Black Panther leaps to the top of box offices

Newest Marvel movie breaks records since release

"Black Panther's" rise to fame is credited to its unique and sophisticated themes.

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“Black Panther’s” rise to fame is credited to its unique and sophisticated themes.

Rebecca Covington, Opinion Editor

Wakanda is mythical country located somewhere between Uganda and South Sudan and Rwanda. It is rich in vibranium, a resource that allows the camouflaged society to power its expansive technological systems. The inhabitants live free of the fear of colonization and epidemics, unlike other countries in Africa. The king is the Black Panther.

“Black Panther” can easily be identified as one of the best superhero movies of recent years. Earning a 97 percent approval rating from Rotten Tomatoes, the PG 13 movie started a movement by its representation of black people and African culture while attracted over $700 million in theaters since its release February 16.

The superhero movie directed by Ryan Coogler ( known for his movies “Fruitvale Station”, “Creed”) followed T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman) as he becomes king of the hidden technologically advanced African nation of Wakanda and ultimately the Black Panther. The story is a tale of black power and pride that attracted a diverse audience. As the first big budget movie with a majority black cast, “Black Panther” made for the biggest opening for an African American director and the second biggest superhero movie opening ever.

The film was such a hit among black audiences because it depicted a black man as a hero rather than a man in a film about slavery or drug addiction. Young black kids can see themselves as powerful, intelligent and dynamic characters like T’Challa and the female spy Nakia (Lupita Nyong’o). T’Challa first made his appearance in “Captain America: Civil War” where he was just another member of the Avengers. Now, in his own film, he made a bigger impact, able to dominate the narrative and the Internet as a new role model and superhero icon.

The bold movie came equipped with intense characters, such as antagonist Erik Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan). His natural and confident performance makes fans want to root for the villain rather than T’Challa. Themes of what is morally right are confronted as they apply to Wakanda and its ability to help the racism and unfairness in the world. Ultimately, “Black Panther” is complex and fresh, making it more than a Marvel superhero film.