“It’s great to be able to delve into the world of Wakanda, see Black Panther’s lineage and heritage, and meet these amazing rich characters that surround him. To bring them to life, we put together a phenomenal cast. They are among the best that we've ever assembled.”

The inclusion of actors such as Michael B. Jordan (Erik Killmonger) and Lupita Nyong'o (Okoye) has undoubtedly added depth and richness to the narrative. The character dynamics between T'Challa and Killmonger help to raise the stakes and create an intriguing storyline.

Chadwick Boseman's T'Challa/Black Panther: A World Leader

Chadwick Boseman expressed what drew him to the character of T'Challa:

“T'Challa is smart. He's a strategist and that has always been something that stood out to me even in the comic books. He's a world leader and with that comes the responsibility for an entire nation and considering its place in the world. That's something that other Super Heroes don't commonly have but he must also uphold his legacy. It's an interesting combination.”

T'Challa's role as a world leader with the responsibilities of a nation’s governance adds a unique layer to his character, setting him apart from other superhero narratives. His strategic brilliance and leadership qualities are showcased throughout the film, highlighting why he holds a position of importance in the Marvel universe.

The Character's Journey and Leverage

Michael B. Jordan's character, Erik Killmonger, introduces additional complexity to the storyline. Introduced as a mercenary whose connection to Wakanda is gradually revealed, his presence adds tension and raises the stakes. As a character as lethal as Ulysses Klaue, his combat skills and background make him a formidable opponent to T'Challa. The film's narrative involves these characters uniting against T'Challa, which creates a high-stakes story that resonates with audiences.

Indeed, the character of Erik Killmonger has been less prominent in comics, and despite his significance, he hasn’t garnered more attention in the form of miniseries or standalone comics. This disparity could be attributed to several factors:

Reasons for Limited Attention

1. Unpopular with Readers? - Some readers may not have shown a significant demand for more stories featuring Michael B. Jordan's character. However, this is less likely given the positive reaction to his portrayal in the film.

2. Slow Down in Character Development? - Comic writers and creators often prioritize well-known figures such as Spider-Man, Superman, and Iron Man, which may slow down focus on new or lesser-known characters.

3. Marvel's Agenda? - Despite attempts to make Black Panther more prominent since the 2000s, the absence of more written material might also be a planned part of a broader strategy to save such characters for high-profile cinematic releases.

Marvel's efforts to establish a larger fan base for Black Panther are evident. The incorporation of his character in Captain America: Civil War and the upcoming solo film serves as a platform to increase his visibility and popularity. These steps demonstrate Marvel's strategic approach to growing the character's fan base.

Conclusion

While the character of Black Panther has received significant attention through films, the reasons for his limited prominence in comics and other media are multifaceted. However, with continued cinematic releases and a dedicated fan base, there is reason to believe that the character will achieve even greater success and recognition.