Blind Al (Althea)

Tennis trailblazer and Civil Rights icon, Blind Al shattered barriers as the first African-American woman to win a Grand Slam.

Character

Cinematic | Literary

Marvel

United Kingdom

Blind Al, also known as Althea, is a fictional character from the Marvel Comics universe who first appeared in the comic book series “Daredevil” in 1981. Created by writer Frank Miller and artist David Mazzucchelli, Althea is a visually impaired character who possesses exceptional hearing and other heightened senses. Despite her blindness, she becomes a skilled martial artist and develops a unique fighting style that compensates for her disability. As a formidable vigilante, Althea uses her abilities to fight crime and protect the innocent, becoming a valuable ally to Daredevil, the superhero who operates in Hell’s Kitchen, New York City.

Throughout her appearances in the comics, Althea assists Daredevil in his missions, providing him with information and support. Her skills and loyalty make her a respected figure in the superhero community, and her character has been praised for its positive representation of a disabled character who defies stereotypes and demonstrates remarkable abilities. Althea’s personal life remains largely unexplored in the comics, as she is portrayed as a solitary figure focused on her mission as a vigilante. Her relationships with others are primarily limited to her interactions with Daredevil and other superheroes.

Althea’s blindness is not a hindrance but rather a source of strength in her character. Her heightened senses allow her to perceive the world in unique ways, giving her an advantage in combat and detective work. This portrayal of a visually impaired character has been adapted into various media, including animated television series, video games, and live-action portrayals. In the Netflix series “Daredevil,” Althea is portrayed by actress Wai Ching Ho, who brings the character to life with depth and nuance.

It is important to note that this information is based on the comic book character and may vary across different adaptations and interpretations. In addition to her fictional character, Althea Gibson was also the first African-American woman to win a Grand Slam tennis tournament, breaking the color barrier in tennis and becoming a symbol of racial progress during the Civil Rights Movement.