The Striking Parallels of the Black Panther’s Journey and What It Means for Shuri Moving Forward

If you’ve been following my blog or my Twitter page recently you will know that I LOVE Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. I was already excited about the movie but when I actually sat in my local IMAX theater and watched it I was blown away by its profound storytelling and awe-inspiring moments. Shuri commanded the screen as the film’s lead and Namor pierced my heart with his searing performance, instantly joining my personal pantheon of favorite Marvel characters.

The movie, now having received five Academy Award nominations including Best Supporting Actress for Angela Basset, is filled with layers upon layers of details that make the film all the more rewarding. But a striking detail that I actually discovered several months ago but have only now decided to share is the fascinating parallels between T’Challa and Shuri’s journeys as the Black Panther. Let’s dive deeper.

‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ At Home

When I watched this movie four months ago I was blown away by how powerful this film was. I already liked Black Panther but its sequel feels like a masterpiece in comparison.

I’ve now watched this movie twice in two days once it dropped on Disney+ and that’s because it is beyond outstanding. From the costume design to the action sequences, from the characters to the profoundly moving story, all the way to the fact that this is, in part, a dedication to a real man who died unexpectedly: Chadwick Boseman. The fact that Ryan Coogler was able to deliver an origin story for Namor, an origin story for Shuri’s Black Panther, and still allow it to be a tale about grief in the waking of Boseman’s passing is astounding.

‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ After a Second Viewing

Two weeks ago I watched Black Panther: Wakanda Forever for the first time and like four years ago with Black Panther, I was overcome with emotion by the power of seeing so many beautiful, smart, and powerful POC on the big screen. This time, the movie was laced with a new emotion though, grief. Grief and vengeance are at the heart of this movie in a way that could’ve easily felt overwhelming or mishandled. Instead, what transpires is a superhero epic that at times feels grander than most superhero movies.

Every action scene feels a little longer and a bit more visceral, especially compared to Black Panther. Every section of dialogue feels important and interesting, And the music in this superhero film is the best I’ve heard in any superhero movie ever. It’s astoundingly good.

Where Does ‘Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings’ Rank in the Marvel Cinematic Universe?

I’m fresh off of a three-week Marvel marathon and I’ve seen Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings so it’s time to do a major revamp on this MCU ranking list. Some movies and series will stay where they are in the list but I have definitely garnered new feelings for several of this franchise’s installments. So, with no further delay, let’s see where Shang-Chi ends up.

28. The Incredible Hulk

It’s still at the bottom of the list and most likely, always will. But at least we will be getting Abomination’s return in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings and She-Hulk, meaning this ugly duckling of the franchise is finally starting to become a bit more relevant again.

27. Thor

I’ve acquired a slight fondness for this movie since the last time I watched it. It’s got one of the most emotional and best acted scenes in the MCU between Tom Hiddleston and Anthony Hopkins and it’s funnier than expected too. But…and that’s a very large but, it just isn’t that great. It never has been.

26. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2

I know some people love this movie but I’m not one of them. It’s a visually impressive film and Ego is a decent villain but this movie just doesn’t strike me as fun, funny, or fantastic.

A Special Fan Art Saturday

Last year on this day we lost a great man, Chadwick Boseman, who impacted the world with his presence on and offscreen. His death is one of the saddest tragedies in recent memory that I can remember but his legacy lives on through his work and his powerful message. Today, I’d like to honor him with a special edition of my Fan Art posts. Enjoy!

Illustrated by Yafi Veda Oktavinanda

While I could not find the artist who drew this it is truly marvelous in its simplicity.

By smile_z

This is another piece by an artist I could not find but it is very clear this piece is gorgeous and maybe even tear-inducing.

Illustrated by Uzuri Art

Just putting this post together has gotten me quite a bit emotional actually. Chadwick Boseman was a beautiful person and I thank him for bringing such a powerful, good, inspiring character to the big screen for my own children to see one day.

R.I.P Chadwick Boseman.

I thank you for reading and I hope you have a lovely day.

Where Does ‘Loki’ Rank in the Marvel Cinematic Universe?

Black Widow is out and having seen it twice, once in IMAX and once at home on Disney+, I can honestly say it’s one of the best Marvel movies. But where does it stack up against the other installments in the MCU? Let’s find out, shall we.

27. The Incredible Hulk

It’s still at the bottom of the list and most likely, always will. But at least we will be getting Abomination’s return in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings and She-Hulk, meaning this ugly duckling of the franchise is finally starting to become a bit more relevant again.

26. Iron Man 3

I can’t tell you the last time I enjoyed this movie. Oh, actually I can. In 2013 when I saw it the first two times in theaters. Since then, Iron Man 3 has become a pointless sequel that barely adds any value to the MCU. But the Ben Kingsley-plot twist with The Mandarin is still one of the more hilarious surprises in the franchise.