In a previous column, I highlighted a list of Black female superheroes who, in my view, have never received the recognition they deserve in comic book circles. Even now, as culture critics cry “woke!” at the sight of any non-white character, only a handful of Black female superheroes are widely known—either to casual readers or to those outside the comic book world.
Black Female Superheroes
Many of you recognize names like Storm, Shuri, Amanda Waller, and maybe even Misty Knight—even if you’ve never picked up a comic book. But have you heard of Jakita Wagner, Thunder, or Naomi? You likely know Okoye from the big screen, but are you familiar with her far more scandalous comic book origins?
The truth is that most female and Black superheroes are either relegated to supporting roles or remain virtually unknown to mainstream audiences. So, here are seven more underrated Black female superheroes you should absolutely know.
1. Jakita Wagner (Planetary)
Planetary is a legendary sci-fi adventure comic that debuted in 1998. Despite long gaps between issues—it took a full decade to publish just 27—it remains one of the most compelling comic book series ever created. At its core, it follows a team of mystery archaeologists working to uncover and dismantle a global conspiracy that suppresses technological progress. But Planetary is much more than that. It’s a sharp deconstruction of 20th-century superhero mythology and pulp fiction, layered with commentary, history, and wild imagination.
Among the standout characters is Jakita Wagner. Though technically a supporting character, Jakita is easily one of the greatest Black female superheroes in comics. Think of her as a spiritual cousin to Wonder Woman—powerful, confident, and nearly unstoppable. Born from a doomed romance between an African scientist and a Tarzan-style jungle adventurer, she possesses super speed, heightened reflexes, endurance, and a healing factor. She’s fearless, quick to action, and deeply allergic to boredom—always ready to throw the first punch if things get too quiet.
I can’t overstate how much Planetary shaped my thinking when I first read it in 1998. If you love comics that challenge conventions and expand your mind, this series is essential reading.
The Planetary Omnibus is an 825-page hardcover that collects all 27 issues of the series. Buy it now for $60 at Amazon.
2. Naomi
There aren’t many Black female superheroes widely recognized in mainstream comics from the Big Two publishers. Naomi was a deliberate attempt to change that. In her origin story, set in an alternate universe, ozone depletion allows harmful celestial radiation to flood Earth. As a result, 29 people develop superhuman powers, though only eight survive. Two of them have a child and named her Naomi.
When a powerful superhuman threatens Naomi’s safety, her parents send her to another dimension: the main DC Universe. There, Naomi discovers she has incredible abilities, including flight, super strength, invulnerability, and the power to unleash energy blasts. Her full name, Naomi McDuffie, honors the late Dwayne McDuffie, a renowned writer and co-founder of Milestone Media. As a hero, she also goes by the codename Powerhouse.
Kaci Walfall was the star of the 2022 CW show Naomi, which was on the air for one season. Naomi: Season One is a 160-page hardcover that collects the first six issues of this series. Get it now for $10.99 at Amazon.
3. Vixen
Mari Jiwe McCabe, better known as Vixen, made her first appearance in Action Comics #521 in 1981. Originally, DC Comics planned to introduce her as one of the company’s first Black female superheroes in the late 1970s. However, an economic downturn in 1978 forced them to shelve those plans temporarily. In the comics, McCabe is a fashion model from Africa living in New York City, and she wields a mystical totem that allows her to channel the abilities of any animal.
Her powers include enhanced reflexes, super speed, animal-level senses, and a limited healing factor. In addition to her supernatural gifts, Vixen is also a skilled martial artist. The character gained wider recognition when she was portrayed by multiple actresses on the CW shows Arrow and DC’s Legends of Tomorrow.
In Vixen: Return of the Lion, Vixen learns a secret about her mother’s death and comes into conflict with Intergang. This 124-page paperback collects the 5-issue miniseries. Get it for $22.49 at Amazon now.
4. Thunder
Jefferson Pierce, better known as Black Lightning, was the first Black superhero to headline his own comic book series, debuting in Black Lightning #1 in 1977. The character later gained mainstream attention through the CW series Black Lightning, which aired from 2018 to 2021. In both the comics and the show, Pierce is the father of two daughters who step into the superhero spotlight themselves: Thunder and Lightning.
Anissa Pierce, the eldest daughter, appears to have inherited her powers genetically. She can increase the density of her body at will, making her nearly invulnerable to physical harm. Anissa also possesses superhuman strength and can generate powerful shockwaves with a single stomp. Taking on the alias Thunder, she becomes a vigilante and joins the Outsiders—despite her father’s objections.
Thunder made her debut in Outsiders #1, vol.3, in 2003. The character is also a lesbian, making her one of the few black female superheroes with LGBTQ+ representation. Nafessa Williams portrayed the character on the CW’s Black Lightning.
The Outsiders by Judd Winick Book One is a 312-page paper. The team must stop a rampaging Superman robot on the loose. Buy it now for $19 at Amazon.
5. Lightning
Jennifer Pierce is the youngest daughter of Black Lightning. She first appeared in an alternate DC timeline in the 1996 Kingdom Come storyline and was officially introduced into the main DC Universe in Justice Society of America Vol. 3, #12, published in 2008. Her father, Jefferson Pierce, wants a safer future for his children and forbids Jennifer from using her powers until she finishes school.
But like her sister Anissa, Jennifer is strong-willed and eventually joins the Justice Society of America as the electrifying hero known as Lightning. She inherits her father’s electrical powers and can also fly, but struggles with controlling her abilities, often shorting out any electronics she touches. On the CW series Black Lightning, the character was portrayed by both China Anne McClain and Laura Kariuki.
JSA Omnibus 1 is a 1,274-page hardcover. Buy it for $111 at Amazon now.
6. Natasha Irons
Natasha Irons is the brilliant niece of John Irons, the Superman ally and armored hero known as Steel. Possessing a genius-level intellect, Natasha eventually earns her place within the Superman family on her own terms. Under her uncle’s guidance, she learns to operate advanced power armor and takes up the mantle of Steel herself. At different points in her crime-fighting journey, she has also used the codename Starlight.
Actress Tayler Buck plays a variant of the character on the CW’s Superman and Lois.
Read the early adventures of Steel and Natasha in Steel: A Celebration of 30 Years, a 304-page hardcover. Buy it for $34.80 at Amazon now.
7. Okoye
Yes, you know Danai Gurira portrays Okoye in the Marvel Cinematic Universe—but what you might not know is that she’s one of Marvel’s earliest and most controversial Black female superheroes. Okoye and the Dora Milaje first appeared in Black Panther #1 in 1998. Originally, the Dora Milaje were not only elite Wakandan warriors but were also intended to be potential wives-in-waiting for the Black Panther—a concept that sparked debate and was later retconned.
Over time, Okoye evolved far beyond her original role. She is now portrayed as a fierce general, a skilled warrior, and a trusted political advisor within the world of Wakanda.
Black Panther and the Agents of Wakanda: Eye of the Storm is a 136-page paperback collecting the first six issues of the series. Black Panther and General Okoye assemble the Wakandan version of the Avengers to deal with global threats. Buy it on Kindle now for $6.29.
We Need More Black Female Superheroes
Contrary to popular belief, there is no “woke” conspiracy aiming to erase white superheroes from existence. In fact, over 86% of comic book characters are white or white male. That leaves just 14% to represent all other races, ethnicities, and genders combined. You don’t have to read stories just because they feature Black female characters—but if their presence bothers you, it’s worth asking yourself why. It’s not about forced diversity; it’s about long-overdue inclusion.
For context, characters like Black Adam are Egyptian, Doctor Doom, Nightwing, and Scarlet Witch are Romani, and both Ra’s al Ghul and Damian Wayne have Chinese Muslim heritage. Comic books are evolving, and the stories are richer, more complex, and more inclusive than ever. Don’t miss out on what’s next.
Read More
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Meet the Powerhouse Women of Comics: Who Are the Female Superheroes?
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