Black Panther

     I just back from the theater (a very packed theater too!) and WOW! Everything people have said about this movie is absolutely true! It went completely beyond the typical MARVEL universe and told a whole different story that was unique, but still had the timeless attributes of a coming of age character. I've been surprised at the severe lack of Black Panther movie reviews on my reading list! Most blogs I follow are die hard MARVEL/DC fans. 

     If you think that movie is simply about race and blacks bashing whites, then you are very misinformed and mistaken! There was absolutely none of that and what they did have was dealt with very well in the villain (or more like an anti-hero). There is respectful representation of both sides; and while the story takes place in Africa and has an all black cast, there is no actual racist culture dialogue from our wonderful hero or his people. 

     So...on to that wonderful (and handsome!) hero...

 Prince T'Challa/Black Panther

     We first met T'Challa as the young, soft spoken Wakandian prince in Captain America: Civil War where he certainly made his mark as an honorable and just man as well as the fierce and famed Black Panther. With what little screen time T'Challa had in the film, we see an immediate character growth starting with his loving relationship with his father, grieving his father's sudden death, hunting down the supposed assassin, siding with Tony Stark and eventually proving to be the king he was meant to be and the hero he knows he is capable of becoming. That's a lot in one day!!!

     Black Panther takes place a week later and T'Challa is finally on his way home to take his place as king of Wakanda. The beginning of the movie gives a brilliant introduction to the genesis of Wakanda and the origins of the Black Panther. While the rest of the world sees Wakanda as a poor and desolute country, hidden within it's mountains and forests is a highly technological world built on Wakanad's primary resource, vibranium. 

     The secret to Wakanda's thriving city is in their refusal to partake in the issues and problems of surrounding countries and nations. T'Challa is wanting to continue this way of life, however, his ex-girlfriend, Nakia, (whom he is still madly in love with) thinks differently and believes that Wakanda's advanced technology could be a great asset to the world. Yet, the outside world does come and threaten T'Challa in the form of an unknown cousin from America who seeks revenge and power embodied by hate and fear. 

     This unexpected adversary becomes the first great challenge that T'Challa must overcome as king. Through victory, defeat, life and death, T'Challa begins to mold himself into a new king for a new Wakanda while remaining the protector and defender of his country's pride and honor, the Black Panther. 

Needless to say, he's kind of my new crush at the moment

   As with Chris Evens as Captain America or Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Chadwick Boseman played this wonderful king to be to perfection. T'Challa was so incredible in Civil War and now he is taken to a whole new level of character in Black Panther. Deeply emotional with intense courage and valor,  sometimes blindsided by love as well as being a protective older brother and dutiful son, T'Challa has all the elements you would want in a boy who was born and raised to be a king. 

Wakanda Forever

 (L-R): Erik Killmonger, Zuri, W'Kabi, M'Baku

     Erik/N'Jadaka "Killmonger" Stevens: Erik Stevens grew up in Oakland, California and faced immense pain and sorrow when he came home to find his father was killed. Ignited by rage and revenge, Erik becomes a U.S. black ops solider working for the CIA. His intense brutality on the battlefield earned him the nickname, Killmonger and creating a machine with no sense of pity or kindness. Ever since Erik found his father dead, his one primary mission is gain power to destroy any enemy that stands in his way.

     Zuri: An elder of Wakanda and counselor to the king, Zuri is gifted with wisdom and insight and holds intense loyalty to the royal family, most especially the former king, T'Chaka. However, his loyalty to the crown and T'Chaka holds serious and dangerous secrets that could be detrimental to everyone he loves.

     W'Kabi: T'Challa's best friend and the head of security from the Border Tribe. Protective of his people and his king, W'Kabi finds his loyalties tested when a would-be king takes over the throne.

     M'Baku: Leader of the Jabari, the mountain tribe of Wakanda, M'Baku is T'Challa's rival for king in the beginning. 

Princess Shuri and Queen Romanda, the Queen Mother

     Princess Shuri: T'Challa's brilliant little sister who knows how to keep her older brother in line. Lively and lovable, Shuri has an insatiable curiosity and desire to build and create. Also a strong fighter, Shuri is faithful to her family and her people and is fearless when it comes to fighting for both.

     Queen Ramonda: The gracious and proud queen and Wakanda who has raised a noble son and a strong daughter as well as serve her country with dignity. Beautiful and powerful, Romanda puts great trust and faith in T'Challa and knows that he will not fail his country or his father.

Nakia and Okoye

    Nakia: An undercover spy who knows how to hold her own in whatever capacity she finds herself in. Nakia is T'Challa's ex-girlfriend, but its obvious that the passion and love is still there, however she does not want to be queen and just sit on a throne. She has skills and talents and believes they can be best used serving her people and possibly other nations. 

    Okoye: The head of the Dora Milaje, an all female special forces, Okoye is one of the fiercest warriors in Wakanda. Calm and pragmatic, Okoye will defend and honor the throne regardless of who sits in it.

     This was a good MARVEL film that reminded me a great deal of The Avengers and Thor before they became so dark and complex. I was beginning to miss the simplicity and fun of MARVEL films, but Black Panther brought all that back, while still telling a serious story about coming of age and fighting for what is good. T'Challa is a wonderful example of a flawed but ever growing character. He may not always win his battles, but he stills stands tall and proud making his ending victories so much greater for himself and for his beloved Wakanda.