With the debut of Netflix’s hit Luke Cage, based on the Marvel comic book character, black heroes are getting some of the love they deserve. (Fighting crime isn’t easy. A little recognition is appreciated.) In 2018 Black Panther, whose live-action version was introduced in the most recent Captain America movie, will be front and center in his own feature film. In hopes that this is an emerging trend, here’s a list of other black heroes who need their own starring roles.
1. Falcon
Friend to Captain America, the live-action winged man has appeared with his super counterparts in multiple Avengers films. A feature film starring Falcon would give us a chance to witness his origin story and learn more about his secret identity.
2. Dora Milaje
These butt-kicking sisters are expected to make quite the impression as Black Panther’s bodyguards in the upcoming film. That’s worth repeating. The superhero’s security detail consists of a set of sexy, tough black women who aren’t playing the damsel-in-distress role. After their turn as his trusty sidekicks, these ladies might be ready to venture off on their own. Who wouldn’t want to see that?
3. Storm
For years, X-Men fans have decried the small role Storm has played in the many movies that have exceeded box-office expectations. Though she’s one of the most powerful mutants in the lineup, that was hardly evident in the films. So let’s give Storm her own movie to really show what she can do. Make it rain!
4. Frozone
Voiced by Samuel L. Jackson, The Incredible’s Frozone helped save the world from Syndrome. His abilities helped put that bad guy on ice. How cool! Let’s repay him with his own animated film that offers a look into his everyday life and feats of super derring-do.
5. Misty Knight
Already introduced as a strong character in Luke Cage, Misty Knight has more to offer. With her golden arm, she helps manage the Heroes for Hire. Some might refer to her as the HBIC. She may look unassuming, but don’t underestimate this super sister.
6. Bishop
With Bishop having appeared in X-Men: Days of Future Past, fans are likely expecting to see more of the character, whose super abilities include absorbing energy and using it against his foes.
7. Black Lightning
His name sounds like a mixed drink, but Black Lightning is actually a DC Comics hero who can lay out enemies faster than a strong cocktail. He can generate electromagnetic force fields. And given his equally gifted daughters Jennifer and Anissa, this family-focused superhero film is begging to be made.
8. Vixen
She’s featured in an animated series on CW Seed and has popped up on the network’s Arrow, but there’s no time like the present for a movie featuring Vixen, an African superhero who can take on the abilities of any animal, such as the speed of a jaguar or the flight of birds.
9. Firestorm
This DC Comics character has the distinction of being two people at once. An experiment gone wrong merged Dr. Martin Stein with someone else. On CW’s Legends of Tomorrow, Stein occupies the mind of Jefferson Jackson. While Firestorm is part of a team on the series, with three identities—Firestorm, Stein and Jackson—and nuclear powers, that’s enough for a spinoff show.
10. The Brown Hornet
Back in the ’70s, the Brown Hornet was a cartoon within a cartoon. Fat Albert and his gang faithfully watched the animated series, gathering around the TV for the hero’s latest heroics. While Fat Albert received a live-action treatment (shoutout to Kenan Thompson), isn’t it time for the Brown Hornet to get to spread his wings?