Black Panther Team Discuss the Shockwave the Comic Caused in the ’70s

Black Panther is one the most successful films of all time, breaking numerous sales record, even outside of already successful Marvel and superhero film standards. But to millions of its fans, the film is far more than simply a superhero film, it’s also a tentpole in the ongoing matter of civil rights.

Almost everything about the film put African American rights and culture on a pedestal. Black Panther featured a black protagonist, antagonist, and director, as well as a majority black cast. The land of Wakanda, and even how it’s people dressed, reflected a lifestyle that has rarely been depicted in the superhero setting.

In an interview promoting the film’s upcoming Digital and Retail release, the minds behind the original ‘70s comic run sat down with some of the writers and filmmakers from the 2018 movie. One of the comic’s writers, Don McGregor, spoke about the difference between pop culture surrounding the comic’s initial release.

“There weren’t obviously a lot of black characters [in the 1970s],” McGregor said. “I wish we had the backing in terms of people believing in the product. They felt they were giving me a book that was going to die.”

Despite this, McGregor and the rest of the team behind the first run of the comic series of the Black Panther pushed forward.

The character continued to break boundaries. Not only was he an African king, rich, and smart, he single-handedly defeated Marvel’s premier family at the time, the Fantastic Four. This was all being delivered to a largely white, male demographic during a time of civil unrest, near the peak of the civil rights movement.

This interview is simply one of the many bonus features that will come with the upcoming release of Black Panther. Own the film on Digital, Movies Anywhere, and 4K UHD May 8, 2018, and Blu-ray May 15, 2018.

Andrew McMahon

Andrew has been in love with video game ever since his brother was forced by their parents to let him watch him and his friends play games like Goldeneye and Super Mario 64.