Not enough black superheroes in comic books?

Question

I have read several articles throughout my life as a comic book fan in which people argue that there aren't enough black superheroes to appeal to black readers. But is this really even an issue? In my personal experience, it seems like almost half of all black guys that I meet display vast knowledge of comic book superheroes, clearly implying that they are or have been into comic books. So my question is: Do black people really care whether the characters are black or not? it seems to me that they enjoy the characters regardless. Why does everything have to be about race all the time?

Answer 1

i agree with you.  there is actually a gray area.  its not always about black, white or other wise...no we dont care if there are no black superheroa.  and for those of us who do, i bet the movie hancock really pissed them off--lol.  

Answer 2

I grew up loving comic books, and I never cared about whether or not there were black superheroes in them. I barely noticed. Wonder Woman didn't have to be black to be someone I looked up to as a little girl. A little diversity wouldn't be bad, but I dislike diversity that seems forced. It feels like pandering.

It isn't about race all of the time. It's just that the people who make it about race tend to be very loud.

Answer 3

It would be nice to see a few more black characters since I can only think of a hand full right now, my biggest complaint is that the ones that exist now aren't interesting and mostly portrayed as the stereotypical angry black male.  Bishop, Blade, Night Thrasher, and Power Man; all angry black men.  

Milestone comics came out with a number of black characters (Blood Syndicate, Hardware, Icon, Static) that were perceived as black versions of Superman (Icon) Batman/Ironman (Hardware) Flash (Static) but the art wasn't very good, the stories were ok, but the characters didn't really seem to have any substance.

Spawn is probably the most interesting and popular black character but since he's in a costume from head to toe all the time you forget he's black sometimes.

Answer 4

Agree with Diamond Doll, forced diversity isn't good. It is probably a good idea for the mix of characters to resemble the level of diversity in an average society for which the comic is aimed at, but no obvious try-hards.