The Future of Black: Afrofuturism, Black Comics, and Superhero Poetry

Author: Len Lawson, Cynthis Manick, and Gary Jackson

Publisher: Blair Press (2021)

The expansion of Marvel and DC Comics’ characters such as Black Panther, Luke Cage, and Black Lightning in film and on television has created a proliferation of poetry in this genre―receiving wide literary and popular attention. Sections in the book include: Man of Steel, More Superheroes, Black Superheroes, Black Antiheroes, Black Pop Culture, Black History, Video Games & Fantasy, New Origins, New Faith Constructs, Black Women Narratives, and Afrofuturism & Speculative Poetry.

This groundbreaking collection highlights work from poets who have written verse within this growing tradition, including Terrance Hayes, Lucille Clifton, Gill Scott-Heron, A. Van Jordan, Glenis Redmond, Tracy K. Smith, Teri Ellen Cross Davis, Joshua Bennett, Douglas Kearney, Tara Betts, Frank X. Walker, Tyree Daye, and others. In addition, the anthology also features the work of artists such as John Jennings and Najee Dorsey, showcasing their interpretations of superheroes, Black comic characters, Afrofuturistic images from the African diaspora.