Here is a guy who never explains
Black Panther's first appearance in "Captain America: Civil War" might confuse Marvel comic fans. The opening scene, where Captain America, Black Widow, Falcon, and the Scarlet Witch attempted to stop Brock Rumbow from stealing a biological weapon, took place in Lagos. If you know geography well enough, then this bustling metropolis would be the largest city in Nigeria. But Rumbow's death resulted to the death of several humanitarian workers from Wakanda. It was followed by the death of T'Chaka, which prompted his son, T'Challa, to seek vengeance.
Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely penned a script that would continue the narrative from "Captain America: The Winter Soldier" and "Avengers: Age of Ultron", which wasn't an easy feat. Hardcore Marvel comic fans might dispute it, having forgotten the fact that there have been too many plots in the comics. It would be best in a TV series, which producers of Marvel Studios have thought for some time. Filmmaking would be tricky, as there was so much to tell. Again, Marvel took years to come up with the three phases of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). There was no mistake about Black Panther's screen debut.
T'Challa was a man of mystery, which Chadwick Boseman depicted on the big screen. There were several reasons why Marvel Studios included him in the MCU. Stan Lee and Jack Kirby didn't create another superhero, as Black Panther could be a significant character. Let's have a look:
If you read enough Adventure fiction, then you have an idea where Wakanda was located. Perhaps Markus and McFeely would pertain to Wakandan humanitarian workers in Lagos, as this fictional nation happened to be a wealthy African kingdom. Lee and Kirby imagined it was located in the African Rift Valley, which wasn't a surprise. H. Rider Haggard thought of civilizations predating Ancient Egypt, which once flourished in that fertile region. (Let's not forget the Lost City of Zinj in Michael Crichton's "Congo".) Technology would make it possible to locate objects, which could be proof of the African continent nurturing the first urban civilization. Alas, the African Rift Valley was home to the continent's active volcanoes. Layers of lava would keep mankind from the greatest discovery in history.
Stan Lee and Jack Kirby did think of Superman. Vibranium, which made Captain America's shield indestructible, had chemical properties similar to lead and steel. Lee and Kirby thought of a meteorite that crashed into the eastern part of Africa. The inhabitants of Wakanda figured out that this rock from outer space contained high levels of vibranium. It could turn their kingdom into a mighty realm, so they were wise enough to isolate themselves (from the rest of the world). Some might wonder if it could also be the meteorite that killed dinosaurs. It might be possible, but Lee and Kirby were too geeky to think of other possibilities. It would be Smallville.
The ills of colonization could be seen in the history of Wakanda. Either Lee and Kirby were passionate about history or they have taken part in the African safari tours many times. The citizens of Wakanda were aware that the meteorite would make their kingdom vulnerable to those who would exploit it (for their personal gain). They were smart to utilize it, even built a fortress within the dense jungle. (Viewers would notice in the mid-end credits scene in "Captain America: Civil War".) It was hard to tell if Lee and Kirby were being politically correct, as it was no secret that colonial powers were responsible for the Africa of present day. Some might have even imagined Wakanda as a what-might-have-been scenario (if Africans learned from the ills of colonization), which would leave a bitter taste in their mouth.
Black Panther could be a political figure during America's troubled times. Before Luke Cage, Tyroc, and Black Lightning became familiar figures to Marvel comics fans, Black Panther was the first black superhero in mainstream comics. Interestingly, his name might be linked to the Black Panther Party. (Lee would elaborate on it, recalling a pulp adventure character that gave him and Kirby a great idea. The rest was history.) Many African Americans have made great strides, but equality would still be an issue. And African issues have an impact on the rest of the world. This won't make Black Panther a fairy-tale character.
T'Challa wasn't Clark Kent, not even Bruce Wayne. Lee and Kirby didn't create another regular Joe who accidentally discovered his superpower, as T'Challa came from a royal family who ruled Wakanda. They were protective of their culture, which was the reason behind their xenophobic attitude towards America. (Discerning viewers could perceive it in "Captain America: Civil War".) They only have a few words. And Wakanda's wealth would turn them into neutral characters in the Marvel comic stories. "Captain America: Civil War" showed Black Panther's tentative alliance with Iron Man, but the two ended up fighting each other. This would be one of the stories, which the screenwriters of Marvel Studios might consider (or not). As for Black Panther's villains, it won't be hard to guess that they were interested in getting their share of vibranium. Think of Achebe, which would ring a bell to those who are familiar of African literature. Let's not forget Ulysses Klaue.
Lee and Kirby created a fascinating world, where T'Challa kept a safe distance from his fellow superheroes. But he had a one-on-one with Wolverine. He even married Storm. Fans are hoping that they'll appear together in the big screen, but it will be up to 20th Century Fox. There will be more, though.
