The Forgotten Black Superhero Movie That Shaped the Genre

Robert Townsend laid the groundwork for Chadwick Boseman’s superhero legacy with “The Meteor Man,” which hit theaters 25 years before “Black Panther” and five years before “Blade.” Released on August 6th, 1993, Townsend’s film aimed for the same success as Tim Burton’s “Batman” and “Batman Returns.” Departing from the typical superhero narrative, “The Meteor Man” offered a blend of sci-fi action and real-world issues.

The story revolves around Jefferson Reed (played by Townsend), a teacher who gains superpowers after a meteor crash in his Washington, DC neighborhood. Instead of facing traditional supervillains, Reed confronts gang violence and the drug trade plaguing his community. With an ensemble cast including Eddie Griffin, Marla Gibbs, and James Earl Jones, Townsend’s film merged superhero tropes with social commentary, resonating with audiences in the fantasy-driven landscape of 1993.