Black Panther was the first black representation in superhero history to be published in comics. 

Likewise, when the first Black Panther movie was produced, it made history as the first black superhero movie. The new “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” continues the new standard for representation within Marvel. Though this fantasy film with historical references is tragic, there is comedic relief to lighten the mood.

At the start of the movie, the funeral of Black Panther, who was previously played by the late Chadwick Boseman, creates the rest of the plot for the movie. Since Wakanda no longer has its Black Panther, the other nations decide that Wakanda is weak. With this new opinion of the nation Wakanda, the world tries to find vibranium for themselves. The effects of this caused Wakanda to go to war with an unknown nation.

The secret nation is inspired by Mayan and Aztec culture. This creates great depth in the movie and provides many historic facts. As a viewer, this allows for education as well as entertainment. 

If you would like to learn more about these cultures, visit Union Station in Kansas City to see an exhibit that depicts the beliefs of gods and innovations of the Mayan people.

Creating chuckles, tears, and heartache, “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” sheds light on what happens after the fall of a great hero, which leads to the rising of a new one. Specifically, the astonishing emotional vulnerability that the actress, Angela Bassett, creates in this film sends shivers down the spine. Another notable performance was delivered by Lupita Nyong’o, who returns from the first movie.

With Wakanda finally being recognized as a nation, they have an intelligent political debate about trading metals with other powerful countries, and the threats of war with the nation Talokan all show the chaos of politics that Wakanda is having to go through which creates an intellectual dialogue within the film. But of course, with the creation of Marvel movies, there will always be those cliche words that the heroes have to say after a final defeat.

This film is more far-fetched than other Marvel movies known, which is becoming more prevalent with the new movies published by this industry. If you are a more practical person, I wouldn’t recommend this movie to you because of this.

This movie is worth your time if you are a dedicated fan of the Marvel universe, caught up with the events, and if you don’t mind too much fantasy. If not I would recommend you to at least watch the first Black Panther so then the flow of the story makes sense. This movie was personally enjoyable creating an array of emotions.

Though this movie has been out since late 2022, it is now free to watch with Disney+ as of January 2023.