No, “Blade” (1998) was not the first black superhero film. In fact, there are quite a few to pick that came before – see: “Spawn” (1997), “Steel” (1997), “Blankman” (1994), and the very obscure “Abar, the First Black Superman” (1977), which was later retitled “In Your Face”. However, the one that stands out first and foremost, especially in terms of ‘superhero themes’ is “Meteor Man” (1994).
You have to remember, the early 1990s weren’t dominated by big, box office superhero movies that we are surrounded with today. In fact, the only thing people were accustomed to were the Tim Burton/Joel Schumacher “Batman” films. I point this out because it was surely a different time, especially in terms of capturing comic books and, eventually, their stereotypes on film.
On the surface, this is a ridiculous movie but in hindsight represents a paradigm which most big budgeted films ‘should’ follow. Now, I’m not justifying “Meteor Man” as a ‘good’ movie but I do still believe the film is overlooked especially in juxtaposition to Marvel’s Global Cinematic Powerhouse and DC’s Globally ‘Gray and Rainy’ Cinematic Universe. Much of the film may have you shaking your head but you need to let yourself enjoy it for what it is, even amongst the ‘what in the name of Abe Vigoda is going on?’ scenes.
With “Meteor Man”, the story is conventional (for a superhero movie) while also leaving room for comedy – intentional or not (even if we’re laughing at it rather than with it). We follow a Washington, D.C. high school teacher, Jefferson Reed (Robert Townsend), whose neighborhood is overrun by the gang the Golden Lords. One night returning home, Reed tries to rescue a woman from the Golden Lords but ends up being chased by them himself (eventually leading to him hiding in a dumpster). After climbing out of the dumpster, Reed is struck by a glowing green meteorite that leaves him severely burnt and injured. Once awakening from the hospital, he comes to find out that he has completely healed and that the meteorite actually absorbed into his body giving him superpowers nearly identical to Superman’s, except he has the peculiar power of absorbing a book’s contents just by touching it (that’s a pretty envious power although I guess the data retain ability only lasts 30 seconds).
“Meteor Man” is essentially Superman geared towards black people and more intimate in that it is a small, black community that is hampered by apathy and the oppression of drugs and gang activity. This is a unique take on ‘superhero’. More often than not, we’ll find a superhero defending an entire city and more recently in film, the entire world. With “Meteor Man”, he’s fighting for his neighborhood. Not only that, the hero actually inspires others to take action. Now, I know that Meteor Man isn’t derived from the comic books but he is most certainly inspired by them. All of the elements are there: experimenting with new powers, reluctance in moral duty, and even a worthy adversary in the leader of the Golden Lords, Simon Caine (Roy Fegan).
Although the message of the film is captured, the waste of pure talent cannot be overlooked. Check out the cast for this movie:
Robert Townsend
Eddie Griffin
James Earl Jones
Bill Cosby
Don Cheadle (in his 5th film)
Frank Gorshin (the Riddler from the 1960s Batman TV series)
Sinbad
Wallace Shawn
Tommy Lister, Jr (“Friday”, “The Fifth Element”)
With such an ensemble, you’d think there’d be much to relish in. Well, you’re wrong. Most of the movie is outlandish, but can be enjoyed if you like watching bad movies.
Here are some Highlights:
James Earl Jones (Darth Vader) wears an oversized jersey with a wig.
Meteor Man plants a giant garden (overnight) in a vacant lot.
As mentioned, Meteor Man has the power to absorb books (for 30 seconds) and uses a ‘Lady Modeling’ book in order to have a cat walk/fight with the film’s nemesis. Most absurd indeed.
Bill Cosby stars as a mute, homeless man. Think about that for a second. A comedian known for his verbal comedy (and at the height of his popularity – circa early 1990s) is given no lines! Wait, he does at least have a scene where he communicates with dogs by barking at them (I’m not kidding).
During Meteor Man’s flight training, he starts flying a foot from the ground because he’s afraid of heights.
The Golden Lords are broken into groups, with the youngest being named ‘Golden Boys’.
All that being stated, “Meteor Man” is still an important film worth considering, especially to see how far cinema has come with the ‘superhero genre’ itself. Personally, the linear story and message (albeit conveyed in the cheesiest of ways) is refreshing. It certainly is a departure from what we’re accustomed to now. Furthermore, I would appreciate a superhero movie that focused on something as small as a community. Frankly, I’m tired of the ‘world needs saving’ storyline. With more diversity in comics, I hope we get more subjective perspectives on injustices, etc.
With the upcoming “Black Panther” movie (to be released July 6, 2018) and “Black Lightning” TV series (CW Network) making its way to audiences, I hope that we at least remember the ‘community angle’ that was in “Meteor Man”. It’s something that I believe is sorely missing from superhero movies.
Note: Robert Townsend wrote, directed and starred in “Meteor Man”. Even though the film flopped both critically and at the 1993 box office, Townsend managed to find work as a director with Disney Channel’s original movie “Up, Up and Away” and even an unreleased 2014 Stand Up Comedy Film, “Bill Cosby 77”, which would be most interesting now with all the rape allegations Bill Cosby is currently facing.
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