With Marvel’s highly anticipated Ironheart series on the horizon, the spotlight on Black women in the world of comics is brighter than ever. While much of the attention tends to focus on those working within mainstream comics, there’s a powerful group of women in the indie comic book underworld who are boldly reshaping the narrative for — and about —Black women, one panel at a time. Following in the footsteps of Jackie Ormes, these trailblazing Sheroes are telling stories that span genres, cultures, and generations—often without the support of major publishers, a.k.a. The Machine.
Through grit, vision, and the power of community, they’ve launched successful crowdfunding campaigns, founded their own imprints, and created characters that challenge stereotypes while celebrating the richness of Black womanhood. Whether you’re new to indie comics or a certified Blerd, here are 10 Black female creators you should be following right now.
- Shawnee & Shanelle Gibbs
Sister duo Shawnee and Shanelle Gibbs are the creative force behind The Invention of E.J. Whitaker, a steampunk coming-of-age comic set in early 1900s America. The story follows a young Black woman who becomes an inventor under a secret pseudonym, challenging race and gender norms of the era. Their Kickstarter for the book was a major success, raising over $17,000 and capturing the imagination of fans who craved more representation in historical sci-fi narratives.
An interesting fact: The Gibbs sisters were among the early pioneers of Black indie comics to bring steampunk into the mainstream blerd conversation, all while balancing careers in television writing and animation.
Follow Shawnee on Instagram @shawnee.gibbs & Shanelle @nelletheelle
2. Jamila Rowser & Robyn Smith
Jamila Rowser and Robyn Smith made waves in the indie comic book world with their deeply personal and culturally resonant comic Wash Day. The slice-of-life story celebrates the beauty and ritual of Black women’s hair care, resonating with readers worldwide. Their Kickstarter campaign surpassed its goal in just a few days, ultimately raising over $16,000—more than triple their initial target.
An interesting fact: Robyn Smith, who illustrated the comic, is also known for her work on Nubia: Real One for DC Comics, while Jamila Rowser founded Rowhouse Publishing, a company focused on comics by and for people of color. Together, they helped redefine what every day storytelling can look like in the world of comics.
Follow Jamila on Instagram @jamilarowser and Robyn on Instagram @robrosmo
3. Shequeta L. Smith
Shequeta L. Smith is the visionary founder of Shero Comics, a multimedia company dedicated to creating comic books, games, and films that center women and girls of color. Her flagship graphic novel series, Rayven Choi, and its manga-inspired prequel, Young Grandmaster Choi, follow an African American army brat as she navigates adoption, identity, and martial arts in Seoul, Korea. Rayven Choi has sold over 5,000 copies independently and raised more than $5,000 on iFundWomen to support the fifth book in the series. The first two issues of Young Grandmaster Choi, along with its accompanying coloring book and collectible doll, were successfully funded on Kickstarter, raising over $14,000.
An interesting fact: In 2019, Smith launched SheroCon — the first all-female comic convention ever held inside a Westfield mall. Her work has also been recognized by the Los Angeles Lakers, Comerica Bank, and The Spectrum Circle for Innovation in the Arts.
Follow Shequeta on Instagram and all platforms @sherocomics
4. Regine Sawyer
Regine Sawyer is the founder of Lockett Down Productions, a small press comic book company specializing in sci-fi and fantasy stories featuring women and people of color. She is also the founder of the Women in Comics Collective International (WinC), a groundbreaking organization that advocates for women and non-binary people in the comic book industry. Sawyer’s notable works include The Rippers, Eating Vampires, and Ice Witch. She was a contributor to the recent comic anthology ODB: Oddities, Discord & B-Sides—Lyrical Ruckus in the City, inspired by the life and music of Ol’ Dirty Bastard.
An interesting fact: Regine has led panels and workshops at comic cons across the globe, becoming one of the most vocal and visible advocates for women of color in comics today.
Follow Regine on Instagram and Threads @wincnyc
5. Taneka Stotts
Taneka Stotts is an award-winning editor and writer dedicated to amplifying marginalized voices in comics. She spearheaded the ELEMENTS: Earth anthology—a powerful collection of stories by creators of color—which was successfully funded on Kickstarter, raising over $47,000. She’s also the co-founder of Beyond Press and editor of the Beyond anthology, a groundbreaking collection focused on queer speculative fiction.
An interesting fact: After rocking the mic as a spoken word poet and making waves in indie comics, Taneka leveled up to TV animation, proving there’s no storytelling space she can’t slay.
Follow Taneka on Instagram @tanekastotts
6. Colleen Douglas
Colleen Douglas is a 2023 Ringo Awards nominee, writer, editor, and PhD holder whose work spans horror, mythology, and cosmic storytelling. She is the curation editor of the horror anthology SHOOK!, which raised over $20,000 on Kickstarter, and the writer of Shakespeare’s Vampires, her latest book, which raised more than $6,000 on Kickstarter. A former Editor-in-Chief at Amigo Comics, Douglas made history as the first Black woman published by Caliber Comics in its 35-year legacy. She also penned Silk Cotton, a Caribbean supernatural series from Rosarium Publishing.
An interesting fact: Born in Guyana and now based in West London, Douglas brings a rich cultural lens to her storytelling and is a fierce advocate for diversity and representation in comics.
Follow Colleen on Instagram @colleendouglas0
7. Myisha Haynes
Myisha Haynes is the creator of The Substitutes, a charming and genre-bending webcomic about three roommates who accidentally acquire magical weapons, and the unexpected responsibilities that come with them. The comic has been praised for its humor, diverse cast, and fresh take on magical girl tropes. Haynes’ work has been featured in multiple comic anthologies, and she continues to shape the indie comics landscape with her vibrant storytelling.
An interesting fact: When she’s not crafting comics, Myisha works as a game artist, obsessively scrolls Pinterest for inspiration, and decorates her home with superhero flair.
Follow Myisha on Instagram @palaceofposey
8. Mia Bunn
Mia Bunn is a Los Angeles-based fine artist and comic creator with a background in both traditional and digital arts. A graduate of the Center for Enriched Studies, she also studied at Otis Art Institute and majored in fine art and design at Santa Monica College. With experience in digital 2D animation and 3D modeling, Mia brings a multidimensional flair to her work. She is the creator of Dafuq??, an ongoing comic series chronicling the hilarious misadventures of two tragically ratchet strippers, Lexi and Pimpcess, as they chase clout, cash, and chaos.
An interesting fact: Bunn is currently developing an animated series based on Dafuq??, bringing her wild and crazy characters to the screen.
Follow Mia on Instagram @miabunnart and @da_fuq1
9. Kristal Adams & Asiah Fulmore
Kristal Adams and Asiah Fulmore are the powerhouse duo behind Mutiny: Black Girl Magik, a comic series centered on a successful NYC dating coach known as an “incel whisperer,” until her latest matchmaking gig spirals into magical chaos. The first two issues were successfully funded on Kickstarter, raising over $19,000, a testament to the creators’ commitment to telling bold, diverse stories.
An interesting fact: Adams, also a stand-up comedian, infuses the writing with sharp humor and social commentary, while Fulmore — an apprentice of comic book illustrator Sanford Greene — has worked with DC Comics, NBCUniversal, Surfing Giant Studios, and Benedict College.
Follow Kristal on Instagram @thedarkkristal and Asiah @asiahfulmore
10. Karla Medrano
Karla Medrano, also known as “Moon,” is the creator of Luna: The Awakening, a futuristic action-adventure love story set in a time where peace and balance collide with unimaginable threats. The series is published under Konkret Comics, and its first two issues were successfully funded on Kickstarter after raising over $10,000.
An interesting fact: Medrano balances her roles as a nurse, mother, and comic creator, and she actively shares marketing strategies to help other indie artists succeed in crowdfunding.
Follow Karla on Threads and Instagram @moon_the_storyteller
As you can see, the future of comics is bright, and undeniably Black, female, and independent. Each of these creators has carved out space in an industry that too often overlooks the voices of Black women, and they’ve done it on their own terms. From historical steampunk adventures to slice-of-life stories rooted in culture and care, their work expands what’s possible in comics. So, follow them, support their projects, and most importantly, read their stories. Because when Black women create, the entire industry levels up!