Ward, Artists: Sean Hill, Lucac icchitti, Davide Tinto, Colors: Jason Farmer and Letters: Adam Wollet

Synopsis: Las vegas is a fast city, full of fast money and fast women. Such is the home of Vegas Baby, a man of high-intellect, cat reflexes, a mean right cross and an arsenal of self-made high-tech tools. He is the resident bad-ass of the city of sin. No matter the odds, he’s all in if the money is right. He is “The Architect of the Improbable”. Hailed as a hero to the general public, Vegas Baby’s garnered the reputation as a new age Robin Hood taking down corruption and empowering the poor. The people love him, he get’s the job done. He does what they can’t do and they are proud of him. But would they love him the same if they knew how he really operated? How would they feel if they knew how down and dirty he really gets? Is his kind of justice really worth the money? Vegas goes after the people that feel they are above the law, the untouchables, the power in the shadows, the true scum of the Earth and he sends them straight to hell in high-tech fashion. That is, if the price is right.

Dread Society X by Phyllip Merishier, art by Chuck Collins

Synopsis: The world is gone. Civilization is a memory. The bible promised fire the next time. It delivered. And then some. Humanity is hanging on by a thread. Society has been restructured as a one world government administered by a conglomerate of corporations, military might and spent political powers known as the Global Reconstruction Initiative [GRI]. Peace is kept not by the ballot but by bullet. The top ten percent live in walled off cities while the rest of mankind is left to forage among the wastelands. The strong eat the weak. Roving scavenger gangs intimidate the lands. The GRI maintains a healthy distance, interfering only when it profits them. Official interference comes in the form of the Children of the Black Hand are employed. They are a ruthless sect guided by a dark secret.

Fierce #1 (vol.2) Created by Raymond Sanders, Written by Gabriel Smith, Drawn and Inked by Raymond Sanders, Colored by Leonardo Giron, Lettered by Jessica Jimerson, Additional Layouts by Mark Marvida

Synopsis: Fantasy Art Comics first superhero returns with a brand new look, brand new story, brand new creative team (except for the artist), and just brand new everything. Don’t miss this exciting new take on the character that started it all.

There you have it!

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