Abar: Black Superman

Abar: Black Superman is a groundbreaking piece of cinema, a testament to 1970s Blaxploitation films with a dash of sci-fi enthralling the viewers. Directed by Frank Packard, this provocative film is the amalgamation of social commentary, action, and chimeric elements offering a unique viewpoint on topics of race and community in America.

The storyline revolves around the protagonist, Dr. Kinkade, a well-educated black scientist and his family who move into a largely white neighborhood in Los Angeles, sparking apprehension and racial tension among their new neighbors. Dr. Kinkade, a man of dignity and knowledge, works on a secret formula, aimed to end racism, oppression, and inequality.

The narrative takes an exciting turn when the Kinkade family receives an enigmatic protector - 'Abar'. Abar is a robust black activist, played by Tobar Mayo who initially steps into the scene as the guard of Kinkade's family against the neighborhood's racial hostility. Dr. Kinkade successful in his endeavors, uses the formula on Abar, resulting in Abar developing superhuman abilities. He morphs into the 'Black Superman', engendering a wave of justice and protection for his community.

Abar: Black Superman, despite its Blaxploitation tag, is free of gratuitous violence or explicit content. Instead, it focuses on social issues and attempts to explore the strain of racial tension prevalent in America, particularly during the 1970s. The narrative starkly combines elements of racial conflict, social injustice, and eventual empowerment, a distinctive sub-genre known as "Black horror". It creates an avenue of discourse about the African American experience during that era, reflecting the socio-political reality through the lens of science fiction.

The film artfully marries the superhero trope with the visions of a social warrior, breeding a unique character in 'Abar'. Abar's character transformation from a humble protector to a superhero is compelling and offers resounding meaning in the context of racial discrimination that hits a nerve even in the contemporary world. Abar represents the quintessential African American icon, a man fighting against the odds, and standing up for his community, all the while juggling with his newfound, mysterious powers.

Unpolished, raw, and dramatic Abar: Black Superman does not shy away from pressing issues. The suburbia in the movie isn't a picture of the harmonious American Dream, but rather it sports a mask, underneath which lies prejudice and bias. By setting the plot, in this ambivalent suburbia, Packard successfully creates an atmosphere of strife.

Tobar Mayo delivers a powerful performance as Abar, bringing to life the 'Black Superman' with an air of nobility and righteousness. His large physique becomes a metaphor for his larger-than-life persona, a hero to an oppressed community. The rest of the cast performs splendidly, especially J. Walter Smith as Dr. Kinkade, the focused and determined scientist who is unperturbed in the face of adversity.

Abar: Black Superman, though not a typical superhero movie, is a journey of resilience, courage, and a fight against societal wrongs. It adopts an unconventional path to create a thought-provoking narrative that speaks volumes about racial issues, thus making it an essential piece of Black cinema. Furthermore, the film's commercial success opened the doors for later mainstream superhero films, featuring black leads, making it a groundbreaking classic and testament to its time.

Filled with suspense, action, and a bit of science fiction, Abar: Black Superman is a pioneering black film that combats stereotypes, offers a fresh look at social struggles, and delivers an inspiring story of a hero. Garnering a cult following over the years, this film isn't just an entertainment piece, it's a historical and cultural touchstone painted creatively within the context of Blaxploitation cinema. This audacious film wears its social consciousness on its sleeve, making it a must-watch experience.