Savannah college of art and design

Ytasha L. Marvel and the publishing company Quarto reached out to her, offering a unique opportunity to write a book contributing to the narrative of this iconic character. Ytasha explains that she wanted to look at the elements within the storylines that were pulled from real-life events and some common and uncommon mythologies.

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This pivotal moment occurred in the heart of the civil rights movement and just before the establishment of the Black Panther Party. Ytasha explains how subsequent creators have drawn inspiration from global histories and the Black experience, infusing the character with stories of oppression and triumph over the years. The book acts as a time capsule, featuring iconic artwork and quotes spanning decades of Marvel comics.

It became a very tangible example for many people of what Afrofuturism was in both a visual sense, a theoretical sense, a creative sense. The movie had such an immense impact that during its release Marvel exhibits began to talk about Black Panther as Afrofuturist says Ytasha.

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The comic provided the foundation for the character and central location, Wakanda. The comic draws upon several fascinating themes from what leadership looks like in a utopian world and whether or not a monarchy is an ideal form of government. Ytasha points out that Black Panther is in fact the monarch of Wakanda. The idea of negotiating and discussing what part of the past should go into the future including leadership styles, relationships to ancestors and community, along with the convergence of mysticism and technology, is generally how Afrofuturism is discussed in her other works as well.

As Ytasha looked into the cultural significance of Black Panther, she unearthed fascinating connections that might surprise even the most ardent fans. Ytasha says that Wakan is an ancestral realm or a realm in which all things are created similar to the one we see in Wakanda. According to Britannica, poisonous plants and reptiles can contain wakan, as can intoxicating drinks.

Through a ritual that has existed for generations, fruit from the flower is offered to one who is worthy to claim the mantle. Another intriguing revelation Ytasha discovered stems from Black Panther almost being named the Coal Tiger.