T’Challa: The Benevolent King

Back once again with another Marvel themed blog today. This time around with one of our newest and relatively unknown characters: the young king of Wakanda and keeper of the Black Panther mantle: T’Challa. Once you get past the vibranium, the mysticism and technological advances of Wakanda, the story is relatively simple for a monarch. Spoilers for Captain America: Civil War and Black Panther follow.

T’Challa has been groomed for the throne as his deceased father (T’Chaka) had already prepared him to take over his Black Panther duties. Once the events of Captain America: Civil War happen and his father is killed in a bomb explosion, in vengeance he pursues the accused (Bucky Barnes)until he finds out his true perpetrator (Baron Zemo)and brings him to justice.

Returning to Wakanda, he has to prove his position through ritual combat, tend to his royal duties and also decide on a whole nations relations with the rest of the world from an isolationist republic to a benevolent, outward looking one determined to share their knowledge and technology.

Throughout Black Panther, we do see T’Challa seeking advice from elders and others that support him but as a coach I wish I could honestly get into the room with him. Largely as he’s lost his father, so there needs to be time for T’Challa to grieve. Also, even for a person who has sharp intellect and physical training I still wonder if he has time to clear his head, find rest and take some time out.

As a monarch over a whole nation, he must have people who can speak for him without fear of being challenged also. Indeed heavy is head that wears the crown as king, but I would still look for someone who is independent but understanding of the many duties of King and Black Panther entails. I can imagine it might be difficult to even discuss and share goals with someone like T’Challa but maybe I could do so with time and belief in the outcome.

Until next time, #embraceinfinity and Wakanda Forever.