As the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) continues to expand, it’s important to take a look at the diversity of its superhero roster. Representation matters, and for many, seeing themselves reflected in the characters they love is crucial.
So, what percentage of Marvel superheroes are black? Let’s take a closer look.
The Numbers
Out of the hundreds of characters that make up the Marvel Universe, approximately 23% are people of color. Of that 23%, only a small percentage are black.
According to a study done by FiveThirtyEight, out of the 6,000+ characters in Marvel’s database, only about 1.4% are black. This includes characters like Black Panther, Storm, and Luke Cage.
However, it’s important to note that this study was done in 2014 and doesn’t include some more recent additions to the MCU like Falcon (who became Captain America in the comics), Misty Knight, and Blade (who will be played by Mahershala Ali in an upcoming film).
Why Representation Matters
Representation is important for many reasons. For one, it allows audiences who may not typically see themselves represented on screen to finally feel seen and heard. It also helps combat harmful stereotypes by showing diverse characters in positive and complex roles.
Additionally, representation can inspire future generations. Seeing someone who looks like you on screen can encourage young people to pursue their dreams and feel like they too can be heroes.
The Importance of Black Superheroes
Black superheroes have been an important part of Marvel since its inception. Characters like Black Panther and Storm have been around since the 1960s and have paved the way for more recent additions like Miles Morales (the Afro-Latino Spider-Man) and Riri Williams (a teenage genius who becomes Ironheart).
Black superheroes allow for unique stories to be told and provide an opportunity for black actors to play complex and interesting roles. They also help create a more accurate portrayal of the world we live in, which is diverse and multifaceted.
The Future of Black Superheroes in the MCU
The MCU has made some strides towards diversity in recent years with films like Black Panther and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. However, there is still work to be done.
With upcoming projects like Blade, it’s clear that Marvel is committed to continuing to diversify its roster of superheroes. Hopefully, this means we will see even more black heroes on screen in the coming years.
- In Conclusion
While the percentage of black superheroes in Marvel may not be as high as it could be, their impact cannot be understated. Representation matters, and black superheroes provide an opportunity for unique stories to be told and for audiences to see themselves reflected on screen. As the MCU continues to expand, here’s hoping that we will see even more diversity and representation in the superhero genre.