The Next Panther!

 Often the academic world collides with popular culture. If one were looking for a broader definition of Afrocentricity, it can be found in depictions of the Black Panther. The aura of the Black Panther has been captured as a comic book series, a series of graphic novels, several video games and most recently a movie.

Historically, the “Black Panther” is a product of the 1960s. It is associated with the freedom crusade for Civil Rights as political party struggling to secure African American voting rights in Mississippi and also the progressive political organization that supported black nationalism a few years later. The uniqueness of the panther made it an ideal symbol for Negro/Black liberation.


In 1966 Stan Lee and Jack Kirby enhanced the symbolism. They introduced the Black Panther, the first African superhero, in the developing Marvel comic book universe. The uniqueness of a non-white character authored and drawn by white men was revolutionary even in the Civil Rights era. Like some other characters in the comics, the Panther did not start with his own comic but rather was introduced in the pages of an established hero. Readers first encountered T’Challa in a skirmish with the Fantastic Four and he later found a home with the Avengers. In many respects, this new character was a radical departure from other Marvel heroes. He was a king, a wealthy leader of a technologically advanced nation, and did not need to hide behind a secret identity. 


Although the character remained a mainstay in the comic book world, during the 21st century, the Black Panther’s popularity was in decline. There were now other Black/African superheroes and the enemies had become predictable. Several times, T’Challa had abdicated his throne, even leaving his beloved Wakanda and making his home in New York City. The character had been normalized by time, various authors, and lack of creativity.


The popularity of the 2018 Marvel motion picture gave the Black Panther a spiritual awakening. Ryan Coogler and his team created a masterpiece. There was a sense of pride surrounding the movie and its characters. Youngsters embraced Chadwick Boseman’s  character with a freshness that was unseen in previous superhero movies. Young and old gave each other the “Wakanda Forever” salute and wanted to dress like the movies characters at parties and for Halloween.


The untimely death of Chadwick Boseman immediately changed the calculus surrounding the franchise. Many anxious for a sequel, felt that another actor in the lead role would diminish the film. Yet, Ryan Coogler and the leadership at Marvel Studios decided to continue the franchise by modifying the story outside of the realm of the comics. There will be a new Black Panther but the new character will be born out of the death of T’Challa. Boseman’s character will not be replaced but will be mourned in the course of the film.


For over a year, fans have speculated on how the director will bridge the world of the panthers. They will soon see if their theories have merit. On November 11th, the next installment of the Black Panther franchise will be released in American theaters. Here’s hoping that the magic remains and that the power of the Panther Gods continues to amaze and enlighten audiences.


Wakanda Forever!

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