Netflix’s latest hit,Supacell, tells the story of five young Black individuals who discover superpowers in South London. This groundbreaking series reinvents the superhero genre by portraying Black superheroes in a non-caricatured, authentic manner. It weaves a beautiful and genuine narrative about young Black people in London who uncover their hidden powers and use them to navigate everyday challenges and extraordinary threats, all while maintaining meaningful relationships with friends and family.
By challenging genre conventions, Supacell offers more than thrilling action and larger-than-life characters. It delves into themes of cultural identity, personal empowerment, and social justice, captivating audiences with its nuanced storytelling. The series authentically depicts African culture and the struggles of ordinary people with newfound powers. Garnering rave reviews, Supacell has become a global sensation, dominating as the No. 1 English show on Netflix’s Top 10 chart.
Redefining The Superhero Genre
Supacell redefines the superhero narrative by making the characters’ vulnerabilities the source of their power. Michael, Sabrina, Tazer, Rodney, and Andre each gain unique abilities—teleportation, telekinesis, super strength, super speed, and invisibility—derived from their shared Black identity and the sickle cell gene. This unconventional approach adds depth and provokes empathy when portraying the reality of living with a chronic illness and transforming a perceived weakness into a unique source of strength. By centering the narrative on a condition affecting millions, Supacell resonates personally and socially.
Unlike typical superheroes who use their powers for selfless acts, Supacell’s characters remain grounded in their everyday lives and personal concerns. Supacell’s characters adapt to their new reality without automatically embarking on superheroic campaigns, making their stories relatable and genuine. The series highlights meaningful friendships among its characters who rely on their friends during vulnerable moments. These genuine and enduring friendships emphasize loyalty, unconditional love, and the importance of trust in relationships,
While centering on superheroes, Supacell doesn’t shy away from depicting real-life problems and social issues. It portrays the stigma of incarceration, abandonment issues, and starkly addresses women’s issues like rape, domestic abuse, sexual harassment, consent and power dynamics, adding depth to its narrative and contributes to the broader social dialogue.
We might be witnessing a new era where black superheroes will become a thing of the norm in television and cinema. In past attempts only Marvel’s Black Panther has made a big enough cultural and box office impact. With Supacell there is potential for a more permanent presence of melanin superpowers.
Here's a list of great must see black superhero movies:
The Meteor Man (1993)
- Starring: Robert Townsend
- A mild-mannered school teacher gains superpowers after being struck by a meteor and becomes a superhero in his community.
Steel (1997)
- Starring: Shaquille O'Neal
- A weapons designer for the military turns to crime-fighting using his inventions when his project is sabotaged.
Blade Trilogy (1998-2004)
- Starring: Wesley Snipes
- A half-vampire, half-mortal man becomes a protector of humans against the vampires.
Catwoman (2004)
- Starring: Halle Berry
- A shy woman endowed with the speed, reflexes, and senses of a cat walks a thin line between criminal and hero as she seeks revenge.
Hancock (2008)
- Starring: Will Smith
- A reckless superhero has to improve his public image with the help of a public relations expert.
Black Panther (2018)
- Starring: Chadwick Boseman
- T'Challa returns home to Wakanda to take his rightful place as king but is challenged for the throne.
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)
- Starring: Shameik Moore (voice of Miles Morales)
- Teenager Miles Morales becomes Spider-Man of his reality, crossing paths with five counterparts from other dimensions to stop a threat.
Here are some notable Black superhero TV series:
Luke Cage (2016-2018)
Starring: Mike Colter
After a sabotaged experiment leaves him with super strength and unbreakable skin, Luke Cage fights crime in Harlem.
Black Lightning (2018-2021)
Starring: Cress Williams
Jefferson Pierce, a high school principal with the ability to harness electricity, returns as the masked vigilante Black Lightning to protect his community.
Watchmen (2019)
Starring: Regina King
In an alternate history where masked vigilantes are treated as outlaws, Detective Angela Abar uncovers a vast conspiracy.
Raising Dion (2019-2022)
Starring: Alisha Wainwright, Ja'Siah Young
A single mother must hide her young son's superpowers to protect him from exploitation while investigating their origins.