Final Girls Redefined: Black Horror Where the Rules Have Changed
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Historically, the likelihood of Black people coming out of a horror story alive has been slim. Black characters are either the first to die or offered up as a sacrifice to make sure the main (read: white) character gets out alive.
There has been a newer wave of media reshaping this, though. Horror today doesn’t just have Black characters surviving until the end; they are rewriting the playbook. This movement is centering Black experiences and redefining how characters navigate horror.
If you’re looking to get into this new type of horror, the following books should be of interest to you.
1. The Black Girl Survives This One
This title includes 15 stories showcasing how Black girls are the heroes and survivors slaying monsters, battling spirits, and facing down death. Authors of the stories come from both the YA and Adult Fiction realm with backgrounds in chilling tales. This is a good read for those who also remember the Fear Street series.
2. You’re Not Supposed to Die Tonight
This title turns a fake final girl into a real final girl when a simulation horror camp turns real. As staff start disappearing, our main characters start investigating to understand what’s going on and how to get out. An excellent pick for fans of Scream and Friday the 13th.
3. Jackal
This title explores the ritualistic murder of Black girls in a rural town. With zero response from the public, our main character must investigate when a loved one goes missing. This is for fans of folk horror and explores being Black in predominantly white spaces.
4. When No One Is Watching
This title explores gentrification. It also asks what does community care mean. Our main character investigates why people are going missing in her neighborhood. Through this we also see how community care can be offset by individualism and white supremacy. This is for those who love books where the setting itself is a character.