DC Comics character Vixen is joining the The CW’s live action "Arrow" TV series, with Megalyn Echikunwoke playing the role – a very, very, VERY rare occurrence of a black woman superhero appearing in a TV show or feature film set in any superhero universe (Marvel and DC notably), I should note. Other than Storm, who else can you name, who’s had any real screen time, let alone their own animated series?

Vixen was the first black woman superhero for DC Comics. She’s expected to make appearances on not only "Arrow," but also on "The Flash," in upcoming seasons.

The actress has been voicing the character in CW Seed’s animated "Vixen" series, so I suppose this was a natural progression.

Vixen (alter-ego – Mari Jiwe McCab) is a super-hero from the fictional African nation of Zambesi, whose superhero powers include using her Tantu Totem to channel the powers of animals in the animal kingdom, so she’s able to mimic the abilities of any animal that has ever lived on Earth.

Created by Gerry Conway and Bob Oksner, and first appearing in Action Comics #521, in 1981, Vixen has been a member of the Justice League, the Justice League International, Suicide Squad and other superhero collectives. 

Prior to this news, Vixen made appearances in other series, like the Justice League Unlimited animated series, in which she was voiced by Gina Torres.

I should note that the character’s storyline as written in the comics may not be what producers of "The Arrow" use.