While moviegoers were just introduced to the wonders of Wakanda in theCaptain America: Civil Warcredits scene, comic book readers have been exploring the wealthiest and most technologically-advances nation in the Marvel universe for decades. Now, they’re about to get the opportunity to delve even deeper into the culture and stories of T’Challa’s kingdom in the newly announced ongoing seriesBlack Panther: World of Wakanda!.
The first arc has an excellent writing duo behind it, withRoxane Gay(Bad Feminist) and the best-sellingBlackPantherwriterTa-Nehisi Coatesteaming up to co-pen with artwork byAlitha E. Martinez. Even better, the story will focus on two Wakandan warrior women, Ayo and Aneka, members of Black Panther’s elite squad of female bodyguards, called the Dora Milaje.
“Under the leadership of Ayo and Aneka, the Dora Milaje decide to expand their mission, to not only serve as protection for Black Panther, but to also right wrongs, particularly against women, in Wakanda and around the world,” Gay said in a press release. “They also have to deal with the repercussions of Aneka murdering a village chieftain, as well as a threat from within.”
The first issue will also feature will feature a 10-page backup story co-written byYona Harvey(Hemming the Water) and Coates, with artwork byAfua Richardsonfocusing on Zenzi, the mysterious and powerful co-leader of powerful rebel group The People, who are currently causing a ruckus in Coates’Black Pantherseries. A companion piece to Coates' ongoing Black Panther run, each subsequent arc ofWorld of Wakandawill focus on the characters of Wakanda and its surrounding nations.
“Black Panther: World of Wakanda!offers a new canvas for storytelling in the Marvel Universe where top-tier talent can explore the limitless possibility of the world of Black Panther,” says Marvel EiC, Axel Alonso. “Roxane, Alitha, Yona and Afua are crafting a series that is essential reading because it takes readers even deeper into the hearts and minds of the rich array of characters introduced in Ta-Nehisi’s groundbreaking story and further positions them for greatness within the Marvel Universe.” The new series will hit stands this November.
