Happy New Year BH fans! I started this website in 2010. Social Media has changed dramatically since then. Facebook is no longer king. Cosplayers are now “influencers”. Reviewers have become Glyph award nominated writers. Black Panther has moved from an ever cancelled comic to a multi Billion dollar film franchise. I have seen it, read it, and dare I say, reviewed it all. When once I alone realized the power of sales figures now it is common knowledge. When I started, Milestone was a dead with only me and Michael Davis talking about it. Now we got Milestone 2.0, scandals and some damn hot season 1 books. CBR is now littered with black sensationalists churning out click bait with fervor. To say I am now amazed and amused with equal measure is an understatement. Black Superheroes is now big business and everyone is cashing in. With no allegiance to any brand and no money exchanging hands I remain both independent, opinionated and unbothered by the opinions of the mob. I am proud of black superhero evolution and continue to do my own damn thing. Continue to plagiarize from me…it is the way of the internet. I began this listing in 2013, skipped a year due to my depression in 2021. Since its inception my lists have been filled with must haves, future keys, must reads, Glyph nominees and Glyph winners.
Happy new Year BH fans!
Lets continue to give them something to talk about…
22 Comics to Read in 2022: Black Superhero Edition
20 Comics to Read in 2020: Black Superhero Edition
19 Comics To Read in 2019: Black Superhero Edition
18 Comics To Read in 2018: Black Superhero Edition
17 Comics To Read in 2017: Black Superhero Edition
16 Comics To Read in 2016: Black Superhero Edition
15 Comics To Read in 2015: Black Superhero Edition
14 Comics To Read in 2014: Black Superhero Edition
13 Comics To Read in 2013: Indie Edition
13 Comics to read in 2013: Black Superhero Edition
In no particular order, here are our 2023 must-reads:
- X-Men: Red Vol. 2
IT’S ALL LED UP TO THIS! In the blazing ruins of the Autumn Palace, Storm battles for the soul of Arakko! Meanwhile, Abigail Brand and Roberto Da Costa play their last cards—and a sinister hand deals the Ace of Spades. You won’t believe where the Brotherhood goes from here…
- Static: Shadows of Dakota
As if vigilantes hunting down Bang Babies in the streets wasn’t enough, Virgil learns that his young friend Quincy is manifesting powers–making him their next target! Meanwhile, down in the shadows Ebon is investigating a connection between the vigilantes and the disappearance of his brother, Rubberband Man.
- Hardware: Season 1
Curtis Metcalf was the brightest shining star of Alva Industries, a brilliant scientist mentored by Edwin Alva since childhood…until the failures of Alva technology at the “Big Bang” disaster threatened to destroy the company, and Alva needed a scapegoat. Now Curtis is on the run from the Dakota police department…but a man as smart-and paranoid-as Curtis takes precautions. With a nearly indestructible suit of armor and remarkable inventions that he never handed over to Alva, Curtis stands determined to do much more than clear his name…he’s going to take the fight back to Alva himself
- Killadelphia
Featuring the show-stopping talents of SPAWN series artist JASON SHAWN ALEXANDER and the writer behind such hit shows as Wu-Tang: An American Saga, Marvel’s Runaways, and STARZ’s American Gods—RODNEY BARNES. When small-town beat cop Jimmy Sangster returns to his Philadelphia roots to bury his murdered father, he stumbles into a mystery that will lead him down a path of horrors and shake his beliefs to their core. The city that was once the symbol of liberty and freedom has fallen prey to corruption, poverty, unemployment, brutality…and vampires.There’s a reason they say you can’t go home again. Welcome to Killadelphia. Collects KILLADELPHIA #1-6Praise for KILLADELPHIA: “It’s the best graphic novel I’ve ever read.” —Chris Rock “The stunning and fresh horror fable I’ve been craving. This one feels like a classic.” —Jordan Peele “[An] atmospheric horror story with a terrifyingly real sense of place.” —Brian K. Vaughan “Sparely written, beautifully rendered and topical…a genuinely frightening horror graphic.” —Steven Barnes & Tananarive Due “A dark, deep, seamless story that plays into multiple genres without becoming fully any one of them…offers a tantalizing nightmare of urban horror that feels real, rich, and mysterious. It’ll infect you if you let it, and you should.” —ComicBook.com
- Miles Morales
“TRIAL BY SPIDER”! SPIDER-MAN faces the strongest super-powered foes and most dangerous gauntlets the Multiverse can throw his way, and every time MILES MORALES falls, he rises again—stronger than before. Until now. There are some punches you don’t get up from and a new villain isn’t pulling a single one as they threaten everyone and everything Miles loves. Between school, home, his love life and battling super-charged and upgraded villains night and day—Miles is reaching his breaking point. And when this new foe is finished, Spider-Man’s world will be changed forever. Guest-starring MAC GARGAN, A.K.A. THE SCORPION! Don’t miss the next Marvel masterpiece from writer Cody Ziglar (AMAZING SPIDER-MAN, SPIDER-PUNK) and artist Federico Vicentini (AMAZING SPIDER-MAN, WOLVERINE)!
- Captain America Symbol of Truth
CAPTAIN AMERICA SOARS AGAIN! Sam Wilson picks up the shield once more—and enters a world of trouble! Following a lead from Misty Knight, Sam intercepts a mysterious group hijacking what appears to be an empty train. As he digs deeper, he discovers that the plot may be connected to a crucial piece of Captain America history…and, surprisingly, Wakanda. The world is ready for two Captain Americas—but is Sam Wilson ready for what comes next? Acclaimed writer Tochi Onyebuchi (BLACK PANTHER LEGENDS, Riot Baby) teams with Stormbreaker R.B. Silva (POWERS OF X, INFERNO, FANTASTIC FOUR) to open a thrilling new chapter of CAPTAIN AMERICA history!
- John Stewart: Emerald Knight
John Stewart has been trapped in the dark sectors for months with the rest of his Green Lantern comrades. With the power of the godstorm at his disposal, John’s using everything he can to take down Esak, the mad New God, and bring his fellow Corpsmen home. John will need to become something new to win the war against Esak: he’ll need to become the Emerald Knight!
- I am Batman: Vol. 1
Spinning out of the events of The Next Batman: Second Son, Jace Fox thrusts himself into action when the Magistrate’s crackdown on Alleytown begins! With his own Bat-Suit, Jace hits the streets to inspire and protect…The new Dark Knight will have to counterbalance the misinformation and violence the anarchistic Anti-Oracle is spreading and face off against Arkadine, and one Gotham vigilante pays the ultimate price when they’re shot down in cold blood. The aftermath of Fear State unfolds in I Am Batman, collecting I Am Batman #0-5!
- Wakanda
The Black Panther is no longer welcome in Wakanda! What is this proud nation without its king? Prepare to find out as five different fan-favorite Wakandan characters grab the spotlight! First up: Shuri proves there’s a reason she too once wielded the power of the Black Panther! Then, M’Baku shows his worth as regent of the Intergalactic Empire of Wakanda when an old foe threatens to destroy its future! Erik Killmonger stars in a haunting story of his early days under the thumb of Ulysses Klaw! New hero Tosin must step up and defend his nation when the Abomination attacks! And how far will Okoye go to protect her country? Plus: The “History of the Black Panthers” provides, for the first time anywhere, a definitive overview of every Wakandan who has ever held the mantle! Collecting WAKANDA #1-5.
- Icon and Rocket: Season 1
When Raquel Ervin discovered a centuries-old alien living in her city, she had no idea she would be awakening a power that would make the world tremble…and transform the pair of them into the superheroes Icon and Rocket! When they declare all-out war on the drug trade, their actions topple a chain of dominoes that nearly unravels the global economy, and brings a sadistic extraterrestrial killer into their own homes! Collects Milestone Returns: Infinite Edition #0 and Icon & Rocket: Season One #1-6.
Writer, director, and producer Reginald Hudlin (Black Panther: Who Is the Black Panther?) and superstar artist Doug Braithwaite unleash a tale of power and responsibility that will stretch from the boardrooms of corporate America to the jungles of South America and the depths of deep space! If you’ve ever thought there were certain things that a superhero story just couldn’t do, it might be time to start thinking differently…
- Book of Slaughter
The future of the Slaughterverse is laid bare by Something is Killing the Children and House of Slaughter creators James Tynion IV and Werther Dell’Edera in the very first SIKTC one-shot special!
From the sidelines to the spotlight, Book of Slaughter follows the white mask Maxine Slaughter… but will her loyalties remain where they are, or will she show her true colors?
In addition to being a precursor to the upcoming chapters of both series, this special issue features a sizable guidebook that delves into the deep lore of the Order of St. George!
- Wiper
Lula Nomi is a Wiper–a private detective who guarantees complete discretion. A memory wipe after every job sees to that. When she is hired by enigmatic robot Klute she thinks the case is the answer to all her problems. But there’s something oddly familiar about Klute–and the more she investigates the disappearance of journalist Orson Glark, the more she suspects that he’s somehow connected to her own past . . . Lula must face her greatest fears to learn what happened to Glark . . . and the truth about herself.
- Mosley
In the hyper-technological world of the later 21st century, Mosely is a bitter old janitor on a mission from a higher power-to unleash holy Hell upon the “too big to fail” Tech Gods. Can one man bring down the corporate powers who’ve used their vast influence to oppress an all too complacent human race (and hopefully win back the favor of his estranged family while he’s at it)? Mosely’s taking up the Holy Hammer and you better believe he’s gonna smash some $h!t until he sets mankind free!
- Flawed
Gem Ezz is a psychiatrist in the Kafkaesque city of Setham, where corruption and brutality rule the streets. By day, she uses words to solve her patients’ problems. By night, she takes a more direct-and sometimes deadly-approach. But when her practice puts her in the sights of an immortal serial killer, Gem finds herself embroiled in a power struggle that threatens everything she’s ever known.
- The Exiled
The producer and star of the Blade franchise is back with a 140-page, OVERSIZED, balls-to-the-wall sci-fi/noir graphic novel. No punches pulled here.
In this dark tale, Detective Niles “Roach” Washington pursues a serial killer five thousand years in the makings. The world around him says to ignore the signs he’s seeing, but his instincts push him forward. With enemies on all sides and within, Roach wades into the darkness to find the killer and uncovers Earth’s darkest secret.
- The Scribes of Nyota: Mystics
Pyroglyphics Studio and BlackSci-Fi.com showcases more Sci-Fi talent in the latest Scribes of Nyota anthology, MYSTICS. This anthology’s contributors: JC Cannon, Ashanti Files, Tuere T. S. Ganges, Nicole Givens-Kurtz, Tasha Holmes, Amber Hubbard, Jacquelyn Jordan, Ashanti Luke, Michelle Moses, Judith Swanson, and Thomas Webb. Edited by Robert Jeffrey II and Tuere Ganges. Cover design by Pyroglyphics Studio’s own, Shawn Alleyne. This anthology is pleased to share Bonus Material from Ampora Yazdani’s new novel, T.O.R.N. which adds to all the Nubian Magic of this compendium of literary talent!
- X-Men Legends Vol. 2 #5-6
Bishop, Malcolm, and Randall, the elite Omega Squad, have discovered a dark truth about the X.S.E. After a mission goes sideways, how far will they be willing to go to make this right? To the past—and beyond! Bishop will make the most shocking decision in X-MEN LEGENDS history that will redefine what you thought you knew about mutantkind’s future and the reason behind Bishop’s collision with the X-Men!
- Monica Rambeau
Universal powerhouse Monica Rambeau stars in her very own all-new adventure! The hero known as Photon has been charged with making a very special, very cosmic delivery – should be light work (get it?) for Monica…if family drama doesn’t hold her back!
- Shook! A Black Horror Anthology
Second Sight Publishing and John Jennings Studio LLC will release Shook!, A Black Horror Anthology, a 160-page horror anthology collecting EC-style stories by a range of award-winning Black writers, in 2023. The anthology was inspired by a love of what Jennings calls Southern Gothic horror.Creators include Eisner Award nominee and Peabody Award winner Rodney Barnes, Eisner and Hugo Award winner John Jennings, Eisner Award nominee Kevin Grevioux, Eisner Award winner David Walker, Glyph Comics Award winner Alverne Ball, Glyph Comics Award nominee Marcus H. Roberts, Glyph nominee Bradley Golden, and Eisner Award nominee Brandon Easton. The collection will also include a story written by actor Evan Parke (Captain America and the Winter Soldier, King Kong).
Artists in the volume include Flavio Cortes, Charlie Goubile, Jamal Williams, Roberto Castro, David Brame, Glenn D. Brown, and Shawn Alleyne.
- Monarch
A new tale of terror and high-stakes science fiction hits close to home! Growing up in the city of Compton is tough enough as it is but as Travon has learned all too well growing up as an orphan in the city of Compton with gang members hunting you down every day is even tougher. But all of that is about to change because today is the day that aliens make first contact with Earth-and it only spells doom for life as we know it!
Death devastation and mayhem-can a single teenage boy rise to the challenge and protect his surrogate family and friends…or will he die trying? From RODNEY BARNES the star comics writer behind the Eisner-nominated series KILLADELPHIA and the writer/executive producer of HBO’s Winning Time and up-and-coming Marvel artist ALEX LINS comes a new tale of love triumph disaster and defeat!
- X-Men
GETTING INTO SYNCH! Synch has a lot to sort out. His life has been derailed, his powers have grown and he’s experienced a loss that no one understands. The universe has had its way with him. Now…it’s his turn.
- Akim Aliu: Dreamer
This honest, engrossing graphic memoir tells the story of professional athlete and activist Akim Aliu’s incredible life as a hockey prodigy in Canada.
Akim Aliu ― also known as “Dreamer” ― is a Ukrainian-Nigerian-Canadian professional hockey player whose career took him all around the world and who experienced systemic racism at every turn. Dreamer tells Akim’s incredible story, from being the only Black child in his Ukrainian community, to his family struggling to make ends meet while living in Toronto, to confronting the racist violence he often experienced both on and off the ice. This is a gut-wrenching and riveting graphic novel memoir that reminds us to never stop dreaming, and is sure to inspire young readers everywhere.
“With honesty and courage, Akim Aliu’s Dreamer will inspire readers of all ages to move confidently in the direction of their future.” – Colin Kaepernick
23. Djeliya
Inspired by West African folklore and stories handed over centuries, this unique graphic novel follows the adventures of Mansou, last prince of a dying kingdom, and Awa, his loyal Djeliya, or ‘royal storyteller’ as they journey to meet the great wizard who destroyed their world and then withdrew into his tower, never to be seen again. On their journey they’ll cross paths with friend and foe, from myth and legend alike, and revisit the traditions, tales, and stories that gave birth to their people and nurture them still. But what dark secret lies at the heart of these stories, and what purpose do their tellers truly serve?
There you have it!
Agree?
Disagree?
What books are on your pull list?
Be sure to let me know!