Ep 5. The Color of Comics

In episode 5 of AMC Visionaries: Robert Kirkman's Secret History of Comics, titled "The Color of Comics," the focus shifts to the impact of Black comic book creators. The episode explores the challenges and successes of Black creators in the industry, diving into the creation of characters such as Luke Cage and Black Panther and the way they represented Black culture in comics.

"The Color of Comics" begins with an overview of the history of Black representation in comics, starting with the character of Ebony White in the popular comic strip "The Spirit" and moving on to the creation of the first Black superhero, Black Panther. The episode emphasizes the impact of Black creators like Jack Kirby and Stan Lee, who were responsible for the creation of Black characters, as well as the significance of characters like Luke Cage, who represented a new level of Black empowerment in comics.

The episode features interviews with a number of Black comic book creators, including Christopher Priest, who wrote the acclaimed run of Black Panther in the 1990s, and Denys Cowan, a comic book artist who co-founded Milestone Comics, a publisher focused on increasing diversity in the industry. Other interviewees include comic book writers and artists Mark Bright, Keith Knight, and Kyle Baker, among others.

As the episode delves into the challenges faced by Black creators in the industry, it explores the impact of racism and stereotypes on their work. One notable example is the character of Black Goliath, who was created by Tony Isabella and George Tuska in the 1970s. While the character was a groundbreaking addition to the comics landscape, he was often depicted as a stereotypical "angry Black man" and was ultimately cancelled after just five issues.

Despite these challenges, "The Color of Comics" also highlights the significant contributions of Black creators in the industry. The episode features a number of examples of Black creators breaking new ground in the comics world, from Cowan and Priest's work on Black Panther to Kyle Baker's graphic novel "Nat Turner," which depicts the story of the famous slave rebellion.

Throughout the episode, "The Color of Comics" emphasizes the importance of representation in comics and the impact that Black creators and characters have had on the industry. The episode illustrates how Black creators have fought against racist stereotypes and pushed the boundaries of what is possible in comic book storytelling. Ultimately, "The Color of Comics" serves as a powerful tribute to the legacy of Black creators in the industry and their ongoing contributions to the world of comics.