When a successful entrepreneur and special forces veteran, Dr. Chris Withers, is reminded of the harsh reality that justice is not available for everyone; he sets out to take matters into his own hands. Along the way, he learns that he needs to become a hero to save his city, and that heroes seek justice not vengeance. In the process of seeking justice, he encounters several villains, a corrupt police system, and social issues that stand in the way of him finding justice, but he will not be deterred; because he is Black Defender.
This rousing superhero debut and origin story boasts a compelling cast, polished art, a savvy understanding of crime, cops, and media, and above all a welcome emphasis on what justice actually means—and what it takes to pursue it. The lavishly successful businessman/sociologist/psychologist Dr. Chris Withers and his journalist wife, Crystal Withers, enjoy a loving life in a city they know is too often unjust. In fact, a seemingly organized rash of abductions of young women of color concerns them both, as neither the police nor the “Assembly of Heroes” can be bothered with saving “the people who would not be missed.” When a tip about the involvement of a corrupt cop puts Crystal in danger, Chris, a devotee of martial arts, takes to the streets, beating information out of drug dealers affiliated with Crystal’s target. Soon his friend Alicia Johnson, genius CEO of Johnson Industries, presents him with a life-changing offer: a cutting-edge tactical combat suit, complete with weapons, gadgets, and a motorcycle Alicia calls her “black beauty.” Elements of this origin are familiar, of course, but Washington freshens the storytelling with memorable insights. Chris’s discussion with students of the concept of “privilege” is powerful and illuminating, as is Crystal’s outrage that the scant press coverage the missing girls have received invariably links them to street gangs. The tension in the second half isn’t just in whether Chris will win the day—it’s in how far he will go.
Zhengis Tasbolatov’s art is crisp, clear, and compelling, whether characters are engaged in thoughtful colloquies or armed combat. Chris flipping on a rooftop to avoid gunshots is a striking enough image to linger over, but the sense of momentum from one panel to the next makes lingering a challenge—comics fans will be rushing to see what’s next. Washington’s characters may be accomplished, but nothing comes easy for them. Black Defender powerfully centers Black strength and genius, but also hard work, self-knowledge, and taking accountability.
Takeaway: Powerful superhero debut pitting Black Defender against corruption and kidnapping.
Comparable Titles: Devin K. Grayson’s Omni, Saladin Ahmed’s Abbott.
Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: A
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: A-
