You've probably already seen the trailer for the new movie about a superhero called The Spirit. I looks like it might be interesting or so I thought until I did a little digging. In case you don't know, Will Eisner's The Spirit is a noir crime drama about a masked crimefighter of the same name that first showed up in the 1940s. What does that have to do with Black Superheroes?
Well, The Spirit had a young sidekick and driver by the name of Ebony White. He was basically the stereotypical black-faced, dim-witted minstrel with big white eyes, big lips, and that embarrassing Negro dialect. Over the years the character became more intelligent and more than just the Spirit's driver. He had no special abilities other than being (ultimately) clever, brave, and loyal to the Spirit. Ebony White saved the Spirit's life on multiple occasions and became quite helpful to the character. The portrayal of this character was not without some criticism however and ultimately he was sent away to school in 1946 though he did return on occasion.
When you look back at the portrayal of Black people in comics, it's impossible not to look at Ebony White or other more embarrassing depictions. It would be about 20 years later when Black Superheroes would show up in comics as near equals to their White counterparts. Thankfully, comics and the world have changed. In 2007, The Spirit saw a return to comics and with that return, so came Ebony White who is no longer the buffoon or stereotypical character he was portrayed to be in the past. He's still a kid that drives a cab but is much more intelligent and inciteful than his previous incarnation and even look's like a real Black child. Apparently his character will not be showing up in the big screen adaptation of The Spirit currently in theaters this Christmas but perhaps in the sequel, if there is one.
While he ultimatly became a worthy world reknown Black Superhero, Lothar's initial claim to fame is that he followed around Mandrake the Magician. He gave up the chance to become Prince of a federation of African jungle tribes in order to basically become Mandrake's sidekick. His powers are super strength and maybe some jungle ingenuity. In fact it is claimed that he is the strongest man in the world.
Lothar showed up in a comic strip back in 1934. Initially he could barely speak English and was very much the sidekick, possibly to the point of being a servant. Later, in 1965, he was modernized. At this point he could speak fluent English and he apparently got rid of the fez but even before then, he was recognized by readers as being Mandrake's equal. In fact they are recognized world wide as the first interracial crime fighting duo. The team has been in comic books since the 30's and as recently as 1995 in an uncompleted Marvel Comics miniseries.
The character made it to more than one radio series and even to a TV movie in 1979. Of course the movie was about Mandrake but the two are apparently inseparable. Lothar even made it to an animated series in the 80's called Defenders of the Earth which included Flash Gordon, The Phantom, and of course himself and Mandrake. The series included a next generation of heroes including Lothar's son, LJ. There is apparently a Mandrake feature film in the works but there is no release date yet and it is unknown whether Lothar will be a part of it. Here's the intro for the Defenders of the Earth animated series:
Easily one of my favorite former Teen Titans, Cyborg seems to embody the motto: "Suck it Up and Get to Work". Victor Stone, was an athlete but he was also a test subject for his parents. I'm sure they wanted the best for him as they sought to increase his intelligence. It was one of his father's other experiments gone wrong that allowed an extra-dimensional creature to cross through a portal and mutilate Victor. In order to save him, his father made him a cyborg using even more experimental technology. Poor Victor woke up to find most of his body gone. He wanted to die but ultimately went through therapy, worked hard and learned to control his new body. People looked at him as if he was some kind of monster which was an additional challenge for him to deal with. He ultimately found friends and companionship in the Teen Titans. His first comic book appearance was in 1980 in DC Comics Presents #26. READ MORE...
Cyborg, the character, always seemed to have more trouble being half machine than being Black. He was always pretty serious in the comics and often played the straight man to Teen Titan teammate, Beast Boy. He's always been a rather positive character in terms of how he carries himself. While sometimes his seriousness seemed borderline bad attitude, for the most part it appeared warranted. There was a time in the comics where he had a whole body and had the option of at least appearing fully normal but through a series of circumstances he has returned to his classic look. This was disappointing for me as I felt he had earned the right to look whole. Still, Vic is a good soldier. He rolls with the punches and keeps on working. Cyborg is intelligent and capable and now a mentor for a new group of young Teen Titans. In addition to healthy portions of strength, agility, and technological empathy, the technology portion of his body grants him a wide array of powers. Most notable is his sonic blaster.
Cyborg's first television appearance was on the show The Super Powers Team: Galactic Guardians. It was the last season of the Super Friends animated program and ran from 1985 to 1986. He was one of the junior superheroes on the team along with Firestorm, Robin, and the Wonder Twins. Having followed his entire career in the comics, I was ecstatic to see him on TV.
Cyborg showed up again years later on television in the Teen Titans animated series which ran from 2003 to 2006. His appearance is considerably different and here he is a lot more fun and easy to get along with. In the series he seems to be quite at home in his skin though sometimes concerned with being less human. He is the tech genius of the group and second in command to Robin. The show is light-hearted and doesn't deal with the fact that he is black but there is no doubt that he is in both look and attitude.
Cyborg has even made it to television in live action form on the show Smallville. The character was played by Lee Thompson Young, an actor I like. In this incarnation, none of his cybernetic parts are apparent in his look which is disappointing. In subsequent episodes he teamed up with Green Arrow, Bart Allen (Flash/Impulse), Aquaman, and of course Clark Kent as they formed an impromptu Justice League. Hopefully we'll see more of him in newer episodes.
All in all, Cyborg is a great character that has stood the test of time. He is a positive and respectable Black Superhero. Here are some of his TV appearances. Note: the last two are fan made and isn't it all about the fans?:
Gone is the upside down tiara, chain belt, yellow shirt and the name "Power Man." Today's Luke Cage shows little to hint about his "Black Power" days of the 70's save the attitude. Lately he's more reminiscent of his youthful neighborhood days complete with ongoing profanity and intimidating white people. He's married now to a former superhero and they have a daughter. All of this does little to take the rough edges off Luke's personality and customer service skills. He's still the same lovable bastard.
The fact that he's married a white woman seemed to be very much against his character and I rebelled against it for some time but now I have come to accept it. I even kind of like them together. They compliment each other well.
He's still the consummate street hero. Today's Luke Cage sports no signature costume, no mask, and no code name. He shows up, kicks ass, and moves on. There have been rumors about an upcoming movie with Tyrese Gibson playing the lead for years. If it's ever going to happen, it's definitely on the back burner though it is currently scheduled for 2009.
Luke is currently a member of the Avengers, Marvel Comics' premiere super team. This is definitely a character worth watching. In fact, here are a few pages of the current Avengers comic starring Luke and his family. The dialog is great. What's next for Luke? Check out this interview with the current writer of the New Avengers. Enjoy!
You've probably already seen the trailer for the new movie about a superhero called The Spirit. I looks like it might be interesting or so I thought until I did a little digging. In case you don't know, Will Eisner's The Spirit is a noir crime drama about a masked crimefighter of the same name that first showed up in the 1940s. What does that have to do with Black Superheroes? 
While he ultimatly became a worthy world reknown Black Superhero, Lothar's initial claim to fame is that he followed around Mandrake the Magician. He gave up the chance to become Prince of a federation of African jungle tribes in order to basically become Mandrake's sidekick. His powers are super strength and maybe some jungle ingenuity. In fact it is claimed that he is the strongest man in the world.
Easily one of my favorite former Teen Titans, Cyborg seems to embody the motto: "Suck it Up and Get to Work". Victor Stone, was an athlete but he was also a test subject for his parents. I'm sure they wanted the best for him as they sought to increase his intelligence. It was one of his father's other experiments gone wrong that allowed an extra-dimensional creature to cross through a portal and mutilate Victor. In order to save him, his father made him a cyborg using even more experimental technology. Poor Victor woke up to find most of his body gone. He wanted to die but ultimately went through therapy, worked hard and learned to control his new body. People looked at him as if he was some kind of monster which was an additional challenge for him to deal with. He ultimately found friends and companionship in the Teen Titans. His first comic book appearance was in 1980 in DC Comics Presents #26.
Gone is the upside down tiara, chain belt, yellow shirt and the name "Power Man." Today's Luke Cage shows little to hint about his "Black Power" days of the 70's save the attitude. Lately he's more reminiscent of his youthful neighborhood days complete with ongoing profanity and intimidating white people. He's married now to a former superhero and they have a daughter. All of this does little to take the rough edges off Luke's personality and customer service skills. He's still the same lovable bastard.
He's still the consummate street hero. Today's Luke Cage sports no signature costume, no mask, and no code name. He shows up, kicks ass, and moves on. There have been rumors about an upcoming movie with Tyrese Gibson playing the lead for years. If it's ever going to happen, it's definitely on the back burner though it is currently scheduled for 2009.
