Black Panther (2018, Ryan Coogler)

An Introduction to the universe of Black Panther

Black Panther

 

Do you remember Age of Ultron? When the Avengers’ researches lead them to a dangerous arms dealer named Ulysses Klaue (Andy Serkis)? Wakanda was mentioned for the first time back then as Bruce Banner mangled the name. Both Tony Stark and Steve Rogers seemed to know at least a bit of that place, the home to what they call  "the strongest metal on earth": vibranium.

Vibranium is Wakanda’s strength, making it Africa’s, even the world’s most technologically advanced nation. Black Panther is the leader but also the guardian of that realm. Basically, the Plack Panther’s power comes from the vibranium that he consumes (a plant) but also the vibranium in his costumes. T’Chaka’s daughter Shuri has a huge state-of-the-art lab where she carries out her experiments, designs and creates Black Panther’s costumes and gadgets.
     

The Wakandans were aware of the impact it may have if the rest of the world discovers the power of the vibranium, so they decided to keep it safe by living hidden under a cloaking field. However, a few people knew: Howard and Tony Stark, Steve Rogers, the S.H.I.E.L.D. and the thug Ulysses Klaue who, with the help of King T’Chaka’s brother N’Jobu, managed to steal a small amount of vibranium and sell it to the highest bidder.      

Following the attack in Lagos where Captain America faced terrorist Crossbones, King T’Chaka held the Avengers responsible for the damage and showed his support to the Sokovia Accords, whereby the Avengers will act under the UN’s supervision.    

Sometime later, Prince T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman) accompanied the king to a UN ceremony in Vienna but failed to save his father from the bombing masterminded by Helmut Zemo (Daniel Brühl) against the Avengers.

T’Challa returns to Wakanda to prepare for his coronation. The ceremony is also an opportunity for the other tribes’ leaders to challenge the heir if any of them wants the throne.

At the same time, T’Challa’s cousin Erik "Killmonger" is preparing his revenge for his father’s death and allies with Ulysses Klaue to steal more vibranium. His arrival at Wakanda causes a division and war between those who wants to live in peace and those who wants to rule the world. 

Bottom-line: the Black Panther storyline is cleverly linked to the other Avengers movies (Age of Ultron, Captain America).

SEE ALSO

The Avengers (2012)
Thor (2011)