Top 6 Black Comic Book Superhero Dads

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In the vibrant and diverse world of comic books, there are numerous black superheroes who have not only saved the day but have also excelled in their roles as fathers. Dads who have inspired readers with their heroism, strength, and unwavering love for their children. From time-traveling mutants to high-flying superheroes, these fathers have shown us that being a hero extends beyond the battlefield and into the realm of family. Sweet Christmas! Let’s take a look at our top 6 black comic book superhero dads.

6. Bishop: The Time-Traveling Protector

Starting us off at #6 is Bishop, aka Lucas Bishop, a time-traveling mutant from the X-Men. While Bishop is not often portrayed as a father, in the “Age of X-Man” story line, he becomes a protective father figure to a group of young mutants. Bishop guides and fights alongside these mutants, ensuring their survival and teaching them to harness their powers. He also saw himself as a father figure to Hope Summers, though after hunting and attempting to kill her multiple times, Bishop says in “Uncanny X-Force Vol. 2 #5” that he was really a monster even though he thought he was doing the right thing. We all make mistakes, right? Nothing that Psylocke and Storm can’t erase.

5. Sam Wilson/Falcon: The Avian Guardian

Sam Wilson, also known as Falcon, soars high as one of Marvel’s beloved superheroes. When he takes on the mantle of Captain America, he becomes a symbol of hope and justice. In addition to his heroic feats, Falcon is a father figure to his nephew, Jody. Sam Wilson imparts valuable life lessons to Jody, teaching him the importance of using his abilities to fight for a better world. Through his unwavering support and guidance, Falcon molds Jody into a courageous and compassionate individual.

4. Black Lightning: An Ex-static Dad

Jefferson Pierce, also known as Black Lightning, is not only a high school principal but also a superhero with the power to generate and manipulate electricity. As a father to his daughters, Anissa and Jennifer (aka Thunder and Lightning), he strikes a delicate balance between his superhero responsibilities and his role as a parent. Black Lightning guides his daughters, teaching them important life lessons about justice, compassion, and the responsible use of their own powers. His commitment to protecting his family and community sets a powerful example.

3. Blade: The Ultimate Daywalker Daddy

Blade, the half-vampire/half-human hybrid, is widely known for his relentless pursuit of supernatural creatures. However, beneath his tough exterior lies a deep sense of responsibility towards his daughter, Brielle “Bri” Brooks (aka Bloodline).  While Bri grew up without knowing her father, he did gift some killer weapons to her mother Safron in order to keep her safe. He also gifted her with some sweet daywalker powers such as enhanced strength and speed, night vision, quick reflexes, and a sense of the supernatural; not to mention, she can really handle herself. Once Blade and Bri meet, he takes her under his half-vampire wing and trains her, showing his support by rewarding her with a leather jacket of her own.

2. Luke Cage: The Indestructible Hero

Luke Cage, also known as Power Man, is a street-level hero with unbreakable skin and superhuman strength. Sweet Christmas! But beyond his superhero persona, Luke Cage exemplifies what it means to be a loving and protective father. His daughter, Danielle, holds a special place in his heart, and he goes to great lengths to ensure her safety. Luke Cage serves as a positive role model, teaching Danielle the values of integrity, strength, and standing up for what is right.

1. T’Challa/Black Panther: The King of Wakanda

Rounding out our list and topping it off at #1 is the iconic T’Challa, also known as Black Panther, the king of Wakanda. T’Challa’s commitment to his nation extends to his role as a devoted father to his children. Despite his royal duties and responsibilities as a superhero, T’Challa takes the time to instill in his children, such as Azari, the values of honor, courage, and responsibility. He teaches them the importance of protecting their people and fighting for justice.

Don’t see your favorite black comic book superhero dad on our list? Let us know in the comments below or hit us up on social media! IG @blastftp or on Facebook.

Celebrating the Superheroic Moms in Comic Books: Empowering Women, Inspiring Readers

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Comic books have long been a source of inspiration and empowerment, showcasing extraordinary characters who navigate extraordinary circumstances. While superheroes often take center stage, it’s essential to recognize the incredible impact of mothers within the comic book world. In this blog, we pay tribute to the moms in comic books who embody strength, resilience, and unwavering love. From iconic figures like Martha Kent and Aunt May to modern heroes like Jessica Jones and Sue Storm, these super moms demonstrate that maternal power knows no bounds.

1. Maternal Role Models

Comic books have a rich history of presenting strong maternal role models who not only nurture their children but also embody exceptional qualities. One of the earliest and most revered superhero moms is Martha Kent, who raised Clark Kent (aka Superman) with a sense of morality and compassion. Her unwavering support and guidance molded the Last Son of Krypton into the world’s greatest hero.

Another beloved mother figure is Aunt May, who has been a constant presence in Peter Parker’s life. Despite the challenges they face, Aunt May’s love and wisdom provide Peter with a sense of stability and serve as a moral compass throughout his journey as Spider-Man.

2. Superpowered Moms

Comic books have also introduced us to superpowered moms who balance their heroic duties with the responsibilities of motherhood. Sue Storm, the Invisible Woman of the Fantastic Four, epitomizes this dual role. As a founding member of the team, Sue showcases her incredible force-field powers while being a devoted mother to her children, Franklin and Valeria. Her ability to protect her family and the world simultaneously is awe-inspiring.

Similarly, Storm, a member of the X-Men, leads by example as both a powerful mutant and a loving mother figure. Her leadership skills and ability to empathize with young mutants make her an inspiration not only for her teammates but also for readers.

3. Complex Motherhood

Comic books have also explored the complexities of motherhood, delving into the challenges faced by superhero moms. Jessica Jones, a former superhero turned private investigator, navigates the hardships of raising her son while battling personal demons. Her struggle to balance her past, her responsibilities, and her own well-being resonates with readers who appreciate the complexity of motherhood.

Another powerful example is Martha Wayne, the mother of Bruce Wayne (Batman). Though her life was tragically cut short, her influence on Bruce’s journey cannot be overstated. Her love and sacrifice drive Bruce to become Gotham City’s Dark Knight, ensuring that no other child experiences the same loss he did.

4. Breaking Stereotypes

Comic books have been a platform for challenging stereotypes surrounding motherhood. Characters like Carol Danvers (Captain Marvel) and Ororo Munroe (Storm) prove that being a mother doesn’t limit one’s capacity for heroism. These characters demonstrate that women can be mothers and superheroes, breaking down traditional gender roles and inspiring readers to embrace their full potential.

The presence of moms in comic books is a testament to the importance of motherhood in shaping the lives of superheroes. These characters, with their diverse personalities, powers, and struggles, provide readers with a multifaceted understanding of maternal strength. By celebrating the superpowered moms of comic book lore, we not only acknowledge their impact on their respective universes but also honor the powerful, nurturing figures in our own lives. As we turn the pages of these stories, we are reminded that being a mother is an extraordinary feat in itself, deserving of admiration and appreciation.

4 Must-Read Comic Book Series 4 April

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As we know, April is the 4th month of the year which makes these 4 comic book series even more special. This time of year may make you think of several things: springtime, Easter, taxes… and that’s why when trying to pinpoint which comic book you should read next, we recommend these following 4 gems. 4 series 4 you to read in 4 of 2021, still following me here? Good. Then, read on.

4. Spring Break Wolverine

Now, this is a tricky one which is why it makes our #4 spot, but “Spring Break Wolverine,” a fan story by Jason Latour and Robbi Rodriquez released in 2012, hits our party time curiosity. It had a short run online and has since been pulled but the available pages make it an itch in my want-to-read-more cap. It is said that it was unsuitable for work, but with a premise like Wolverine finds himself accidentally in the thralls of kids partying during spring break I’m sold. If anyone knows where we can find a copy, please comment below or reach out to us on social media (links below).

3. Lenore

Hitting our #3 spot is Roman Dirge’s Lenore because it is to die for (pun intended). Lenore is the cute little dead girl who lives her life not fully aware of her surroundings which usually ends up in fatal accidents. It’s a series that’s been running since 1998 and it’s the cutest and most twisted thing… I love it. Why Lenore makes our April Comic Book Series List is because in one story she accidentally catches the Easter Bunny in a bear trap. Helping out, she dons a “bunny suit” and goes around delivering eggs to children… well, she tries at least. We will just say this is the friendly version of how this plot goes down, but the original is just as dark and lovely as one can imagine.

2. Superman

April is the time for the terrible T-word, taxes, and flying into our #2 spot of comic book series you should read in April is, yes, Superman. It seems odd at first, but Superman had at least 2 issues that rehashed a similar tale of Superman never paying his taxes and owing the IRS a billion dollars. Superman No. 114 released in July 1957 which featured the story on the cover and then in October 1961, the recycled story made an appearance in Superman No. 148. Somehow I find it comforting that the man in blue even had trouble with the government, but that could be just my glass-half-full wanting to come through rather than the alternative.

1. Swamp Thing

Bringing this list home is one of my favorites, Swamp Thing. As we approach Earth Day who better to remind us of what happens when you mess with nature than Swamp Thing. Len Wein and Bernie Wrightson planted this wonderful creation in 1971 and then broke out his solo self-titled series in 1972. And if you still haven’t watched the DC hit television series based on the comic/original movie, go watch it — now. It’s one of the best adaptations that’s ever come out of the DC Universe.

If our 4 for month 4 list wasn’t enough to hold you for this month just remember… Don Cheadle was Captain Planet before he became War Machine.

“With our powers combined [we can read more comic].”

– Busy Reading Diane

Have other comic book series that just scream April to you? Let us know! Leave a comment below or give us a shout-out on social media. IG @Blastftp, Twitter @BlastFTP, or find us on Facebook at Blast From the Past.

4 Fun Ways to Pass Time During a Pandemic

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Normally this would be a fun doomsday prep-type blog, but seeing how the current climate has shifted, we thought the following would be even more useful.  If you are planning to hunker down for awhile we’ve got some great ideas on how to pass the time!  After all, let’s face it, there’s only so much of the Marvel’s movie/tv line we can binge watch straight.  I love the movies, don’t get me wrong, but a break is in order every now and then.  Am I right?  Here are 4 Fun Ways to Pass Time During a Pandemic!

Puzzle The Time Away

Puzzles — classic and timeless.  They are fun for the whole family and they are a wonderful way to pass the time.  If you’ve ever wanted to start your own Youtube Channel, you can show your mad puzzle skills and get tons of viewers.  I only know this because of babysitting.  I.  Am.  Amazed.  On what is out there.  We also have puzzles for just about anyone: DC and Marvel-folk, Jim Henson fans, Lunchbox fans, music fans, the list goes on!  You can have a contest and time to see who has the best puzzle-fitting score, or when you finish, throw some glue on that puppy, throw it in a frame, and voila instant wall art!

Get Comical

Stash-up on comics!  Comics are an excellent way to pass the time!  Endless story options, endless adventures, you might even get an idea for a project or find your next hairdo by reading one.  Even better yet, you won’t get a headache from staring at a screen all day.  That might make me sound old, but trust me… it happens.

CDeese CDs

For a lot of us, you know what I’m talking about when I say CDs, but just in case you don’t, I’m talking about compact discs… they play music or just about anything.  Rewind it back to the time of CDs and pass the hours by listening to some amazing movie scores!  We carry older movie/tv soundtracks but we also carry more relevant ones too!  So no matter your taste, you’ll be sure to find several that will transform you into another world from your very own living room.  CDs also ship really easily if you are putting together a care package for someone!

Bring the Arcade to You

Why not bring something home that’s new-to-you and oh-so-cool-old-school?  This Sears Video Arcade II which is Atari compatible is sure to give you a nice break from your usual console.  It comes with 23 games, 2 joysticks, and 2 controllers.  The games include E.T. The Extraterrestrial, Ms. Pac-Man, and Space Invaders!  There’s nothing quite like playing those games on a system they were meant to be played on, it just brings a sense of peace.

Do you agree or disagree on this list?  What other ways do you like to pass the time?  Let us know!  Make sure to also follow us on instagram @blastftp and facebook for other fun ideas, products, and pop-culture deliciousness.

Stay safe out there!

Your Pals at Blast From the Past

7 Marvel + DC Characters to Celebrate Black History Month

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Seeing how February is Black History month, it feels only fitting that we highlight a few of the comic heroes that are must reads. Now don’t shoot us we are combining Marvel and DC in this post. Can’t we all just get along? The following are not in any order, however my personal favorite is Luke Cage.

7. MOON GIRL – Marvel

From Marvel’s “Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur (2015)”

6. IRONHEART

From Marvel’s “Ironheart (2018).”

5. CYBORG

From DC’s “DC Comics Presents #26 (1980).” Affiliated with the Teen Titans, Justice League, S.T.A.R. Labs, and Doom Patrol.

4. STATIC SHOCK

From DC’s “Static #1 (1993).” Affiliated with the Heroes, Justin League, S.T.A.R. Labs, Teen Titans, Young Justice, Shadow Cabinet, and Outsiders.

3. LUKE CAGE

From Marvel’s “Luke Cage, Hero for Hire (1972).” Affiliated with the Avengers, Heroes for Hire, Fantastic Four, Defenders, Marvel Knights, and Thunderbolts.

2. BLACK PANTHER

From Marvel’s “Fantastic Four #52 (1966).” Affiliated with the Avengers, Fantastic Force, Ultimates, Mighty Avengers, New Avengers, Black Panther, and Black Panther: World of Wakanda.

1. JOHN STEWART

From DC’s “Green Lantern #87 (1971).” Affiliated with the Green Lantern Corps, Justice League, Guardians of the Universe, Darkstars, U.S. Marine Corps, Indigo Tribe, and Ultraviolet Lantern Corps.

Don’t see your favorite character? Let us know in the comments below for a chance to have your fav featured in an upcoming blog!

#befeatured #blackhistorymonth

The History of Captain Marvel

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On March 8th of this year, Captain Marvel’s movie was released. Both she and her movie have been met with many criticisms and praises alike, judgement passed upon both her design and her actress. Because of the hype and controversy surrounding the titular Captain Marvel, many people have been searching deep into her history. Today we’re going to give you a brief history of every iteration!

(We won’t be following the Marvel Cinematic Universe canon, but rather the massive comic series documenting Captain Marvel’s several forms!)

 

Mar-Vell

MAR-VELL

The first Captain Marvel was actually … An alien! He was a ‘Kree’, an alien race underneath a militaristic dictatorship that was expanding rapidly. Mar-Vell came to Earth as a spy, eventually falling in love with the planet. This didn’t last long, however, as Mar-Vell developed cancer (?!) and passed away in the 1982 graphic novel, The Death of Captain Marvel.

 

Monica Rambeau

MONICA RAMBEAU

The second captain was a woman named Monica Rambeau, a character who can convert her body into energy of any form, such as radio waves and X-rays. She joined the Avengers and moved up the ranks to being the leader for some time until a tragic fight nearly destroyed her. She came back afterwards as Photon, seeming to end the Captain Marvel legacy again. Look for her in the 2019 movie!

 

GENIS-VELL

Genis-Vell is Mar-Vell’s son, created through some wacky means only comic books could pull off — Created artificially by his mother (an immortal alien made by a computer) from the cells of Mar-Vell. Genis-Vell takes on his father’s name but eventually cracks from the stress and ends up destroying the galaxy. Woops? At some point later he dons the name Photon (which clashes with Monica Rambeau’s Photon, who then later becomes Pulsar.)

 

PHYLA-VELL (Sort of)

One destroyed universe and alternate timeline later, Genis-Vell’s younger sister, Phyla-Vell, tries to become Captain Marvel while her big brother is on a rampage. Genis-Vell refuses to give her the title and … That’s all there was to it! The shortest lived Captain Marvel.

 

KHN’NR

Khn’nr (please don’t ask us how to pronounce that) is a Skull, the mortal enemy of the Krees. Shapeshifting into the form of Mar-Vell, Khn’nr became a sleeper agent transported to present day Earth under the assumption that he was a hiccup in the space time continuum. When the sleeper agent technology doesn’t work on Khn’nr, an all out battle ensues against the Skrull. Khn’nr is mortally wounded and now realizes how much he loves planet earth like Mar-Vell had. Before he dies, he asks a passing Kree (Noh-Varr) to carry on the helm of Captain Marvel.

 

NOH-VARR

Originally a Kree prisoner, Noh-Varr escapes his prison, the Cube. While on the run, he encounters the dying Khn’nr and becomes the newest Captain Marvel. He joins the Dark Avengers (a team of Avengers, but all criminals) but leaves soon afterwards, becoming another considerably short Captain Marvel.

 

CAROL DANVERS

Carol Danvers, originally Ms. Marvel, is caught in an explosion with Mar-Vell, where his genes somehow merge with hers and made her a super heroine. She goes through different stages, such as becoming a heroine named Binary, and later Warbird. Plotlines and stories eventually got tangled, erased, and redone until as of the 2010s she was Ms. Marvel again, exploring her own backstory by becoming the newest Captain Marvel.

 

That’s a lot of Captains! Do you have a favorite? Comment below!

Top Movie and Comic Couples

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It’s that time of year — Chocolates, hearts, and pink flowers in every store. It’s Valentine’s Season! Everyone loves a good on-screen romance, so for February’s blog post we are going to be doing a short list of beloved media couples!

 

Han Solo and Leia

HAN AND LEIA

(Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (1980) – Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015)

Star Wars is an iconic franchise; How could we not include it? Han and Leia’s chemistry, though heated at first, is fantastic. The scrappy (if not a little naive) Princess Leia seems to soften the grouchy and hardened nature of the smuggler Han Solo. Their turbulent love life stretches through two trilogies until Han is tragically murdered by his son, Ben Solo. Even though they had their ups, downs, and separation, Han and Leia are still considered to be one of the best movie couples.

 

Jack and Sally

JACK AND SALLY

(The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

I’m sure many members of the Hot Topic generation would agree: Jack and Sally are a great couple. The charismatic and slightly reckless Jack Skellington was juxtaposed with the gentle and thoughtful Sally the rag doll. Sally has premonitions of Jack’s failure when he tries to become the next Santa Claus, and despite her warnings, his ego gets the best of him. In the film’s finale, he realizes how much Sally cares for him and how much he loves her, making for a charmingly sweet end to the movie.

 

Harley Quinn and the Joker

JOKER AND HARLEY

(Batman: The Animated Series (1992) – Now)

The Joker and Harley Quinn have always had a notoriously strange relationship. They have an almost one-sided love: Harley is obsessed with and pines for the Joker, while the Joker gives her morsels of affection. Across various comics, television shows, and movies, the Joker has either been completely ignorant of Harley’s needs or has been intensely devoted (in a messed up, homicidal way). The relationship has been criticized countlessly, and even though it’s a debatably awful one, it’s considered legendary amongst many fans.

 

Chucky and Tiffany

CHUCKY AND TIFFANY

(Bride of Chucky (1998) – Cult of Chucky (2017)

Here’s another weird, villainous couple. The serial killer Charles Lee Ray (Chucky) and his twisted girlfriend Tiffany Valentine both become dolls after their souls are transferred into the toys. The crude and crass Chucky is complemented by the villainous and rough Tiffany. They slash and destroy people throughout their movies together — even if Tiffany isn’t quite as senselessly violent as Chucky. They have a rocky on-again off-again relationship that always leads back to them working together and thus, cements them as a classic horror movie couple.

 

SUPERMAN and LOIS LANE

(Action Comics #1 (1938) – Now)

Superman and Lois have been together since Superman’s first introduction in Action Comic #1. The smart and plucky reporter Lois Lane is very attracted to the heroic Superman, while Superman’s less impressive alter ego, Clark Kent, longs for her. The two have an old school Hollywood dynamic, with the dashing and heroic male lead coupled with a stunning and enchanting woman. Lois Lane, however, is not an archetypical damsel in distress — she’s more than capable of taking care of herself by outsmarting a few baddies and aiding Superman in his many quests. These two strong and self sufficient characters are truly a “power couple”!

 

Have we missed anyone? Tell us who your favorite media couple is!

Where does romance play into geekdom?

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Geekdom is at it’s most powerful, it’s most accessible and it’s most mainstream. Men and women alike are now allowed to be loud and proud about their interests. What once was lame is now relatable. We can now share in our common interests instead of treating it as our dirty little secret. These passions are now integral parts of many people’s romantic relationships. Bonds forged over binging seasons of Doctor Who or waiting in line for days for a Marvel panel. It’s probably played a huge part in unions that would have never unioned before. Yet another reason to rejoice in the power of the geek. It used to be strongly rooted in the past and now it can be a big part of our future. Let’s just say we know a lot of babies named Loki, okay?

Five ways to celebrate and end geek week!

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What a fun summer to help you celebrate your inner-nerd! This great geeky summer is filled with events like Comic Con 2013, Geek Week, and even Shark Week (it doesn’t matter if it’s the same every year)!
How would you celebrate your own “geek week”? You’ll find our five ideas below, but we’d love to hear yours too – announce your geek week plans in the comments section or contact us with your ideas!

1- Discover your geek IQ – Just how nerdy ARE you?

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2386007/YouTube-Geek-Week-Discover-Geek-IQ-test-nerdy-knowledge.html

2- Relive the magic of Harry Potter. It’s timeless, and think about it….when was the last time you read the series from start-to-finish? Do it; it will be just as magical as the first time, if not more because it will fill you with nostalgia.

3- Hunt for vintage items, particularly comic books and figures. Aside from our store, you can also check local yard sales, flea markets, and estate sales; sometimes people never know what treasures they consider clutter.

4- Never underestimate the power of a good Star Wars marathon week. Go ahead, treat yourself, everyone deserves the escape.

5- Play an MMORPG like World of Warcraft; try to play with friends if you can. (Already play?) Take advantage of the new in-game vanity items from Blizzard. Aesthetically captivating hoods are available for purchase on the World of Warcraft store. They look pretty awesome, and they’re just one of many reasons to enjoy the MMORPG!