Marvel Studios has brought us many extraordinary films. One of most outstanding was Black Panther, which brought in the first black director, Ryan Coogler, a black leading cast member, Chadwick Boseman, and a number of black women playing powerful and engaging roles. Black Panther was first released on February 16, 2018. While it was not the first representation of an African superhero in film and in pop culture (Shaquille O’neal in Steel, Wesley Snipes in Blade, Will Smith in Hancock), it was by far the most successful black superhero film. The movie is known for breaking box office records and winning three Oscars, which is Marvel’s Studio’s first ever. The film touched depths that Marvel hasn’t reached before with a plot like that of Black Panther. In the film, Ryan Coogler offers viewers a look at the real social imperfections and delivers a message on the importance of unity. Chadwick Boseman was the lead role as T’challa, The King of Wakanda and the superhero Black Panther. The film’s plot centered around how Wakanda operates and their version of keeping their home safe, all while saving the world.

On November 11, 2022 Marvel released the sequel to Black Panther called Black Panther Wakanda Forever, or as it’s colloquially known, Black Panther 2. The new movie was also written and directed by Ryan Coogler. Black Panther 2 was a phenomenal movie that presented aspects of love, grief, war, culture, power, and family. Among other things, it was an empowering send-off to the Marvel hero actor Chadwick Boseman, who passed away in August of 2020. Watching the film brought me to tears because the film brought an excellent storyline for the sequel. Additionally, the actors brought their top form acting talent and emotions to life, due to the passing of Chadwick Boseman, inside and outside the film. The emotional energy of the film can be felt in the theater of different scenes that were silent in remembrance of Chadwick Boseman.

The plot of Wakanda Forever focuses on a new country and culture that is known as the Talokan. This country was formed by people who had been forced undersea from the Mesoamerican area by Spanish conquistadors. Later in the film, the Wakandans find out that Talokan has vibranium as well and the rest of the world wants access to the vibranium that Wakanda has. This brings in massive conflict between Wakanda, Talokan, and the rest of the world. The war between Wakanda and Talokan brings rich and intense moments between two countries, who have been sent to honor and fight for their land and people. It is determined that Talokan has ill intentions which causes Wakanda to be embroiled deeper conflict. Additionally, there hasn’t been a black panther to protect Wakanda recently, leaving the nation vulnerable. Shuri, who is King T’challa’s sister, faces events in the movie that are heartbreaking, which requires that she is then put in position to become the new Black Panther.

Overall, the director did a great job building up her perspective and emotions on Shuri losing her brother and having to make hard decisions during that to protect her country. I enjoyed this film and every aspect of it, as Marvel did a phenomenal job creating a sequel that is truly outstanding.