One of the most influential and groundbreaking independent comics of the 1970s was Ebon, created by Larry Fuller. Ebon was a black superhero who fought against racism, oppression and injustice in a futuristic dystopia. He was inspired by the Black Panther Party and the Afrofuturism movement, and he had a distinctive look and style that reflected his culture and identity. Ebon was one of the first black comic book characters to have his own title, and he paved the way for many others to follow.

Another independent comic that captured the black experience in the 1970s was Fast Willie Jackson, created by Bertram Fitzgerald Jr. Fast Willie Jackson was a slice-of-life comic that followed the adventures of a young black man living in Harlem. He dealt with everyday issues like love, family, school, work and crime, but he also had a positive outlook and a sense of humor. Fast Willie Jackson was a realistic and relatable comic that showed the joys and struggles of being black in America.

A third independent comic that I want to mention is Sabre, created by Don McGregor and Paul Gulacy. Sabre was a sci-fi comic that featured a black protagonist who was a freedom fighter in a post-apocalyptic world. He used his skills as a swordsman and a marksman to fight against tyranny and oppression. Sabre was one of the first graphic novels ever published, and it had a cinematic and sophisticated style that influenced many other creators.

These are just some examples of the independent comics that showcased the overall black experience in comic books in the 1970s. There were many more, and they all contributed to the rich and diverse history of black comics.

The mainstream comic publishers also started introducing more black characters in response to the civil rights movement and the demand for diversity. Marvel Comics created Luke Cage, the first black hero in his series 1972. He was an ex-convict with super strength and unbreakable skin who became a hero for hire in Harlem. He emerged from the blaxploitation genre of the 1970s, which featured cheap, garish productions that appealed to the black market segment.

DC Comics introduced John Stewart as their comics’ first African American superhero in 1971. He was part of the Green Lantern Corps, an intergalactic law enforcement organization that kept order in the universe. He was initially portrayed as an angry and militant activist but later became a more nuanced and respected character.

But these were not the only black comic book characters in the 1970s. Many others made their mark on the history and culture of comics. Here are some of them:

– Blade: A half-vampire hunter who debuted in 1973 as a supporting character in Tomb of Dracula. He later became a popular anti-hero with his series and movies.
– Storm: A weather-controlling mutant who joined the X-Men in 1975 as one of their first female members. She became one of the most powerful and influential characters in Marvel Comics.
– Bronze Tiger: A martial artist who debuted in 1975 as an enemy of Batman. He later reformed and joined the Suicide Squad and the Justice League.