WHY I AM SO EXCITED ABOUT BLACK PANTHER (Part 2)

[NB: Ensure that you have read Part 1 before continuing ]

Firstly, BLACK PANTHER is the first movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe with a Black superhero character in the lead role. Some might argue that BLADE (1998) should have this title but BLADE was made under the auspices of New Line Cinema who had the movie rights for the character long before the MCU was born, so it doesn't quite count. For the record, SPAWN (1997), which was also distributed by New Line Cinema, is the first film to feature an African American character portraying a major comic book superhero.

Secondly, BLACK PANTHER was directed by a Black, Ryan Coogler. This is significant in the sense that our story is being told by one of us. Patty Jenkins (a woman) directed WONDER WOMAN and made a wonder out of the movie. A movie about a black superhero that is directed by a Black is sure to give a new perspective to what it means to be black.

Thirdly, BLACK PANTHER is the first Marvel movie with a predominantly black cast. This means a lot in a largely whitewashed Hollywood. Whereas many folks of other races have issues with this development , the fact is that the movie is centered on Wakanda, a fictional African nation whose citizens are all blacks so ... go figure.

Fourthly, Wakanda, the kingdom of T'Challa who doubles as the Black Panther, is the most technologically advanced nation in the MCU. It is also the wealthiest and has the smartest people. Wakanda has tech that rivals those of advanced alien civilizations. T'Challa is by far the wealthiest superhero and Shuri, his younger sister is said to be smarter than billionaire genius Tony Stark (Iron Man)

Fifthly ,talking about gender equality, women are highly place in Wakandan society. The Dora Milaje, Wakanda's elite group of warriors who serve as the kings bodyguards are all women. I can recall when Okoye (leader of the Dora Milaje) told Black Widow "move or I move you" during a scene in CAPTAIN AMERICA :CIVIL WAR. I can't wait to see her in action ... 😀

(To Be Continued)