Friday, March 29, 2024
HomenewsNew Jersey author of "Wakanda Forever" Introduces West African Culture to A...

New Jersey author of “Wakanda Forever” Introduces West African Culture to A Large Audience.

Obviously, “Black Panther” is a Marvel comic book and film series. As part of that franchise, “Wakanda Forever,” a feature-length picture nominated for five Academy Awards, is currently in theatres. On February 15, a special edition comic book volume was released, to which a professor from a New Jersey university contributed significantly.

In recognition of Black History Month, “Wakanda Forever #1” is a collection of stories written and illustrated entirely by Black writers. Sheena Howard, a communications, journalism, and media professor at Rider University, authored one of the new “Wakanda Forever” pieces.

Obviously, “Black Panther” is a Marvel comic book and film series. As part of that franchise, “Wakanda Forever,” a feature-length picture nominated for five Academy Awards, is currently in theatres. On February 15, a special edition comic book volume was released, to which a professor from a New Jersey university contributed significantly.

In recognition of Black History Month, “Wakanda Forever #1” is a collection of stories written and illustrated entirely by Black writers. Sheena Howard, a communications, journalism, and media professor at Rider University, authored one of the new “Wakanda Forever” pieces.

Having a major character who resembles her is crucial to storytelling, according to Howard.

The professor stated, “Thus, I sometimes get to contribute to the aesthetic, so that we can achieve greater diversity in the appearance of female superheroes.”

This is one way in which Howard utilizes the comic book medium to introduce more aspects of African ancestry to a broad audience.

“The reaction I’ve had over the years from the African-American community has been, ‘Hey, we want to see some African mythology in these comics, given they’re traditionally based on Greek mythology,'” she explained.

She included Anansi, the spider figure from West African legend, to her “Wakanda Forever” story in response to demand and due to her own personal goals, according to Howard.

In Howard’s story, Chante, like Anansi, must rely on his intelligence to overcome formidable obstacles.

Prof. Howard stated, “[She is] learning that her physical prowess is not always enough to win a fight; she must also utilise her intelligence.” “So, I utilise the Anansi spider fable to illustrate my argument to this young dora milaje trainee.”

Howard is a Black woman with a Ph.D. who, at least in her comics-writing profession, works in a field where she is one of very few individuals who resemble her. She stated that being unique allows her work to stand out.

“When I start to create my stories, I am constantly asking myself, ‘What can I do to make them unique? What can I bring to Marvel and DC that hasn’t already been done?'”

“I am not constrained by what a comic book tale is expected to be.”

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Parvesh
Parvesh
Parvesh is the Content Writer for New Jersey Local News. Here at New Jersey Local News, she covers local news of New Jersey state. Moreover, Parvesh likes to dance and listen to music. She also finds time in her hectic schedule to relax and spend time with loved ones.
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