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scene from Undercover Brother 1: Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor in form-fitting spy outfit and Eddie Griffin in 1970s style jacket, bright pants, and afro.

10 Halloween Costume Ideas Inspired By Black Characters

Oladipupo Omolade I.014 mins

Scene from Undercover Brother 1

It’s that time of the year again, and this time, we have decided to examine ten Halloween costume ideas inspired by Black characters. From movie and pop stars to anime characters, this list features fun ideas that you can utilize.

Halloween came from the ancient tradition of lighting bonfires and dressing up in costumes to ward off ghosts and spirits. People observed this practice because they believed that dead souls return to their homes around this time of the year.

Over the years, the practice has evolved; now, everyone dresses up in costumes and can go trick-or-treating. Whether you partake in the celebration or simply watch, you can’t deny the fun and happiness it entails and brings.

Getting into the thick of it, I present Halloween costume ideas from Black characters for you.

Halloween Costume Ideas from Black Anime Characters

1. Isaac – Castlevania

Isaac, a tall, dark brooding character in black long jacket with high collar and embellished shoulders, red sash, and tall black boots

Source: Villains Wiki

Voice Actor: Adetokumboh M’Cormack.

Character Story 

Isaac fills the role of one of Dracula’s two forgemasters in the series. Also, he and Hector are the only two humans among the vampire lord’s generals. He starts with an intense hatred for humans, which wasn’t a surprise, given his past as a slave. However, Isaac eventually finds beauty in the world and decides to create a place where humans can have a future.

The story portrays Isaac as a trustworthy ally to Dracula. His complete loyalty drives him to kill one of the generals who wants to stage a coup against Dracula. Afterward, he tries to give his life in Dracula’s defense during Alucard’s invasion of the castle.

Costume Items:

  • Medieval Black Lace Up V-Neck Long Sleeve
  • Black Engineer Boots
  • Medieval Trouser Pants
  • Wine Red Sash Belt
  • Black Leather Riveted Bracers
  • Black Leather Neck Seal
  • Black Leather Costume Shoulder Armor
  • Medieval White Hooded Cloak
  • Twist Knot Ruby Gemstone Dagger

You can find the links to the items on Carbon Costume.

2. Yoruichi Shihoin – Bleach

Yoruichi, a black woman with purple ponytail, scarf, orange Japanese style wrap shirt, black leggings, and leg and arm warmers

Source: Jump Bonds

Voice Actor: Satsuki Yukino.

Character Story

Yoruichi formerly led the 2nd division of the Gotei 13 as a captain in the Soul Society. She’s popularly known and feared for her speed and assassination skills, both of which make her a deadly infiltrator/assassin.

Since she resigned from her position, Yoruichi currently works with Kisuke and her childhood friend, Tessai at Kisuke’s store. The series sometimes hints at her past as a princess and how she left it behind.

Costume Items:

  • Orange top
  • Purple Wig
  • Black tights
  • Off-white clothes for belt and scarf
  • Arm braces.

A complete set has a discount on Alibaba.

3. Canary – Hunter X Hunter (HXH)

Canary, a Black girl anime character in heels, a form-fitting suit, collared shirt, and carrying a cane. Her hair is styled in Bantu knots.

Source: Hunter x Hunter Wiki

Voice Actor: Reiko Kiuchi (1999) and Motoko Kumai (2011).

Character Story

Canary works at the Zoldyck Family’s mansion as an apprentice butler who safeguards the inner pathway of the compound. She is a young, polite girl with impressive combat skills to repel any unwanted intruder.

Despite her sweet nature, Canary devotes herself to her duty with passion and discipline. She grew up in Meteor City and already made a mark at age ten by taking down a Blacklisted hunter.

Costume Items:

  • White Blouse
  • Black slim-fitted female tuxedo
  • Black staff with golden ball on top
  • Large Black Bantu knots (can be Black with a bit of red tinge.)

4. Kaname Tosen – Bleach

Tosen, a tall Black man with blindfold over his eyes, his hair in dreadlocka. HE has a no-sleeve high collared shirt, arm guards, and carries a Japanese sword.

Source: Deviant Art

Voice Actor: Toshiyuki Morikawa.

Character Story

Tosen led the 9th division of the Gotei 13 before betraying the Soul Society and leaving with Aizen. During his time as captain, he was often seen in the company of his best friend- Sajin Komamura, a fellow captain.

Despite his betrayal, the story reveals his humanity and highlights how prone anyone could be to making mistakes. However, he realized the errors of his ways at the point of death, making it too late to retrace his steps.

Costume Items:

  • White armless robe
  • Black gloves
  • Black clothes as armguards, with white bands
  • White spectacles
  • Black boots
  • Orange rope for the robe

eBay sells most of the costume items.

Halloween Costume Ideas from Black Movie Characters

1. Anton Jackson – Undercover Brother 1

Eddie Griffin in 1970s style afro and jacket and bellbottom pants, with necklace and embellished belt. The tow ladies next to him are similarly dressed in 1970s style suits and heels.

Source: Reddit

Actor: Eddie Griffin

Character Story

Anton Jackson lives as a Black-rights activist who prefers to do rather than say. He sees himself as the Robin Hood of the Black community and can be seen carrying out undercover missions on behalf of his people.

He later joins the Brotherhood and the fight against The Man, who seeks to destroy Black culture.

The uniqueness of this outfit makes it eligible as a Halloween costume idea and since it was inspired by a Black character, it lands here.

Costume Items:

  • 70’s vin­tage style flared trousers
  • 70’s Leather jacket
  • Afro wig
  • Brotherhood Medallion
  • 70’s vintage shirt
  • 70’s vintage shoes

Here’s something close.

2. Blade – Blade

Wesley Snipes as Blade, wearing sunglasses, carrying a gun, leather jacket, body armor with buckles and embellishments, and leather pants also with weapon holsters.

Source: Mike Ballan

Actor: Wesley Snipes

Character Story

Blade follows the story of the Marvel character called Blade and his war against vampires. As a Dhampir, a half-human half-vampire, Blade has vampiric strengths and none of their weakness. This makes him able to enter sunlight, removing the main hindrance that every vampire faces.

The superhero holds a special place in the hearts of most fans.

Costume Items:

  • Universal vest
  • Black leather trench coat
  • Black sport sunglasses
  • Men’s tactical belt
  • Men’s Black leather gloves
  • Black jungle boots
  • Warrior sword
  • Men’s Black cargo combat pants

You can find all of these on the Costume Wall.

3. Prince Akeem – Coming to America

Eddie Murphy in plaid cap and matching vest and tie and white collared shirt, holding a mop.

Source: X (formerly Twitter)

Actor: Eddie Murphy

Character Story

Prince Akeem goes in search of a bride that would love him for who he is, rather than his wealth and status. He was already tired of his pampered upbringing and when his parent brought an arranged bride, he decided to make his own decisions henceforth.

With his charisma and acting, Eddie Murphy succeeded in imprinting Prince Akeem on the hearts of many. The costume picked in this case has a cheerful and charming appearance.

Costume Items:

  • White Shirt
  • Red Patterned Vest
  • Red Bowtie
  • Berret (red)
  • Blue trousers
  • Name tag (Akeem).

You can find these items on Halloween Costumes.

4. Conspiracy Brother – Undercover Brother 1

Dave Chapelle in durag, bead necklace, tie-die kaftan and turtleneck, talking to Eddie Griffin in afro, 1970s jacket and shirt and gold chain.

Source: Alarmy

Actor: Dave Chappelle

Character Story

The Brotherhood, a top-secret organization, employs the skills of several personalities in its fight against The Man. Conspiracy Brother fills a role of no other in the team. While others lend skills like combat and innovations, he brings paranoia and conspiracy theories to every scene.

Conspiracy Brother feels fun to watch and adds to the overall humor of the movie. He remains one of the more interesting characters to watch.

man and woman wearing janitorial jumpsuits and matching cap.

Source: Your Props

Costume Items:

  • Dark gray overalls
  • Dark gray face cap
  • Work boots
  • Mopping stick with a bucket.

Your Props have these items.

Halloween Costume Ideas from Black Music Icons

1. Jimi Hendrix

Jimi Hendrix holding guitar wearing a scarf, jacket with fur trim and gold embellishments.

Source: Toy Wiz

While he had lots of glamorous outfits back in the day, we picked one that looked simple but iconic. This costume only involves one piece of clothing and works best for anyone looking for a last-minute costume for Halloween.

Costume Item:

2. Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson in fedora, white shirt, sparkly jacket, and black pants, loafers, socks and his single glove on right hand.

Source: Pinterest

Failing to include the king of pop in this list wouldn’t go unforgiven. Michael Jackson remains a popular choice for Halloween among all sorts of people. It belongs among the top Halloween costume ideas inspired by Black characters.

Costume Items:

  • White round neck
  • One white glove
  • Black shiny shoes
  • Jacket
  • Hat
  • White socks
  • Black pants with two white stripes.

Michael Jackson’s costume for an adult sells on Halloween Costumes too.

Bonus!

Ella Fitzgerald

Ella Fitzgerald in a v-cut dress with high-low cut below the knee, singing in front of microphone.

Closing out this list, we’ve got a true icon in the singing industry. Also known as The Queen of Jazz, and First Lady of Song, Ella Fitzgerald made a permanent mark in jazz music. She won 14 Grammy awards amongst others during her lifetime and still ranks among the greats.

As you can see below, picking an Ella costume doesn’t require much.

Costume Items:

  • Dark green down
  • Glossy brown heels
  • One beaded bracelet
  • Wig.

That brings us to the end of this list. As you have seen, these ten Halloween costume ideas were inspired by Black characters and historical figures. When you go out dressed as one of these characters, do so confidently and go in the spirit of the season!

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