Graphic novels and comic books offer a more visual medium to enjoy literature. In recent history, we have seen many films and classic books being adapted into graphic novels. The rising popularity of graphic novels is evident as Publishers Weekly has reported a 70% increase in the sale of graphic novels between 2019 to 2021. Besides being popular with visual fans, graphic novels are a brilliant idea for children and teenagers to start their love for reading.
In this Bookstr listicle, we want to focus on Black authors and illustrators who have produced graphic novels. As comic book heroes translate perfectly into a graphic novel format, Black superheroes such as Black Panther, Luke Cage, and Miles Morales are excellent examples of what the Black graphic novel genre offers their readers. However, we have also tried to include graphic novels that address real-life situations for African Americans. As we can see from these recommendations, graphic novels are a vibrant avenue to offer representation for the Black community.
Black Panther, Vol. 1: A Nation Under Our Feet, Book One by Ta-Nehisi Coates
When discussing Black comic book superheroes, no list is complete without some mention of Black Panther. In the cinematic Marvel universe, audiences first met T’Challa, a.k.a. The Black Panther, during Captain America: Civil War in 2016. Chadwick Boseman continued to reprise his role in a few other Marvel movies, until his shocking death in 2020. There have been countless comic books and graphic novels written for Black Panther — but A Nation Under Our Feet depicts T’Challa up against a superhuman terror group named The People. T’Challa attempts to protect his beloved Wakanda from this villainous organization or face destruction.
Miles Morales: Stranger Tides by Jason Reynolds
Following the trend of multi-universe storylines in Marvel, Miles Morales is one rendition of Spiderman. This version of Spiderman takes the title of the first Afro-Latino superhero in the Marvel Universe. In Stranger Tides, Miles is learning how to balance his normal teenage school life with the epic adventures of Spiderman. But things become a bit complicated when he encounters The Stranger — a villain who has manufactured a video game that seems to be wreaking havoc on New York City.
Victor LaValle’s Destroyer by Victor LaValle
Graphic novels are not just about superheroes and comic books. In Victor LaValle’s Destroyer, he has adapted Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein to address societal issues of today. Instead of attempting to focus on peace and inclusion, the monster is more interested in the destruction of civilization. Dr. Baker, a descendant of the original Dr. Frankenstein, partners up with the Destroyer due to her tragic past of losing her son to police violence. Scientists Percy and Byron are the only ones who attempt to stop The Destroyer and Dr. Baker.
After the Rain by Nnedi Okorafor
This epic tale centers around a Nigerian-American named Chioma. Stranger events transpire in Chioma’s life when she answers the door to a stranger during a violent monsoon. The stranger seems to be severely wounded — and after touching Chioma with his burning hand, he disappears into the night. After this eerie encounter, Chioma appears to be cursed and sets out on a journey to save herself.
Wash Day Diaries by Jamila Rowser
This colorful graphic novel is a monument to the important aspects of Black women including friendship, resilience, and their hair. Composed of five interweaving tales, the adventure follows best friends Kim, Tanisha, Davene, and Cookie as they navigate through the struggles and joys of being Black women in the Bronx. The title name refers to the intensive hair care routine each woman follows.
From comic book superheroes to everyday heroes, the world of Black graphic novels has a lot to offer.
To learn more about how comic books offer inside looks into sociopolitical issues, read our article: Unveiling the Fascinating History of Social Issues in Comics.
For more suggestions on Black literature, check out our bookshelf Diversifying Your TBR: Beautiful Black Voices in Literature.
