Black Crow (comics)
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American Eagle (Jesse Black Crow) is a fictional character, a Native American superhero in the Marvel Comics universe.
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[edit] Fictional character biography
Jesse Black Crow, a member of the Navajo nation, left the reservation to become a construction worker on skyscrapers in New York City. One day, while working 20 stories up, scaffolding gave way and Jesse plunged to the ground. He survived the fall, but was permanently paralyzed from the waist down. Comatose in the hospital, Jesse received a vision from the spirit of the Earth showing him the plight of the Native American people. When needed, the spirit transformed Jesse into, Black Crow, a mystical warrior and protector of his people.
The Earth spirit first sent Black Crow to challenge Captain America to a trial by combat because, as a symbol of modern America, Captain America must perish to appease the spirit. After a well-fought battle, Captain America made a gesture of appeasement to the Earth spirit. This ended the conflict and created a spiritual bond between the two American heroes.
[edit] Powers
Black Crow has numerous mystical powers given to him by the spirit of the Earth. Known powers include the ability to change into a crow or bolt of lightning. Although Jesse is paralyzed from the waist down, when he transforms into his mystical warrior form he has superhuman agility and is a gifted combatant. Some weeks later, Black Crow appeared at Captain America's bedside. The Captain had been poisoned by the Red Skull and was on the brink of death. Black Crow enhanced Captain America's will to live and the poison burned out of his system. Months later, the Earth spirit sent Black Crow to observe Daredevil who was to meet with a mysterious danger that never materialized.
Much later, Black Crow battled the malevolent Native American spirit, the Cat, in Yosemite National Park, but neither could defeat the other. The Avenger, Hawkeye, travelled to Yosemite to train, but was unable due to the Cat's influence. Black Crow told the Avenger that he was chosen to defeat the Cat. At first, Hawkeye disagreed, but finally agreed and defeated the Cat with Black Crow's help.
Black Crow later assisted Red Wolf and Dr. Strange rescue Red Wolf's mentor, Owayodata, who had been taken hostage by a trio of other Native American gods, Calumet, Nanabozho and Hotamitanio.
Some time later, Black Crow interceded into a conflict between Spider-Man and the Puma. He put Spider-Man and Puma through a mystical experience to resolve their differences, and then removed Puma's knowledge of Spider-Man's secret identity. Soon after this, Black Crow is attacked by the demon D'Spayre. But, Black Crow finally reveals himself as real to Jesse and with their combined strength defeat D'Spayre.
In his last known appearance, Black Crow appeared to Captain America telling him that he was going to die within 24 hours.
[edit] Bibliography
[edit] List of titles
- Captain America #292, 299-300, 440, 443 (April 1984, November 1984-December 1984, June 1995, September 1995)
- Daredevil #225 (December 1985)
- Dr. Strange, Sorcerer Supreme #25 (January 1991)
- Marvel Fanfare #39 (August 1988)
- Quasar #23 (June 1991)
- Spectacular Spider-Man #191-193 (August 1992-October 1992)
- Spectacular Spider-Man Annual #13 (1993)
[edit] Significant stories
- Captain America #292 (April 1984); "An American Christmas!" - Jesse gains powers and becomes Black Crow. Battles Captain America which ends with the two heroes bonding.
- Marvel Fanfare #39 (August 1988); "The Cat's Tale" - Black Crow helps Hawkeye defeat the evil spirit, the Cat, in Yosemite.
- Dr. Strange, Sorcerer Supreme #25 (January 1991); "Always Autumn" - Black Crow assists Red Wolf and Dr. Strange in rescuing Owayodata from other gods, Calumet, Nanabozho and Hotamitanio.
- Spectacular Spider-Man #191-193 (August 1992-October 1992); "Eye of the Puma: Parts 1-3" - Black Crow puts Spider-Man and the Puma through a mystical experience to help them resolve their conflict. He later removes the Puma's knowledge of Spider-Man's secret identity.
- Spectacular Spider-Man Annual #13 (1993); "In Your Eyes" - Black Crow defeats the demon D'Spayre.
