TV Review: ‘Eyes Of Wakanda’ Expands ‘Black Panther’ Lore
by Mal White
ICYMI, Todd Harris’ Eyes of Wakanda is a fantastic addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The series connects the past with the future through thrilling action sequences, a stunning hand-painted animation style, surprising appearances, and tons of Easter eggs. Fans even get a peek at a future Black Panther. Released August 1st, the anthology mini-series is available for streaming in its entirety on Disney+.
The series follows the stories of four Hatut Zeraze — or “War Dogs” — on undercover missions beyond Wakandan borders as they retrieve stolen technologies. Each episode takes place in a different age, following different War Dogs on their field missions. From the ancient world to the future, each story explores the nuances and ramifications of Wakanda’s relationship with the outside world.
It begins with Noni (Winnie Harlow) in 1260 B.C. The disgraced Dora Milaje is recruited to pursue “The Lion” Nkati (Cress Williams), a rogue War Dog who stole technology to establish his godhood in the outside world. Nkati sought freedom and implored a free-thinking Noni to join him. That freedom comes at a cost, however. Noni and Nkati’s struggle kicks off our foray across time and showcases the first impact of Wakandan technology on the larger world.
The second episode, “Legends and Lies,” connects Wakanda to myth in this Iliad retelling. War Dog N’Baki (Larry Herron) is undercover as Memnon in Troy, fighting alongside brother-in-arms and legendary warrior Achilles (Adam Michael Gold). N’Baki’s success comes at a high price when he’s forced to turn on his friend.
Wakandan technology has advanced from the sand-produced projections shown in the first episode. N’Baki uses a vibranium communication device and a spyglass that, incredibly, zooms in to spy on Paris (Yerman Gur) and Helen (Joanna Kalafatis) in their palace. Fans may also recognize an iteration of his vibranium arm in the MCU. What’s more incredible, Wakanda has already identified the healing properties of the heart-shaped herb, which N’Baki uses as a spray to heal his wound.
This advancement is kicked up several thousand notches in Episode 3, “Lost and Found.” Here, War Dog Basha (Jacques Colimon) travels to China in 1,400 B.C. to retrieve the vibranium from a sacred statue. Successful, he returns to Wakanda in a vibranium-enhanced glider. Only, his lover, Jorani (Jona Xiao), has stowed away to return the stolen artifact. The episode again questions Wakandan methods and shows the potential irresponsibility of their interference with other nations.
The episode adds another mythic figure to Wakandan history, though this time from the Marvel Universe. I personally loved that the glider resembles a secretary bird, a bird of prey native to Africa. They soar rather than flap their wings, which tires them out quickly. This may have inspired the Wakandan design.
The last episode, “The Last Panther,” follows Kuda (Steve Toussaint) and Prince Tafari (Zeke Alton) in Ethiopia during the first Italo-Ethiopian War. Tafari retrieves a very familiar vibranium axe during the battle. On their return home, however, they encounter a future Black Panther (Anika Noni Rose). She reveals that future Wakanda has fallen to alien invaders due to its isolationist stance. She implores them to save Wakanda by returning the axe, as it will be the catalyst in opening Wakanda to the world.
Some may balk at the far advancement of Wakandan technology or the inconsistent historical elements depicted (the Viking shieldmaiden and Ronin swordsman, for instance). These elements, while fantastic, don’t distract from overall enjoyment. Remember, the 616 universe is Earth-inspired. Wakandan technology is used to protect and improve the lives of its citizens, not to maximize profits. Wakanda is not a capitalist nation.
Perhaps most exciting, the series assumed the first event position in the MCU’s Sacred Timeline. Anchored by the vibranium axe, the story weaves Wakandan history across time to Black Panther (2018). Literally. This is thanks to the collaboration between Marvel Studios Animation and director Ryan Coogler‘s production company, Proximity Media.
Eyes of Wakanda gives Marvel plenty of material to mine while telling an action-packed, thought-provoking story.
