Yes, I am a reader and collector who prioritizes Own Voices, the belief that stories that center the lives and experiences of marginalized people should be written by said marginalized people. In the comic book industry, and especially in traditionally published imprints, it is far too familiar to have a story told by a white team. These stories lack an authentic perspective of the experiences of marginalized people. I always use OMNI (H1/ Humanoids Comics) and Moongirl and Devil Dinosaur (Marvel) as examples. In OMNI Vol.1, the main character is written as though she looks down on Black people, casually spewing anti-Blackness rhetoric. It was the first time I felt more than the typical emptiness I usually feel when reading these types of comics. I was uncomfortable. A complete 180 in the main character happens in Vol.2, largely because of the choices the new writer, Melody Cooper makes in the story. Similarly, with Moongirl and Devil Dinosaur, the first run was good, but it lacked the conversations and nuances of the Black experience seen in the runs written by Stephanie Williams and Jordan Ifueko. Why read someone else’s whitewashed perspective when I can read our stories?
Here are seven comics I enjoyed written by Black women. I truly hope you enjoy them. And if you already read them, let me know in the comments! Trust me, I have much more in store!
Admani (2021)
Written by: Toshi J Art by: Wendie Renardd Letters by: Jayme
Imprint: Midnight Comics
Genre: Superhero
Audience: Teen and Older
Where to buy: https://www.midnightcomics.org/product-page/admani-issue-1
Summary: If you woke up with fire powers and no idea how to control would you be excited or terrified. Dive into the world of Admani as she struggles with mental health and fire abilities (Global Comix.com)
Mini Review: This comic begins the origin story of a potentially powerful superhero, Admani. While the plot operates at a pace closer to a manga, the reader gets a great insight into the main character’s struggles. Being someone who deals with mental health issues, I loved a Black woman depicted in such a relatable way.
Alexis Wyle (2024)
Written by: Jamie McAffee Art by: Marc Rene
Imprint: Self- Published
Genre: Steampunk/
Audience: Adult
Where to Buy: https://www.amazon.com/Alexis-Wyle-Jamie-McAfee/dp/B0CSYSDRDR
Summary:
When dark power conquers Earth, a young woman is forced to face her destiny as the chosen one. She must fight against the greatest evil that only desires to consume the world, so she must choose between love and saving what is left of all humanity. It’s been 10 Years since the Takeover…The battle to save what is left of humanity falls in the hands of Alexis Wyle when the greatest evil, Rapsidous, takes over the planet, wiping out most of the world and leaving little behind. The humans that were left in Glinier, the untouched lands, remained on Earth; the humans that were sucked into another dimension, into the city of Aziar, became “Skins” in the new world. Alexis didn’t understand why she was unique until her heart began to beat differently. Her heart now beats with steel pieces turning, protected by a removable shield. Powers now run through her as she could be the key to ending it all.
Alexis along with her Infinity-X Team keep an eye on Aziar, a city filled with robots, magic, and darkness. The stakes are rising and it falls to Alexis and the Infinity-X team to navigate and stop the unending madness this new twisted world bleeds. Although 10 years have passed, Alexis knows this is just the beginning…
Mini Review: This issue did a great job introducing readers to Alexis Wyle and her steampunk dystopian world. The artwork is so cool, almost looking like textured fabric or collages. (I’ll find the proper terminology for this technique soon!)
Rayven Choi (2016)
Written by: Shequeta Smith Penciller/ Ink/ Additional Colors: Dennis Saptura Colorist: Slamet Mujiono Letterer: Taylor Esposito Additional Colors: Alicia Ivonne Ortiz Rivera
Genre: Fiction/
Imprint: Shero Comics
Audience: Young Adult and Adult
Where to buy: https://sherocomics.com/store/ OR https://www.amazon.com/Rayven-Choi-Koreamerican-Chapter-Book-ebook/dp/B01IQNSOTQ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3KQU70C1XOAIN&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.oVVhqvlRN1h8JvhqtPQYfaH0t1UA_qG6SV5YsLrT9lU2yol4LZZMP6F-xCg8PrvfLddAs8pIlWd5h_QzZaqtKhgt8_AkmLvvIZ28JjUnJ__Ne6Q06QGEWISUo1OARWYLKocwpdO-nvXkFmE5D1kpJg.EnxvkL7c2cWocxWZXMBRUxM5aUhhRfwrukLwjAgyGM4&dib_tag=se&keywords=rayven+choi&qid=1734246719&sprefix=RAyven+cho%2Caps%2C79&sr=8-1
Summary: At the tender age of 5, Rayven Johnson witnesses a “Reaper” murder her parents on a military commuter train. She’s the sole survivor and is quietly sent to Seoul, Korea, where she is adopted by her father’s best friend and KATUSA, Don Choi. Rayven spends 20 years in Korea before discovering a clue that her father left behind that could lead her to find the killer.
Mini Review: I love a revenge plot, and this run does not disappoint!!! The entire time I read it, I kept thinking to myself, “This would make a phenomenal movie.” Well, the comic book creator was one step ahead and already created a live-action movie of the first issue. It’s on YouTube now! I enjoyed the pacing and how easy it is to read the panels/ follow the story, inspired by Jack Kirby’s symmetrical layouts. The comic is also written in Korean!!
NFK (2017)
Written and Drawn by: Nila Magruder
Genre: Fantasy
Imprint: Insight Comics
Audience: Young Adult
Where to buy: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/M-F-K/Nilah-Magruder/9781683830047
Summary: In a world of sleeping gods, a broken government, and a fragile peace held in the hands of the corrupt, one youth must find the strength to stand up against evil and save humanity.
This story is not about that youth.
It’s about Abbie, who just wants to get to the mountain range called the Potter’s Spine, scatter her mother’s ashes, and then live out her life in sweet, blissful solitude. Unfortunately, everyone she meets wants to whine at her about their woes, tag along on her quest, arrest her for no reason, or blow her to bits.
Journeys are hard on the social recluses of the world.
Mini Review: Using a fantastical backdrop, Magruder does a great job depicting the everyday struggles of those living on a society’s fringe. This story is filled with humor, loss, and familial love, with artwork beautifully conveying all these emotions. I really wish there was a sequel that continued this fantastical, mundane journey.
Wash Day Diaries (2022)
Written by: Jamila Rowser Art: Robyn Smith Colors: Robyn Smith, Bex Gendining, and Kazimir Lee
Imprint: Chronicle Books
Genre: Fiction/ Slice of Life
Audience: Adult
Where to buy: https://www.chroniclebooks.com/products/wash-day-diaries?srsltid=AfmBOoo6Oga3eT6JI4M6QT9uq1tTTDt1AiR4ldh0gpiKtMQxJ_oTWv-0 or https://www.amazon.com/Wash-Day-Diaries-Jamila-Rowser/dp/1797205455
Summary:
Wash Day Diaries tells the story of four best friends—Kim, Tanisha, Davene, and Cookie—through five connected short story comics that follow these young women through the ups and downs of their daily lives in the Bronx.
The book takes its title from the wash day experience shared by Black women everywhere of setting aside all plans and responsibilities for a full day of washing, conditioning, and nourishing their hair. Each short story uses hair routines as a window into these four characters’ everyday lives and how they care for each other.
Mini Review: This slice of life is the perfect introduction to those interested in comics! This warm depiction of found family, depression, Black women’s solidarity, and friendship will always put this graphic novel in the top ten of my all-time favorite comics. Similar to Nubia: Real one, I love the color palette!!!
Brooms (2023)
Written by: Jasmine Walls Art: Teo Duvall Colors: Bex Glendining Letterer: Ariana Maher Flats by: Mariya Juni, Zach Sharpe, Eilse Schuenke
Imprint: Levine Querido
Genre: Fantasy
Audience: Young Adult
Where to buy: https://www.levinequerido.com/brooms
Summary:
It’s 1930s Mississippi. Magic is permitted only in certain circumstances, and by certain people. Unsanctioned broom racing is banned. But for those who need the money, or the thrills… it’s there to be found.
Meet Billie Mae, captain of the Night Storms racing team, and Loretta, her best friend and second-in-command. They’re determined to make enough money to move out west to a state that allows Black folks to legally use magic and take part in national races.
Cheng-Kwan – doing her best to handle the delicate and dangerous double act of being the perfect “son” to her parents, and being true to herself while racing.
Mattie and Emma – Choctaw and Black – the youngest of the group and trying to dodge government officials who want to send them and their newly-surfaced powers away to boarding school.
And Luella, in love with Billie Mae. Her powers were sealed away years ago after she fought back against the government. She’ll do anything to prevent the same fate for her cousins.
Brooms is a queer, witchy Fast and the Furious that shines light on history not often told – it’s everything you’d ever want to read in a graphic novel.
Mini Review: In this fascinating and unique blend of magic and American History, we follow a group of girls who want to race in a time when broom racing and witches were illegal, in addition to the oppressive systems they faced outside of racing. Set in 1930s Mississippi, this graphic novel was a fun time addressing the experiences of queer Black, Indigenous, and Asian people in our history. I loved the diversity of inclusivity as well as the actual races that take place in the story. It felt like I was listening to the old-time radio announcers!
Ghost Roast (2024)
Created by: Shawnelle Gibbs, Shawnee Gibbs, and Emily Cannon Interior Colors by Aishwarya Tandon
Imprint: Versify (Harper Alley/ Harper Collins)
Genre: Paranormal/ Horror
Audience: Young Adult
Where to buy: https://www.harpercollins.com/products/ghost-roast-shawnee-gibbsshawnelle-gibbs?variant=41001138061346
Summary;
For as long as she can remember, Chelsea Grant has tried everything she can think of to distance herself from the disastrous damage her father does to her social life. It’s not easy to shake her reputation as Ghost Girl when Dad keeps advertising his business as a “paranormal removal expert” in big, bold, loud letters all over New Orleans!
This year, Chelsea’s all grown up, attending one of the most prestigious high schools in the city, and she’s finally made friends with the popular crowd. Things are looking up—until a night on the town backfires spectacularly, landing her in hot water at home. Her punishment? Working for her dad at Paranormal Removal Services. All. Summer.
Worst of all, her new job reveals an unexpected secret she has to keep: While Dad hunts ghosts with his own DIY tech, Chelsea can actually see them. And when she meets Oliver, a friendly spirit, at the fancy mansion her dad is getting a handsome fee to exorcize, she realizes she has to save his afterlife, even if it risks everything her father’s worked for.
Mini Review: Imagine having to work with your dad at his embarrassing passion job of catching ghosts when you don’t want to and then one day you realize you can see the ghosts he’s been trying to catch!! This cute story teaches about the Black history that is often overlooked at American plantations through a very cute paranormal romance.
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