They are actually Red Lums who have been enraged or frightened, and filled with hate. Andre was the first Black Lum, 'The Lord of the Black Lums'. Andre then went around, changing other red Lums into Black Lums. He quickly assembled an entire swarm of black lums before committing various offences, as shaving animal's fur, and attacking innocent creatures. When enough Black lums are in a swarm, they can form a Hoodlum. Hoodlums are humanoid, and their actual form is hidden behind cloth, gloves, and ten gallon hats.