Reform Lamar, Reform

Marvel and DC have had the lion share of comic book revenue for decades. In those decades, we have seen some Black superheroes. Some would say not enough though. It is true that Marvel and DC do have many Black characters in their respective universes. However, their exposure has been the problem. In recent years, we can say we are seeing more Black characters now than ever before. However, it is sparingly needless to say. Many Black comic book collectors make the complaint that we are not buying the books and that ultimately is the real problem. Case in point according to Diamondcomics.com Black Panther #8 in Jan 2019 was ranked at dead last in looking at the top 100 books. This was also the same month Naomi #1 came out and that was ranked #89. Its no secret that these books containing Black characters do not always sell. Which beckons the thought. Why? Is it financial? Interest? Lack of marketing?

Listen, this isn't a new question. In fact, this article from deviantart.com speaks to the heart of the issue. My objective here is to not dispute the reality or the facts. However, DC and Marvel are not the only games in town. There are a lot of independent companies that are creating comic books with Black characters. People are starting to not just buy Marvel and DC. In fact, the indies are taking up a lot space in comic shops today. According to an article on Black Enterprise, the big two share nearly 60 percent of comic book sales. Writers and artists are also now seeing the benefits of doing independent books. Just wait until somebody gets the superhero universe genre cracking at an independent. With the success of Invincible on Amazon Prime. The writing is on the wall. You don't think Black books sell? Just talk to Larry Stroman and Todd Johnson who created the comic Tribe. The first issue sold over a million copies. This was an Image Comics title. Still don't think they sell? Talk to the creators of Brotherman who started selling books at the Black Expo. There are Black creators today who are 100 percent independent and they are creating good content. They just need the exposure and through this forum and others like Black Comic Lords and Black Superheroes Forever on Facebook and Instagram. Change is coming, its a slow train but its coming. Just ask Lamar.Check out these articles "https://www.deviantart.com/black-comic-makers/journal/Why-Black-Comics-don-t-Sell-219324141" https://www.diamondcomics.com/Home/1/1/3/237?articleID=226526"> -Richard J Wright