Marvel Studios made several exciting announcements today about upcoming movies that will further develop the Marvel universe. Some of the announcements involved familiar names from the Avengers, and some were about new names to the big screen. Names that Marvel Comics fans will instantly recognize but film fans will have to get to know. Of note were upcoming movies for Doctor Strange, Captain Marvel, and The Black Panther. I will try to highlight the others in future blog posts, but let’s look at the character that, I think, is most exciting; The Black Panther. The first picture is the way he looked in one of his earlier comic books. He’s changed over the years, but this is basically how he started.
The second picture is the teaser image, just released today, of the cinematic version due out in theatres November 2017.
It was also announced today that Chadwick Boseman, the actor who played Jackie Robinson in 42, and James Brown in Get On Up will play the Black Panther.
I read a few of Black Panther comics as a kid, but I honestly couldn’t recall enough specifics to formulate a decent description of the comic book version of the Black Panther. I just remember him as being really cool. However, I found this simple description on comicvine.com … “T’Challa is the Black Panther, Former king of Wakanda, one of the most technologically advanced nations on Earth. He is among the top intellects of the world, a veteran Avenger, and a member of the Illuminati. Using his powers and abilities, he has pledged his fortune, powers, and life to the service of all mankind.” … For a much more lengthy and complete description, go to the Black Panther page on comicvine.com. To see all of the exciting details announced by Marvel Studios about upcoming movies, check it out at EW.com here.
ScottCahan.com 
A little off topic, but I thought I’d mention the new show Constantine, featuring a lesser known DC character. John Constantine is a sorcerer — I know this is an issue for you — who tried to save a girl from demonic possession by summoning another demon. It didn’t end well. With his soul damned, Constantine tries to use his remaining time to make amends and protect the innocent. Whether the “making amends” part is enough to balance the “summoned a demon” part, I will leave to your judgment. The show, which frankly wasn’t to my taste, is violent but in an action-adventure way rather than as grisly as a show like Walking Dead, for instance.
Anyway, I know you cover these shows and thought I would bring it to your attention. I’m interested in knowing what you think of the new Flash show, as well.
Thanks for the info on Constantine. I have to admit I had not heard of him yet. The premise sounds interesting to say the least. You may have noticed that I don’t venture into new TV shows too often. That’s simply because I don’t have time to keep up with them. I really don’t watch TV these days. The exception has been Once Upon A Time, which I’ve been watching on Netflix with my girls (12 and 10). However, if I had the time, I’d be watching Flash and Gotham, two new shows that look and sound really good, judging from the press I’ve seen on them. I keep thinking I need to find time to watch at least one episode of each so that I can make a comment on them.
My husband watches Gotham. He says it’s very, very dark. This keeps me from watching it, as he knows my tastes fairly well. I watch Flash if I’m not tied up writing. Flash is lighter fare, though with a similar soap-opera focus on who’s in love with who. The effects are well done, and they put an interesting spin on those great old cheesy Flash villains.
I watch Once Upon a Time, too! I like the different view of the old standby characters. I especially enjoy the over-arching progression of Regina from the jealous, bitter “wicked queen” to a more nuanced character struggling to be better for the sake of her son. I was hoping Rumple/Gold would change, too, but it seems not.