There are three big players in the comic industry today Marvel, DC Comics, and Image. All three have invited celebrities to be part of the comic making process. Marvel has just invited the latest celebrity writer into the comic world; Ta-Nehisi Coates. Ta-Nehisi Coates, unlike other celebrities, is a seasoned writer and will be developing the script for a brand new Black Panther comic set to hit the shelves in spring 2016. The year long story looks to refine and explore the Black Panther, for his upcoming role in Captain America: Civil War.
Marvel has worked with other celebrities including wrestling star CM Punk and field of comedian Bill Hader from SNL but have never worked with a national correspondent writer such as Mr. Coates. Mr. Coates has contributed to the literary field in various ways, including his role as national contributor for the Atlantic magazine. Along with his work as a national correspondent he is an author who has received a nomination for the National Book Award’s nonfiction prize for his book Between the World and Me. The book Between the World and Me focuses on racism and violence aimed at African Americans. The fact that he wrote a book addressing the topic of racism and violence in the African American community makes him a perfect candidate to write and explore a superhero like Black Panther. Coates’ background is important, as it allows him to relate to the ideas that Black Panther represents and allows for that core to be further explored.
The comic’s plot is focusing on Black Panther addressing a violent uprising, similar to what Coates wrote about, in his own country. To make matters more complicated these uprisings are sparked and created by a super terrorist group known as The People. This plot changes the Black Panther as the character has an element of realness to him rather than being in a comic book. The authenticity is generated by many factors including the rising threat of terrorist activities in the world today and in the comic. To further the genuine aspects, Black Panther’s home is located in fictional country in Africa where many terrorist attacks occur in the real world. These terrorist attacks involve factors including violence and racism. The comic goes beyond the pages of the Marvel Universe and expands to the real life as the same issues that Black Panther will face occur in our world.
Black Panther the comic is set for a release on spring 2016 looks to change and redefine who and what the Black Panther represents in the Marvel Universe.
Black Panther : A Nation Under Our Feet here.
