REPRESENTATIONS OF REAL AND FICTIONAL BLACK HEROISM IN HO CHE ANDERSON’S KING AND NNEDI OKORAFOR’S SHURI

Abstract

 This article takes into account Black heroism, as illustrated through Martin Luther King Jr. (portrayed in Ho Che Anderson’s graphic novel called King) and Shuri, the sister of Marvel’s Black Panther (featured in Nnedi Okorafor’s two-part comic book entitled Shuri). By looking at a real historical figure and a fictional superheroine, I will pinpoint what differences arise between such depictions, while also highlighting the fact that writers and artists have the possibility to (re)create non-stereotypical representations of heroes. Essentially, such stories end up reminding diverse audiences that it is important to design role models for communities and accentuate how heroism is meant to be defined through a realistic, but hopeful picture of a person who equally embraces their flaws and strengths.