Marvel Comics has officially unveiled artist Ernanda Souza's line of variant covers celebrating Black History Month 2021.
Souza's Black History Month variants are slated to go on sale from Marvel throughout the month of February. Eight variants have been announced for various upcoming titles: Avengers #42, Black Panther #23, King in Black: Captain America #1, Champions #4, Iron Man #6, King in Black: Return of the Valkyries #3, Miles Morales: Spider-Man #23 and X-Men #18.
At this time, Marvel is offering a look at seven of the eight announced Black History Month covers. The Avengers variant stars Blade, the Captain America variants= stars the Falcon, the Champions variant stars Ironheart, the X-Men variant stars Storm and the Return of the Valkyries variant stars a new iteration of Valkyrie, who was introduced in the title's first issue. Finally, the Black Panther and Miles Morales variants star their own eponymous characters. The only variant that has yet to be revealed is the one for Iron Man #6, which is solicited to feature the character of War Machine.
"First of all, I have to say that working for Marvel is a huge dream come true," said Souza. "I grew up watching Marvel movies and TV shows -- especially the X-Men animated series in the '90s -- and playing the whole Arcade franchise games. And to be honest, I never thought I would ever do work with them, but I'm glad to say I did.
"As an Afro/Latin artist, it's a big honor for me to start with the company and work on some of the characters I like and who represent the Black community," she continued. "Representation with respect is always a good thing, there can never be too much. I know I can only speak for myself, but I hope I did them justice."
Avengers #42 goes on sale Feb. 3 from Marvel Comics. Champions #4, Iron Man #6 and Miles Morales: Spider-Man #23 follow suit on Feb. 17. Finally, Black Panther #23, King in Black: Captain America #1, King in Black: Return of the Valkyries #3 and X-Men #18 go on sale Feb. 24.