10 things you should know about the black panther

The much anticipated "Black Panther" is finally upon us and here are 10 things you need to know about the Marvel movie.
Here's what critics are saying about Black Panther
Black Panther is the 1st solo black superhero movie in Marvel’s current cinematic universe. (Marvel)
Marvel’s "Black Panther " hits cinemas this weekend and here are 10 things you should know about it.
Pulse Movies has put together 10 things you should know about Marvel's latest superhero movie.

1. "Black Panther" is an American superhero film based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name.

The character was created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, and first appeared in the pages of Marvel Comics in 1966 in “Fantastic Four No. 52.”

1. Historical Importance of Black Panther
   The movie has historical importance because it is the first Marvel film to feature a black protagonist, a black director and a predominately black cast.

It is also the first ever black superhero film in mainstream comics.

1. "Black Panther" is directed by Ryan Coogler from a screenplay by him and Joe Robert Cole, and stars Chadwick Boseman as T'Challa / Black Panther.

The women of Black Panther styled by Ade Samuel
The women of Black Panther styled by Ade Samuel (ESSENCE)
It also stars Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong'o, Danai Gurira, Martin Freeman, Daniel Kaluuya, Letitia Wright, Winston Duke, Angela Bassett, Forest Whitaker, and Andy Serkis.

1. It also features Nigerian-Born actress Sola Aluko as Shaman, a powerful primal leader who calls upon nature spirits for aid or guidance.

Interview with Sope Aluko, the Nigerian in Black Panther
Interview with Sope Aluko, the Nigerian in Black Panther

1. The movie is set in the fictional nation of Wakanda
   T’Challa is the king of Wakanda, a fictional African country which is rich in a metal called Vibranium. This metal defies the laws of science by absorbing sound waves, vibrations and kinetic energy.

As a result of Vibranium, Wakanda operates on an advanced technology. Captain America's shield is popularly made from this metal.

T'Challa's father hid the nation from the world in order to protect the highly sought-after Vibranium.

1. A Black Panther movie has been in development since 1992
   26years ago, Wesley Snipes announced his intention to develop and star in a movie based on the comic book character.

Issues ranging from script to Snipes' busy schedule delayed the project until it was abandoned indefinitely. In 2014, Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige announced a "Black Panther" movie with Boseman as the lead actor.

1. T'Challa has bad-ass personal bodyguards
   Known as Dora Milaje (which translates to the “Adored Ones”), T'Challa's body guards are a group of fierce young women recruited from every tribe of Wakanda.

In "Black Panther," Dora Milaje are led by Okoye, played by Danai Gurira, Michonne of “The Walking Dead."

"'Black Panther' is the best MCU movie ever."
"'Black Panther' is the best MCU movie ever." (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)

1. What critics are saying about "Black Panther"
   Critics' first reaction to the anticipated superhero "Black Panther" movie has been intensely positive.

The movie has been described as one of Marvel’s most ambitious works yet. Michael B. Jordan’s Erik Killmonger has also been praised for owning every scene he is in.

Black Panther is a spectacular celebration of cinematic elegance
Black Panther is a spectacular celebration of cinematic elegance (Marvel )

1. Already, it has set pre-sales records as Marvel's fastest-selling movie in the first 24 hours and is on track to open to $160 Million at U.S. Box Office.

This would make it the biggest domestic debut for a black filmmaker in movie history.

1. "Black Panther" made his debut in the 2015 "Captain America: Civil War." He will be seen next in the most anticipated movie of 2018, "Avengers: Infinity War