Black Panther

As someone who has never read a graphic novel (despite my two brothers being obsessed with the Marvel graphic novels), reading the Black Panther series was definitely an experience. I must admit, even with the videos and summaries on the class website, it was difficult for me to follow the overlapping storylines and multitude of characters. Nonetheless, I still really enjoyed the gorgeous illustrations and action-packed story. 

In relation to exploring tensions between monarchy and the nation, I thought it was interesting that the hero, T’Challa, was disliked by his constituents, but still known as a hero. Over and over again, T’Challa works to protect his people from terrorists, but it always seems to result in more violence and unrest. For me, a novice at the Marvel universe, this was a bit confusing. Why would someone who is unintentionally sabotaging their own nation considered a hero? But, upon watching the videos, this became a little more clear to me. 

Upon finding out that Black Panther was taken away from Wakanda when with the Avengers made a lot more sense. So often, heroes are portrayed as being saviors of their homes, so having to also be saving the world would clearly add more to T’Challa’s already full plate. I think this tension between Black Panther’s wanting to save both his country and the world made him appear as an undedicated leader. His inability to protect his country during his time away bred distrust and unrest among his people, which readers can view through the visual depictions of catastrophe in the novels. Wakanda is on fire, people are injured and dying, and the country is plagued by unrest. 

Some of those who oppose T’Challa and his rule, specifically Tetu and Zenzi, could also be seen as heroes. They are fighting to do what they believe is right, using both powers and philosophy to prove their points. By going back to the ways of “Old Wakanda,” using philosophy and tradition as their guides to, hopefully, creating a better system for the people. 

As we see in the comics, Changamire alludes to the philosophical Wakanda of the past. Students used to come in droves to study theory and philosophy, making morals the center of the Wakandan government and culture. However, today, Wakanda is plagued by war and power struggle, having lost its focus on morality as a study and cultural pillar. Instead, Wakandans are focused on surviving (out of necessity). 

Side note: Professor Hartley, I saw your comment about making comments on my Blackboard links, but unfortunately I have not been able to see them. I’ve commented back to you a few times, but for some reason, whenever I navigate away from my blog after publishing the comment, it disappears. I figured I would drop you a note here!