Colonization in Comic Books: A Theme of Conquest and Resistance

Comic books have long served as a mirror for society’s anxieties, hopes, and conflicts, and few themes are as deeply ingrained in the genre as colonization. From the Golden Age to modern narratives, colonization has been depicted in various ways—sometimes as a grand adventure, other times as a tragic tale of resistance. Superheroes, with their larger-than-life presence, often operate within these frameworks, either as champions of oppressed worlds or as conquerors themselves. Whether portrayed through intergalactic empires, dystopian futures, or historical allegories, colonization has shaped the stories of countless heroes and villains alike.

The Colonial Imagination in Early Comics

The early years of superhero comics, particularly in the 1930s and 1940s, often reflected a colonialist mindset shaped by imperialistic adventure stories. Pulp fiction heroes like Flash Gordon and Buck Rogers embodied the “heroic explorer” trope, venturing into alien lands to defeat despotic rulers and “civilize” distant worlds. These stories echoed real-world narratives of European colonial expansion, often depicting non-Western cultures—or, in this case, extraterrestrial ones—as needing intervention or rescue.

Even Superman, the most iconic of superheroes, was initially conceived within this framework. As an alien who came to Earth and imposed his will upon humanity for its own good, Superman’s role can be seen as that of a benevolent colonizer—though his moral compass positioned him as a protector rather than an oppressor. The 1950s and 1960s Silver Age introduced more explicit colonial allegories, especially in science fiction stories where Earthlings either resisted alien overlords or expanded their own reach into space.

Galactic Empires and the Politics of Conquest

One of the most enduring depictions of colonization in comics comes in the form of intergalactic empires. The Marvel and DC universes are filled with cosmic civilizations that conquer, enslave, or assimilate weaker worlds, serving as reflections of real-world imperial powers.

The Kree, Skrulls, and Shi’ar (Marvel Comics)
The Marvel Universe presents some of the most iconic space-faring empires, particularly the Kree, Skrull, and Shi’ar. These civilizations represent different aspects of colonization: the Kree are militaristic expansionists, the Skrulls are shape-shifting infiltrators who assimilate cultures, and the Shi’ar operate a vast empire that enforces its rule through political and military dominance. The Kree-Skrull War storyline (1971-72) in The Avengers framed Earth as a battleground caught between two competing colonial powers, mirroring Cold War-era struggles of smaller nations trapped between global superpowers.

Darkseid’s Apokolips and The New Gods (DC Comics)
Jack Kirby’s Fourth World saga (1971) explored colonization through the lens of cosmic mythology. Darkseid, the godlike tyrant of Apokolips, seeks to conquer and subjugate all existence, reducing planets to desolate wastelands. His counterpart, Highfather of New Genesis, represents an alternative philosophy—one that resists imperialism but is still entangled in its consequences. The struggle between these two worlds reflects both the destruction wrought by colonial expansion and the ongoing efforts to resist and preserve identity.

The Green Lantern Corps (DC Comics): Peacekeepers or Enforcers?
While often seen as intergalactic protectors, the Green Lantern Corps can also be read as an imperialist force imposing the will of the Guardians of the Universe. Their presence across the galaxy ensures order, but it also raises questions about whether they act as enforcers of an imposed ideology rather than true liberators. Some storylines, particularly Geoff Johns’ Sinestro Corps War (2007), challenge the Corps’ authority, positioning Sinestro as a revolutionary who believes only fear can maintain control—an extreme, yet reflective take on colonial rule.

Superheroes Born from Colonization

While many superheroes operate within colonial narratives, some emerge directly from themes of resistance or assimilation.

• Black Panther: The Anti-Colonial Superhero
  T’Challa, the Black Panther, is one of the most significant characters in comics when discussing colonization. Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in 1966, Black Panther is the ruler of Wakanda, an African nation untouched by colonialism due to its technological superiority. Wakanda’s existence defies the colonial narrative, presenting a vision of what an uncolonized African superpower could look like. Many of Black Panther’s stories, especially under writers like Christopher Priest, Ta-Nehisi Coates, and Reginald Hudlin, grapple with themes of neo-colonialism, identity, and the tension between isolationism and intervention.

• Magneto: A Survivor’s View of Power and Oppression
  Magneto, primarily an antagonist in X-Men comics, is often depicted as a revolutionary figure rather than a villain. As a Holocaust survivor, his worldview is shaped by the horrors of genocide and displacement, leading him to believe that mutants must take control before they are subjugated. His ideology mirrors anti-colonial resistance movements, where oppressed groups take extreme measures to avoid further persecution. His contrast with Charles Xavier, who advocates for coexistence, reflects real-world debates on how to dismantle oppressive systems.

• Superman: A Colonizer Turned Savior?
  Superman’s role in the colonization debate is complex. As an alien who integrates into human society and becomes its champion, he represents the idea of the "benevolent outsider." However, alternate versions of Superman, such as in Red Son (2003) where he lands in Soviet Russia, show how the same power can be used to justify domination. Superman is often depicted as fighting against oppressive regimes, but his presence also raises the question: does an all-powerful being governing humanity resemble a colonizer, even if he means well?

Modern Comics: Deconstructing the Colonial Narrative

In recent years, comic books have taken a more critical stance on colonization. Stories no longer frame conquest as an adventure but rather as a morally complex issue.

Saga (Image Comics, 2012–present)
Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples’ Saga offers a deeply personal take on colonization, depicting an intergalactic war between the planet Landfall and its moon, Wreath. The story follows a couple from opposing sides, highlighting how colonial wars destroy families and reshape identities. Unlike traditional superhero stories, Saga focuses on the lives caught in the crossfire rather than the conquerors or rebels.

New X-Men and Krakoa (Marvel Comics, 2019–present)
The House of X/Powers of X storyline, written by Jonathan Hickman, radically redefines the X-Men mythos by introducing Krakoa—a sovereign mutant nation that establishes itself as a dominant power. This storyline flips the colonial dynamic, presenting mutants as the new rulers while forcing humanity into negotiations. It raises ethical dilemmas about whether marginalized groups, once freed, should impose their own rules or seek a different path.

Colonization remains one of the most enduring themes in comics, shaping stories of heroism, conquest, and resistance. While early superhero comics often embraced colonialist narratives, modern comics are more likely to question and deconstruct them. Characters like Black Panther, Magneto, and the X-Men offer perspectives from the oppressed, while intergalactic conflicts in Green Lantern, The Avengers, and The Fourth World serve as allegories for historical struggles.

As the medium continues to evolve, comics will likely explore colonization through new lenses—challenging the legacy of empire, redefining heroism, and offering fresh visions of resistance and justice.