Black Panther is a character that people like to bring up time and again. Who can blame ’em though? He’s a king, he’s a superhero, and a compelling character. Marvel back in its heyday was a juggernaut in the comics world, producing stories that DC just couldn’t compete with. Until both companies start to decline and try to get their act together. During that time is “Marvel Knights”, an attempt to refocus on certain characters. Marvel Knights: Black Panther is so notable there are two series. The latter of which is the topic of this post.
What is Marvel Knights: Black Panther?
Reginald Hudlin has a very divisive reputation with his work on the Black Panther. Some of his work goes into the field of activism. To quote an animation critic “a writer/artist had an opinion on whatever issue; social justice, feminism, gun control, and the problem is most of them had no clue what they were doing”. A video by Atop-the-Fourth-Wall in particular highlights how Wakanda monopolizes a cure for cancer but keep it to themselves. It’s presented as a means of keeping a potential weapon out of the wrong hands; but this looks more like an anti-Western world view. The world does have the Geneva Conventions.
But before the black caricatures really become apparent, the initial story features Wakanda in Who is the Black Panther?. This first trade brings King T’Challa and his country in full view. This includes their advanced technology through its abundant resource vibranium. But a special focus is on Black Panther’s rivalry with Ulysses Klaw, his father’s murderer.
While casual readers enjoy this series, critics were less enthused because of how much of an info dump there was. Not to mention most of the villainous characters don’t even act like people. The US government in particular have a portrayal as more highly exploitive than usual. John Romita Jr.’s artwork meanwhile is kind of a hit-or-miss.
Bringing Marvel Knights: Black Panther to Life
That’s where the Black Panther animated TV series comes in. The animation is presented more as a motion comic using Romita’s style, bringing life and atmosphere. The series first airs in Australia on 2010 and later in the US by 2011. Nowadays, Marvel put the whole thing on display their YouTube channel under the more fitting title of Marvel Knights Animation – Black Panther.
Rather than rely on comic history, the series uses whatever means to make it better. The action scenes in particular are fluid and well animated and nothing feels stunted compared to most motion comics. Couple this with a catchy Bantu-esque theme song that feels at home (Wakanda Weh T’Challa) and you have something that will definitely keep people’s attention.
Small Changes and Small Mistakes
However what really makes this story more bearable is some very necessary changes. For one thing the US officials are let off the hook in the comic. However by the end of the show the new president (a Barack Obama pastiche no less) chews out the staff responsible. With his new administration handling relations with Wakanda, things appear to be fine.
Then there is the exposition; unlike the comic where explanations are over the place, some decent visuals accompany a more fluid story. Especially in regards to Klaw who shows much more character than just being the villain. He’s charming and plays people’s egos to his advantage, especially in the way he recruits his team. Including one member that changes everything.
Retroactive Input
In the Who is the Black Panther? story Klaw hires Rhino as the muscle for his operation. Hudlin probably includes Rhino for aesthetic purposes with the African setting. However, critics complain that Rhino being beaten by sleep gas seems like a waste. They probably wanted a fight where Black Panther replaces Spider-Man due to his similarly acrobatic fighting styles.
In the animated format, Rhino is replaced by the Juggernaut. This one change makes everything seam together so well. Juggernaut is all but invulnerable making the sleep gas a more legitimate strategy. But using an X-Men villain also allows the inclusion of one of the more notable parts of Black Panther; his love to X-Men mainstay Storm. The Bride storyline is a little rushed so this part fleshes T’Challa out a bit. Especially since it’s going to be a while before their marriage in real time.
As for the Captain America fight involving T’Challa’s grandfather, it wasn’t a one-sided battle; Cap still lost but it could have gone either way. Unfortunately despite all the improvements, the cliffhanger featuring Cannibal seems to upset a few fans. It seems that something was supposed to go on after that but never comes to fruition.
Wakanda Weh T’Challa
So while this show retains a lot of the problems people have with Hudlin including his Author Tract; it still makes a better run than the initial one. When it comes to adaptations, you have use the medium’s strengths and know how to make something better. Whether it is the animation presenting the story or just making a subtle change, it can make all the difference. Overall the adaptation gets an 8/10 for making a better story that feels like a comic book but leaves the audience with more than they can deliver.