Black Comics

Contributing Writer tributor Andre Owens when asked why Black heroes are needed in comics. “Our kids need to see images they can look up to and be inspired by,” he continued.

This past weekend the Worldbeat Center hosted the Black Comics Day 2023 “Heroes Rise V’’ presented by Kid Comics. This two-day event was full of vendors and patrons celebrating and supporting Black art. Black Comics Day brought out writers, artists, superheroes, actors, producers and movie directors.

Those in attendance were able to meet, greet and get their comics books signed by the artist who created them. All were amazed by the detailed artwork and descriptive black storylines.

“Growing up we didn’t have black superheroes to look up to. We were always depicted as the villain. Events like these promote positive images of our people are extremely important,” said Robert Roach, who is an artist as well as a creator and writer. He continued, “I wanted to create storylines to show Black fathers and sons having strong and loving interactions. Too often the narrative is that the fathers are not active, but I want to show them as our first “Superhero”.

Marcus Newsome, creator of the Lighting Strike comic book, shared his lived experience growing up in

“The character is based on me when I was 12 years old and it developed from there. What the main character wants is peace, to protect the innocent and put a stop to the injustice going on in his community,” Newsome said. Newsome’s message is a very important lesson parents and children can learn from.

The Black Comics 2023 organizers were Keithan Jones, founder of Kids Comics; Makeda Dread, World Beat Center; and Carmen Miner of the Friends of Malcolm X Library. It was created to celebrate Black history, Black art and Black culture, this event has been going for five years and plans on being around for years to come.