Fanboy Black History #17: Steel & Cyborg

Today's entry is a double-shot that stays in the realm of DC Comics. Both of these brothers have a knack for the machinery. One became popular during the whole "Death of Superman" saga and the other was a member of DC's X-Men version: Teen Titans. As a complete aside, I think Marvel is to DC as Coca-Cola is to Pepsi. Essentially they are the same thing, but folks have a different particular feelings and fondness for either either brand. Hey, there's also RC Cola. That might be another company (i.e: Image). Anyway, Steel (alias John Henry Irons), was a of weapons engineer for an evil company, who after having his life saved by Superman, began to use his mechanical skill for good. He created a bulletproof, hydraulic-powered suit that mimicked super-human strength. Please do not take the awful film, STEEL, starring Shaquille O'Neal as a true measure of the character's worth.


The other metal-man sharing the day is Cyborg. To be honest, I don't know much about the character's history, but the superhero Cyborg (Victor Stone) was a unfortunate product of his scientist parents' mishap in a laboratory. Half-man and half-machine, Cyborg has been a part of two superhero groups (JLA and Teen Titans). His character has appeared in the Smallville television series, the Teen Titans cartoon, and the classic Superfriends show. All in all, both characters needed more press, and today was there day. Cling Clang!

Fanboy Black History #18: Green Lantern

Before everyone gets all excited about the Green Lantern motion picture, starring Ryan Reynolds slated for 2011, please take note of the #18 in FanBoy Black History, the Green Lantern, Mr. John Stewart. From the DC Comics 1970's storyline, John Stewart, (long before the Daily Show), was a former architect became entrusted with the green power ring that enabled him to do anything that he wished. There have been many individuals across the galaxies that have worn a power ring. The John Stewart character is significant, because he was one of the first black superheroes with their own comic. The Green Lantern has also appeared in the Justice League animated series. So, before there is talk about Hal Jordan/Ryan Reynolds, Erick Sermon or any other green-eyed bandits, remember John Stewart, the Green Lantern.

Fanboy Black History #19: Panthro

Thunder, Thunder, Thunder, THUNDERCATS HO!!!!! Yeah, that's right. As you can see from the image above, FanBoy Black History identifies Panthro, of the Thundercats, as its nineteenth honoree. Even though he was not the leader of the group, Panthro held a key role in the Thundercats as the eldest living survivor of Thundera (their home planet). Panthro also designed, built, and piloted all of their battle vehicles (ThunderTank, Feliner, ThunderClaw, ThunderStrike and HoverCat). Wielding a fierce pair of nunchuks, Panthro always showed the evildoers what time it was. Voiced by Earl Hyman, (Heathcliff Huxtable's father), there is no doubt that Panthro is qualified for this list. With the wisdom, weaponry, and other-worldy wonder, Panthro is a purrfect fit.*

*Sorry, it was just the right thing to do.

Fanboy Black History #20: Gina Torres

Today's person is the one of the finest character actors that I can recall from both syndicated and network television shows. Gina Torres is the MVP of science fiction and fantasy roles, the second real person to be honored, and and our #20 in FanBoy Black History. Gina Torres has appeared on Hercules, Xena, Cleopatra 2525, Alias, Angel, and Firefly. She is also married to another high-profile sci-fi actor, Mr. Laurence Fishburne (who will appear later on in the month). Check out the photos below to recognize some of the spirited characters that Gina Torres has portrayed.

Fanboy Black History #21: Captain Benjamin Sisko

Every self-respecting fanperson has to have a soft spot for Star Trek--at least one of the many movies or televsion series (Original Series, Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, or Voyager). Don't fret! I didn't say the "T-word," but please acknowledge the fact that the Star Trek universe is a primary node for popular science fiction. Our week starts with our first Star Fleet representative, Captain Benjamin Sisko, as #21 for FanBoy Black History. Introduced to the audience as a lieutenant commander assigned to an outpost station at the farthest reaches of the galaxy, Sisko struggled with himself, warring aliens, and Starfleet superiors. However, through his seven years on Deep Space Nine, Sisko's steadfast leadership and perseverance brought peace and dignity to this particular edge of space.

Fanboy Black History #22: The Black Power Ranger

We end our first week of FanBoy Black History by going back... all the way back to 1993, in order catch the first sighting of #22, the Black Power Ranger. The Mighty Morphin Power Rangers were the American equivalent to the Japanese Super Sentai superhero franchise. Fusing cheesy live-action scenes with even cheesier Godzilla-style monster mayhem, the Power Rangers were trailblazers for the Japanese kid collectables invasion that continued with Pokemon and Yu-Gi-Oh. The Black Power Ranger is extraordinary, because unlike the classic Voltron series, which had no diversity in it's cast, Zack showed youngsters that heroes can come in any color.

Fanboy Black History #23: Kevin Peter Hall

Kevin Peter Hall is our first (and possibly) only actual person to be honored in FanBoy Black History. Showing the theatrical range between a towering terror to a collossal cuteness Kevin Peter Hall made his mark in his depiction of two phenomenal fictional characters: the Predator and Bigfoot (Harry)! Standing at a mammoth 86", Kevin Peter Hall was able to command the screen in whatever masked outfit he wore. He even appeared with a young Courtney Cox in a short-lived 80's super-hero show, Misfits of Science. Sadly, Kevin Peter Hall's face was not as visible as his monster portrayals. Hopefully, now you have a glimpse of the man behind the mask.