4 reasons why Black Panther changes Marvel
By John Dotson
Black Panther has hit theaters everywhere this weekend, and while it may be breaking box-office records, it’s also changing the Marvel standard as well!
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This weekend, audiences will finally take a worthwhile trip to Wakanda and get to see Chadwick Boseman unleash the Black Panther on the big screen. The film itself has generated strong critical buzz, but beyond this, the movie accomplishes a lot more than being a solid comic book film. It is also a game changer for a studio that typically enjoys playing it safe with audiences. Here are just a few of my reasons:
#1 It’s Marvel’s first film with a social commentary
Marvel has flirted with politics in the past, especially in the Captain America movies. Unlike those films, Black Panther really has something on its mind, and it’s refreshing for a studio geared on making popcorn event films. The characters in Black Panther are battling with a moral dilemma of protecting kingdoms vs. protecting humanity.
Plus, there are strong undertones of the impact leaders have across cultures. Being a good man isn’t easy, especially in the age of a divided nation. I’ll let you make up your own mind which leader this refers to in our present lifetime.
#2 The best villain in the MCU to date.
As good as the Marvel movies are, the one area the studio has sorely lacked is making a noteworthy villain. The only character who even comes close is Loki, and at this point, he is not even much of a bad guy now.
In Black Panther, Michael B. Jordan brings a ferociousness to Killmonger that will have you holding your breath. Not only that, but he is also very logical and for viewers, it will be hard to not have compassion for him. This is a huge milestone for Marvel because for once they have a bad guy who will be remembered for many years.
#3 Multiple women of power across the board
Marvel has done well with making strong female leads– Black Widow for example– but Black Panther really outdoes itself with the women in its story. None of the females need a man to protect them, and all of them are as fierce as they are intelligent. All of them are warriors and are probably more dangerous than Black Panther himself. One actress, in particular, Danai Guirrira will be the talk of everyone over the next few days, because her character Okoye demolishes everyone in her way. The women of Wakanda are truly a force of nature in this movie and will be talked about long after its release.
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#4 Shows the value of each race as heroes
The impact this will have on culture will be felt. Maybe not today, or tomorrow, but the footprint this film leaves on cinema will remain. This is a hero not just for a certain class of people. This is a hero for everyone. This film reminds us that anyone has the capability of being a role model, or someone to look up to. Black Panther is the reminder that everyone can be a Superman. This alone makes the film an absolute game-changer, and I dare Warner Brothers/DC to do better.
Next: The Walking Dead’s Danai Gurira steals the show in Black Panther
Black Panther is now in theaters everywhere!
What do you think? Will Black Panther change the dynamic for Marvel? Is there another movie that compares? Sound off in the comments below!