Black Marvel

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Publication information
Black Marvel
The Black Marvel's debut Cover art by Alex Schomburg
Publisher	Marvel Comics
First appearance	Mystic Comics #5 (March 1941)
In story information
Alter ego	Dan Lyons
Team affiliations	Slingers
Abilities	Peak physical abilities, Skilled fighter

The Black Marvel (Daniel Lyons) is a fictional comic book superhero in the Marvel Comics universe. Created by writer Stan Lee^[1] and artist Al Gabriele,^[2] he first appeared in Mystic Comics #5 (March 1941), published by Marvel's 1940s forerunner Timely Comics during the period fans and historians call the Golden Age of comic books.

1 Publication history
2 Fictional character biography
3 In other media
4 Footnotes
5 References

[edit] Publication history

The Black Marvel — one of the first creations of future Marvel editor-in-chief and publisher Stan Lee — appeared in the multi-character omnibus title Mystic Comics #5-9 (March 1941 - May 1942). His first-appearance origin story was reprinted in Marvel Super-Heroes #15 (July 1968).

The character also starred in a story in All Winners Comics #1 (Summer 1941), the cover of which was reprinted in Giant-Size Invaders vol. 2, #2 (Dec. 2005).

[edit] Fictional character biography

He was chosen by a "Black Feet" (sic) Indian chief (not specifically tied to the real-life Blackfoot tribe) to be a champion of justice, after besting 100 challengers. He was given a bow to notch whenever he performed a good deed, and when attaining 100 notches would be allowed to take the mantle of the Black Marvel.

In later years, Lyons made a Faustian bargain with the demonic being Mephisto that allowed Lyons to obtain four superpowered costumes abandoned by the superhero Spider-Man, and to use them to launch the superhero team the Slingers.^[3] The heroes eventually helped release Lyons from his demonic contract, allowing him to die in peace.

[edit] In other media

Black Marvel along with the other five warriors.

The Black Marvel appeared on Spider-Man: The Animated Series in the five-part episode Six Forgotten Warriors. In this version, the Black Marvel (voiced by Paul Winfield) is called Omar Mosely.^[4] He and four other superheroes' powers are the result of an attempt at recreating the process that empowered Captain America. He is also African-American, explaining the meaning of his name. Dan Lyons had intended to participate, until his father forbade him, and Omar took his place instead.