Black Panther
Black Panther
| 16 January 2010 (USA)
SEASON & EPISODES
  • 1
  • Reviews
    Amari-Sali

    I discovered the existence of this cartoon on Tumblr and found myself shocked that one of the few characters left for Marvel to bring to the big screen had a cartoon released in 2010, in Australia, and 2011 on America's BET, and I knew nothing of it. What makes this even the more interesting is the fact a lot of well-known African-Americans and the would-be real life Black Panther Djimon Hounsou, take part in this production. I'm glad I found out it existed though for the 6 episodes in the series were really something.To begin, let's go over story. Over the 6 episodes the show established the mysticism of the Black Panther and the land he reigns over known as Wakanda. The Black Panther is as a symbol for an almost Atlantis type civilization which finds itself far beyond the technology of the outside world with their thanks being to the spirit of the great panther. Naturally though, the story doesn't focus on the history of Wakanda and its growth into a small, but well known, almost superpower. Instead, it seems almost like a cartoon made for High School level kids to teach about colonialism, the exploitations and manipulation of the African continent, while presenting entertainment. For me, that was the most pleasantly surprising bit about this movie. As much as it was entertaining with its own, sort of, unique animation style, it also presented history in a way which wasn't tedious to watch. Now, of course it doesn't go deep into the issues of apartheid, as well as Europe and America's exploitation of the African continent, but it does touch on the issues in such a way which makes you really feel like they went as far as they could with this show. Which also includes a bit of violence. Now, the violence isn't Quentin Tarantino level, but it does feature people getting dismembered and there is blood. It isn't graphic enough though that a teenager growing up in this day and age couldn't handle it.But, the show does have some issues. For one, the African-Americans actresses: Kerry Washington, Jill Scott and Alfre Woodard do African accents which sound strange, but remind you that you don't really know what anyone from a country on the African continent would sound like. Also, be it because it is a cartoon or the occasional off writing, the show has bad jokes/ puns scattered throughout the series which ever so slightly take away from the coolness of everything. But besides those few issues, and the fact it is left on a cliff-hanger with no season 2, there isn't anything majorly wrong about this series.Overall: Go Watch ItThe Black Panther is one of the few major Black, though technically African, superheroes there are. With that, he pretty much gets neglected outside of the comic book world. Yes, there have been hints in the Marvel movies and there is the rare pop up in the cartoons, but considering the only cartoon featuring people of color, at least that I know of, is The Boondocks, it doesn't hurt to have options. I just wish between BET and Marvel, there would be some type of agreement for a season 2. This is definitely a potentially controversial series, but considering BET had for years honed solely on urban music until competition from TVOne and others came about, this is the type of series you'd think they would invest in to try to reestablish themselves for Black Entertainment and not simply just urban entertainment.

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    Rectangular_businessman

    This was a decent and well done animated series. Even when the plot of this isn't something incredibly complex or deep, it was very entertaining to watch.I liked a lot the artwork, and the limited style of the animation reminded some of the old '60s Marvel Superheroes show (In other words, it feels more like a motion comic rather than an actual animated series, but I don't have any problem with that. This isn't at the same level as the great motion comic "Broken Saints", tough.)The voice acting is good, and the overall plot kept my interest from beginning to end. It won't be the best animated adaptation of one Marvel comic, but it was interesting anyway.

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    middtenn

    Art style was great but the animation style leaves something to be desired. The voice casting did a great job. Actors provided a living feel to all the characters. I was impressed with the selection of the villains. This story is definitely adult oriented. Storyline has such depth and complexity. I enjoyed how the story did not become a predictable, canned retelling of the origin of the Black Panther. The strong African nation that resolves it's own destiny is excellent. Unfortunately to end the story with such one sided politics shows poor judgment for a story that should have remained non-partisan. Still would recommend watching 98% of the movie.

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    jjer-801-697287

    I thought this series was excellent! When is it coming to TV or DVD? Great storyline, great use of the motion comic animation style (using John Romita's artwork), GREAT choice in the voice actors. I can't wait to see what they do with this series next!They need to adapt this into a movie, using the voice talent as the actors. Djimon Hounsou?! Kerry Washington? Jill Scott?! This is cinematic gold!I have never seen an animated series like this. Way to go, Reginald & Co.! This needs to be on TV somewhere -- BET (I'm guessing they helped develop it from the production credits) or Cartoon Network's Adult Swim.WOW. That was great. Google it!

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