Libraries thrive when everyone in the community can see themselves represented in the collection. Materials created for, by, and about traditionally underrepresented people and populations can help members of those populations feel more at home, and can also help other members of the community to understand and appreciate their neighbors.
Hoopla Provides Relevant and Engaging Content at Your Patrons’ Fingertips
In particular, the comics industry in recent years has seen an influx of diverse writers, artists, characters, and stories. Here are some creators, collections, and series that showcase the talents of the Black community and their experiences.
Notable Collections:
Black History Month Collection
Black History Month occurs annually in February in the United States and Canada, October in the United Kingdom, and July in Australia (where it is known as Black History Month). No matter where you are in the world, this selection of nonfiction comics is worth browsing year round.
Afrofuturism & Africanfuturism Collection
These incredible comics incorporate influences from the African diaspora into thrilling tales of technology and science fiction.
Notable Series:
Clock Striker by Issaka Galadima follows the first Black female lead in Shonen manga, Cast, as she strives to join the SMITHS, a group of legendary warrior engineers.
Notable Publisher Imprint:
YouNeek Studio from Dark Horse Publishing is home to characters inspired by African history and culture as created by Roye Okupe and including series like Iyanu: Child of Wonder, The Asiri, E.X.O. – The Legend of Wale Williams, Malika: Warrior Queen, WindMaker, and Oloris: Heroes Will Unite.
Notable Authors:
Notable Characters:
- Black Panther
- Shuri
- Miles Morales
- Cyborg
- Storm
- Sam Wilson
- Spawn
- Blade
- Luke Cage
- Nick Fury
- Ironheart
- Misty Knight
- Nubia
A quick search on the Hoopla website or app will return hundreds of results for comics featuring these heroes and so many more. Visit the Resource Center to find assets you can download and use to promote the diverse comics and manga selection on Hoopla.
