


Black heroes, despite their growing prominence in comics, movies, and TV, are often sidelined when it comes to the kinds of mainstream merchandise that white heroes receive. While superheroes like Spider-Man, Batman, and Superman are featured on everything from lunchboxes to trading cards and Pez dispensers, Black heroes like Black Panther, Storm, and Luke Cage still face limited visibility in these same markets. This disparity reflects a broader issue in how Black characters are marketed in media—often relegated to niche products or overlooked entirely in favor of their white counterparts. The lack of representation in these everyday consumer items reinforces the idea that Black heroes are still not seen as mainstream or universally relatable. It’s a reminder that, despite their significance in pop culture, Black heroes are still fighting for equal recognition in all corners of the media landscape.