Black Crow (Jesse Black Crow) is a fictional Native American superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Publication history The Black Crow first appeared in Captain America #292 (April 1984) and was created by the writer J. M. DeMatteis and penciller Paul Neary. Fictional character biography Jesse Black Crow, a member of the Navajo Nation, was taught the traditional ways by his great-grandfather, who was a healer. Jesse left his New Mexico reservation at the age of sixteen, after his grandfather’s death, and moved to New York City, eventually becoming a construction worker on skyscrapers. One day, while working 20 stories up, the 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. But Jesse does not know that his body is being used as the host for the Black Crow entity. When Jesse transforms into Black Crow, he is merely an unconscious passenger left with only vague recollections that seem delusional to Jesse, and he thinks he is slowly going insane. 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. Some weeks later, Black Crow appeared at Captain America's bedside. Captain America 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