African American Comic Collection
Scope and Contents
The collection consists of superhero, historical figure, athlete, and Western-themed comic books from approximately 1950 to 2009. The comics primarily feature African American characters and showcase the various ways Black people have been depicted in pop culture throughout the world.
Dates
- circa 1950-2009
Conditions Governing Access
The collection is open for research.
Copyright
All requests for permission to publish, reproduce, or quote from material in the collection should be discussed with the appropriate librarian or archivist. Permission for publication may be given on behalf of the Denver Public Library as the owner of the physical item. It is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which also must be obtained by the customer. The Library does not assume any responsibility for infringement of copyright or publication rights of the manuscript held by the writer, heirs, donors, or executors. Reproduction restrictions are decided on a case-by-case basis.
Biographical / Historical
While comic book storylines have historically been dominated by white protagonists, the latter part of the 20th century saw a progression in the depiction of Black characters. During the 1930s and 1940s, Black characters based largedly on racist stereotypes played minor roles in comic books. By the 1950s and 1960s, superhero and historical figure genre comic books began featuring Black characters as more central figures in storylines. Beginning in the 1970s, an influx of Black superheroes filled prominent roles in mainstream series at Marvel Comics and DC Comics. Comic books highlighting African American athletes were published in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Extent
3 boxes (3 linear feet)
Language of Materials
English
French
Italian
Spanish; Castilian
Dutch; Flemish
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Purchase, Kevin Jackson, 2010. Gift, Shelley Stash, 2018.
Condition Description
Older serials in Box 3 (Buck Taylor, Kansas Jack, and Bibi Fricotin) have damaged bindings. Due to their fragile nature, they should be handled with care.
- African Americans in comics Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- Comic books Subject Source: Art & Architecture Thesaurus
- Comic books, strips, etc. -- United States -- African Americans Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- Comic books, strips, etc.-- Europe -- African influences Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the Denver Public Library, Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library Repository
2401 Welton St.
Denver Colorado 80205
