Marvel initiates marketing for Black Panther, its first African hero
Now that DC Comic's Wonder Woman is generating praise both critically and for its determined use of a female lead and director, Marvel has issued a retort, a trailer for Black Panther, its first standalone movie leading with a black – and African – character.
Set in the fictional African nation of Wakanda, King T'Challa doubles as superhero Black Panther, following an introduction in Captain America: Civil War. Cynics could follow the line that the reveal has been issued to cut short industry and audience jubilation around the success of Wonder Woman.
A teaser for the movie was aired during the NBA finals game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors. Coming in at almost two minutes, the trailer marks the activation of Marvel's marketing for the Black Panther - a process that culminates in the launch some time February 2018.
A poster was also unveiled, that helped activate the social media channels and gained substantial leverage on social media. In it, as seems to be the norm for the studio, the Black Panther is unmasked – and sitting upon his nation's throne.
The movie is directed by Ryan Coogler and stars Chadwick Boseman as T'Challa.