What began as a podcast celebrating the diversity of Marvel Comics has turned into a fully-fledged comic book series with an individual focus on creators and characters. Marvel’s Voices is a series of one-shots that gives representation to superheroes from minority communities and lends a voice to the writers and artists associated with the LGBTQ+ movement. To celebrate Black History Month, the latest iteration of the title features tales from a land where panthers roar high and mighty. Marvel’s Voices: Wakanda Forever #1 tells stories from the proud nation of Wakanda, home of Black Panther, written by Adam Serwer, Dr. Sheena C. Howard and others, artwork from the likes of Alitha E. Martinez, Juni Ba, Dee Cunniffe and lettering from VC’s Joe Sabino.
Marvel’s Voices: Wakanda Forever #1 is an anthology of five different tales with five separate protagonists that reignite the age-old discourse on tradition and modernity As a country, Wakanda has always nurtured its own cultural and religious beliefs away from the prying eyes of colonizers. When destructive forces outside the borders rear their head and conscience starts to grow within the people, the stories are here to witness the milestones as it happens. The book opens with an intense foreword from New York Times bestselling author Frederick Joseph, who reminds audiences of the relevance of Marvel Studios’ Black Panther movies in the greater socio-political context of the world.
“The Old Ways,” by Karama Horne, follows a troubled T’Challa trying to rout betrayal from within his close associates. As the Black Panther convenes with his ancestors and former kings, opinions vary. Even if they show benevolence or wisps of radical thought, they are largely bound to Wakanda’s isolationist philosophies. Alitha E. Martinez and Rachelle Rosenberg’s artwork makes the characters stoic figures, with the heavy inking often clashing with ethereal colors. The best entry in the book comes next from Adam Serwer. Young Changamire is bold and parrots the same dogma as his elders, yet he has never set foot outside. His journey causes him to realize the faults in his beliefs, and he becomes more open-minded, helped by Joe Sabino’s well-spaced texts.
Murewa Ayodele’s “Remember the Name” may not make a similar emotional impact, but the foreboding tale is a testament to the Black Panther’s resolve to protect their home world, no matter who takes up the mantle. Akande’s simple lines and Cunniffe’s lighter tones are antithetical to the death and destruction. Next up, Dr. Sheena C. Howard and Marcus Williams’s story weaves folklore into an important life lesson to give depth to a simple training montage.
More than his dynamic line work, Williams’s colors play a vital role in creating an uplifting environment. The folklore looks like something straight out of a classic fairy tale, while the swashbuckling scenes of hand-to-hand combat let the Dora Milaje shine. Last but not the least, “The Last Black Panther” by Juni Ba is a stunning piece of visual storytelling. The plot is simple and poetic, but the unique stylization is what makes this story memorable.
Marvel’s Voices: Wakanda Forever #1 combines individual voices and form a resounding roar. There are moments when the characters question the old ideas of the past, and even themselves. Eventually, as they rise above prejudice, battle their fears and break barriers, the book becomes a beacon of pride for cultural heritage, not just for the characters, but for the writers and artists whose views and arguments reflect the changing viewpoints of the world.
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