This holiday season, why not treat yourself or a loved one to fresh comics and manga that feature everything from action-packed MMA fights to colorful girl gangs taking over the town? If you're a comics or manga fan or know someone who is, the holiday shopping season is the perfect time to pick up some exciting new reads. We’ve curated the perfect list of captivating stories (that are all under $30!) that not only entertain and inspire but are made by some of our favorite black creators who we’ve been keeping our eye on all year. So, as you get your shopping lists ready, be sure to bookmark these 15 incredible stories from talented Black indie comic book and manga creators.
If any of these comics go on sale or lower their price we’ll be sure to change their prices on here too.
Shattered Visions Vol.1 Written by TJ Sterling & Newton Lilavois | Illustrated by Edgy Ziane and Saloman Farias with Loris Ravina - $30 | Age Rating: Teen (16+)
Born from the minds of talented writers TJ Sterling and Newton Lilavois, Shattered Visions from Rae Comics is a story set in the cyberpunk, high-tech future of 2189 in the city of Demotroplis, where evil organizations have taken over the metropolitan area. All hope may not be lost as a secret rebellion, DESTRK, brews beneath the city’s surface and SHATTER, a chaotic force seeks to disrupt this draconian status quo. However, Shatter may not be a hero or savior at all, as he sits as an antagonist in the middle of the war waged between the extreme haves and have-nots. Things become much more complicated when Shatter takes the life of the high-status citizens putting everything and everyone at risk. Can the city of Demotropolis be saved or will Shatter burn it to ashes before its people can deliver it?
Soul Food Wars Written & Art by Sarah Macklin - $10| Age Rating: Teen (16+)
From the incredibly talented mind of Sarah Macklin, Soul Food Wars is a fun reimagining of the famed anime Food Wars. In Soul Food Wars, Lejani James is a transfer student at Angel Oak Culinary Academy, the U.S.’s top school for culinary mastery of food from the African diaspora. Lejani has strong opinions on soul food which has him butting heads with the top student of Angel Oak Culinary Academy, Grace McKinnon. Lejani soon finds himself embroiled in a Battle of Cuisine with his future at the school on the line. This comic is hilarious and pays homage to the source material, black american, and cuisine from the African diaspora in a way that only Macklin can do.
The Cardinal Issue #1 Written by Mason Solimine | Art by Flaviu Pop | Colors by Bryan Magnaye - $8 | Teen (16+)
Everyone wants to be a superhero but no one asks how hard it’ll be! The Cardinal from Alpha Comics is the newest hero in town and after 6 months on the job he’s finally conquered his biggest feat, his first successful mission! Follow the Cardinal as we discover his origins and how he got into superhero work. The comic has an impressive art style great story telling and wonderfully relatable as the hero sets out on his path to be the best he can be. If you love classic hero stories and super sentai, then you’ll absolutely adore the comic The Cardinal!
Skrap Issue #1 Written by Fred McKinstry - $10 | Teen (16+)
For fans of high-octane battles and fisticuffs, Skarp is the comic for you. We follow Shannon Noble, a mouthy 19-year-old and an accomplished martial artist who’s strong, fierce, and pretty defiant which means she often finds herself in trouble. Determined to showcase her abilities, she’s ready for the next step in her personal quest for strength, MMA. For fans of anime like Baki and Kengan Asura, you’ll be at the edge of your seat as you watch this powerful teen scrap!
Hard Decora Issue #1 Written and Illustrated by Kamilah Jones - $7 | Teen (16+)
For participants and fans of alternative styles like Decora, Lolita, and gothic fashion, Hard Decora packs a stylish punch filled with mystery, fun, and a whole lot of color. Hard Decora follows Michelle, a young girl determined to join Hard Decora, the mischief-loving girl gang out in Grove City. They sell candy on the streets, wear colorful outfits, and just don’t give a damn. With her mother in the hospital and no place to go, Hard Decora seems like the best way to gain security and friendship. The problem is she’s already pissed off Sour Note, her best connection to the gang! Will she ever find a way to upgrade her basic life with Hard Decora?
Icarus Metro #1 Written and created by Calvin Chambers - $7.49 | Teen (16+)
Looking for a unique paranormal adventure? Icarus Metro is the comic for you. Set in the year 2023, Icarus Metro follows the story of the paladins after the events of "Juice: Paranormal Adventures" another comic from the Icarus comics. This story follows the heroes of the Icarus Metro City Area as they fight to take down a criminal syndicate planning to overrun the city with chaos. We love a good high-flying, crime-fighting story and Icuras Metro is delivering.
Trill League Episode One Written by Anthony Piper - $30 | Mature (18+)
You’ve never read a comic book made for the culture more than Trill Leauge. From the brilliant mind of Anthony Piper, Trill Leauge is a hilarious parody combining the world of superheroes, anime, and hip-hop culture into the perfect book, full of laughs, excitement, and mystery. The story follows the members of the superhero team of Trill Leauge as they discover that an explicit video of one of their members has been leaked to the public, begging the question: who would do this and what are their motives?
Harriet Tubman Demon Slayer Issue #1 Written by David Crownson - $4.99 (*signed copy* - $25) | Teen (16+)
If you love a good historical fiction tale steeped in an action-packed package, then you cannot miss the award-winning sensation that is Harriet Tubman Demon Slayer from Kingwood Comics. Described as a story that’s Django Unchained meets Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Harriet Tubman: Demon Slayer, is a supernatural comic series based on the true life of the freedom fighter herself that is flavored with genre liberties in the spirit of Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter. In the comic, slave owners can’t put a stop to the formidable ninja warrior Harriet Tubman. Desperate for assistance they they call on the help of Vampires, Werewolves, Witches, and Demons to stop her. Can Harriet Tubman still lead a family of slaves to freedom while battling an army of darkness?
The Search For Sadiqah Issue #1 Written by Greg Burnam - $9.99 | Kid Friendly (10+)
If you love that’s steeped in history as much as it is in wonder and imagination, the Search for Sadiqah is a comic book you cannot miss! Set in the 1920’s soon after the horrors of the Tulsa Race Massacre or the Black Wall Street Massacre, 13-year-old Sadiquah is forced to leave her home and all she knows to head west in search of a mythical place no one has ever seen. It’s a beautifully illustrated tale filled to the brim with talented writing and grand storytelling.
The Seventh Kingdom Chapter 1 Written by RJ Atkinson - (ebook pre-order only) $9.99 | Teen (16+)
Calling all fans of nostalgic media like Cowboy Bebop and Outlaw Star; there is a new manga here! Enter The Seventh Kingdom, a manga telling the story of Clairbelle Keita, the survivor of a brutal attack against her village that’s left her home decimated. Seeking to avenge her home irradicated by evil, Clairbelle sets out on a journey for justice for her fallen home against insurmountable odds. Be the first to dive into the fantastical world of The Seventh Kingdom.
Tuskegee Heirs Vol. 1 Written by Greg Burnam | Illustrated by Marcus Williams - $24.99 | Kid Friendly (10+)
A new generation is here to take on the world, but do they have what it takes to take on the most formidable of foes? Tuskegee Heirs is a futuristic sci-fi action-adventure comic book series set at the end of the 21st century and follows a squadron of young, gifted aviators, who are forced to become Earth’s strongest line of defense against a menacing race of artificially intelligent villains bent on destroying civilization. It’s action-packed, full of history, and created by an incredible team who know a thing or two about amazing story crafting.
Golden Mist Vol. 1 Written and Illustrated by RedFManga - $11.99 | Kid Friendly (10+)
Fans of classic manga come through, because your next favorite MC is here bringing you action, brilliant storytelling, and combat, unlike anything you’ve seen! After the death of his grandfather, Kai vowed to fulfill his grandfather’s dream and ensure everyone remembered his great-ancestor’s legacy. However, that dream is short-lived when Kai is transported back in time! Now, he must cope with being in 16th-century Noshiba. How will Kai make it back to the 20th century?! Find out for yourself by checking out the manga Golden Mist!
Black Spartans Issue #1 Written by Brandon Calloway - $10 | Teen (16+)
If you like anime like Demon Slayer then you’ll definitely wanna check out Black Spartans. It’s the tale of you young man on a quest to use his cures of possessing a demonic spirit as a powerful gift to slay demons! Along the way, he builds a powerful crew of talented fighters on a quest to save as many people as he can from the reign of demons and restore his family’s honor. There’s certainly no time to waste on this quest to save the day!
Super Dangerous #1 Written by Adam Downing | Illustrated by Lord Kotodwe - $10 | Kid Friendly (10+)
Becoming an adult is tough enough, but to gain superpowers too? Follow Jah Sanders a college student with newfound super strength! Jah does his best to fix up the planet and make the world a better place but the government has other plans. Seeing Jah's powers and abilities, they need to bring him under control, so they capture his family and take them hostage. They're tough decisions to make and even steeper stakes at hand. Action, suspense, and tough choices await you in Super Dangerous from Resolve Comics!
Honorable Mention
Mutiny: Black Girl Magik Issue #1 Written by Kristal Adams - $15 | Mature (18+)
Love is hard and finding love is harder, but with Moriyah Pleasant on the case, a charismatic and witty NYC dating coach, can match the unmatchable with her magic touch. That is until her latest matchmaking gig goes awry, leading to some irreconcilable differences. The whole operation goes left when Moriyah discovers her late client’s love interest is practically otherworldly. Fans of romcoms, sci-fi, and supernatural hijinks are sure to enjoy this fantastic comic book. Unfortunately, this comic is currently out of stock (per the website) but if it comes back in stock we’ll update this article!
Conclusion
As you embark on your holiday shopping this season, don’t forget to support the incredible talent of Black indie comic book and manga creators. Whether you're discovering new heroes, exploring action-packed adventures, or diving into colorful, heartfelt tales, there’s something for every comic and manga fan on our list. Let’s make it a priority to discover and celebrate the voices of Black creators—because great stories deserve to be shared, especially during the most wonderful time of the year!
