The first time my son saw Miles Morales, his eyes lit up, he snatched up the magazine that the picture was in, and he hugged it tightly. When he finally found the words to talk, he said, “Daddy, it’s me.” It was an absolutely heartwarming moment for me. As a former educator, I have long been a proponent of representation in media. I have always understood its importance and seen the difference it has made for my students, but to see it affect my son so strongly — to see him hug that advertisement for Miles Morales so tightly — was truly life-changing. 

That’s one of the many reasons I love comic books. They have been around for almost a century and have always been a reflection of our society. They have brought to life some of the most iconic characters in popular culture, and as the medium has evolved, so has the diversity of its characters. So here are 10 characters in comic books worth checking out that aren’t your basic white man.