February is a time to reflect and ponder on the vibrant history of the Black community, even as they continue to reel from grueling hardships. Proud Black artists and writers have banded together to bring that disparity to focus, letting the real world seep into their superhero comics. DC celebrates Black History Month with an oversized issue featuring stories from across the DC universe, giving agency to its vast cast of Black characters. DC Power: A Celebration #1 comes from writers John Ridley, Evan Narcisse, and N.K. Jemisin, artists Jamal Campbell and Olivier Coipel, colorists Hi-Fi and Marcelo Maiolo, letterer AndWorld Design, and many more.
DC Power: A Celebration #1 travels far and wide, through past and present, giving Black superheroes the spotlight they deserve. From veterans John Stewart and Black Lightning to newcomers like Kid Flash and Jace Fox’s Batman, the anthology makes space for everyone from the monarch of Themyscira, Queen Nubia, to second-generation heroes like the Pierce sisters. They help their communities, wade through personal tragedies, and forge new relationships in the heat of battle. But most importantly, this anthology shows readers a side of the characters that’s often lost in DC’s main continuity.
Evan Narcisse revives the legacy of a true American hero, Amazing-Man, in the first story of the book. Set in the backdrop of the urban renewal of the 1950s, Will Everett fights bigots while struggling to find a foothold in a world that has not changed much since he returned home from the war. Everett dons his costume to keep the hope of a better tomorrow alive. Along with Darryl Banks’ bold illustrations and Hi-Fi’s vivid colors, the story looks like something out of a retro comic book steeped in commentary on racial discrimination. Plotwise, “Keeping the Peace,” starring John Stewart, and “Booyah,” featuring Cyborg, are similar in their handling of mental health issues, but tonally they have different approaches and resolutions. Hampton’s portrayal of Cyborg is rooted in his guilt and sadness — something that initially keeps him from performing his duties as a hero and eventually becomes one of his greatest motivators.
“Own Your Name” by Dorado Quick and Jordan Clark may seem like a generic entry in the anthology, but it manages to engage audiences with a subtle, layered exploration of imposter syndrome and identity crisis. Using Kaldur’s Aquaman as a counterpoint, the writers let Kid Flash explore the meaning of his mantle. Letterer AndWorld Design does a good job placing each speech bubble away from the action, making it easy to recognize the speaker in each panel and appreciate the art. N.K. Jemisin brings DC Power: A Celebration to a close with a short prequel to the hit miniseries Far Sector. Artist Jamal Campbell follows Jo Mullein’s life story, using ethereal soft tones to give the story a dreamy atmosphere. Despite growing up in a dysfunctional family, Mullein’s strong morals force her to stand against injustice throughout her life.
As much as DC Power: A Celebration #1 is about fighting social prejudice, it is also about characters taking care of their mental health. Often overlooked or marginalized, these heroes demonstrate their strong spirits and heroic souls in complex stories dealing with relatable issues. The book celebrates the rich tradition and culture of Black superheroes and connects with the audience in unique ways. DC Power: A Celebration #1 breathes new life into DC’s mythos with heartwarming stories, opening new horizons with each segment.
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