Penn Exhibit Honors Black Comic Book Heroes
The University of Pennsylvania's new exhibit traces the origin stories of Black comic heroes and the creators who made them.
Updated on Nov. 8, 2026 in African-American
The University of Pennsylvania opened The Black Hero's Journey, an exhibit covering the origin stories of Black Panther, Miles Morales, Storm, and Luke Cage. It is free and open to the public at the Van Pelt-Dietrich Library Center through May 13, 2027.
Why it matters
The exhibit spotlights creators as well as characters, recognizing Philadelphia's early role in Black comics history. It brings that story to a local audience through a campus institution.
The gallery is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and admission is free. The exhibit runs from November 8, 2026 through May 13, 2027.
The players
University of Pennsylvania
A private Ivy League research university in Philadelphia that hosts the exhibit through its library system.
Sean Quimby
Penn Associate Vice Provost who co-curated The Black Hero's Journey.
Samantha Hill
Penn Curator of Civic Engagement who co-curated The Black Hero's Journey.
The details
Curators Sean Quimby and Samantha Hill built the exhibit around origin stories of Black comic book heroes. It also profiles creators, including Dwayne McDuffie, co-creator of Static Shock, and brothers Guy and Dawud Anyabwile Sims of Big City Comics.
Timeline
1947: Orrin Evans creates Lion Man for All-Negro Comics in Philadelphia.
November 8, 2026: The exhibit opens at the Van Pelt-Dietrich Library Center.
May 13, 2027: The exhibit closes.
Legacy Connection
The exhibit places Philadelphia's 1947 Lion Man, created during a Philadelphia Record strike, alongside later figures like Black Panther and Static Shock. It frames the city as an early site of Black comic creation.
Philadelphia residents can visit the free exhibit on Penn's campus during gallery hours. Its run through May 2027 gives families and students time to attend.
The takeaway
Comics history includes Black creators whose work shaped the medium long before mainstream recognition. Visiting local exhibits is one direct way to learn that history.
Further reading
Explore more in African-American coverage on Wisevoter.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Audacy.
