One of the achievements of the Black Panther saga is the introduction of new characters. This happened in the first, released in 2018, and repeated in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever launched as Phase 4 closure in 2022. One contains the entire mythology of Wakanda and the other contains the mythology of Talokan as represented by Namor. The presence and continuity of this character allows the Marvel Cinematic Universe to move along one of its most usual slopes.
At different stages of the Cinematic Universe Marvel has extended the journey of its main characters, the best in history.but not the antagonists, the bad guys of the story. While this is understandable in some cases, as they are not usually figures of great narrative weight or character development, completing their journey limits the potential of each.
With Namor caught halfway between anti-hero and villain, the Marvel Cinematic Universe goes against its grains, keeping the character alive in the story. Something key, not only because of the value it has in its community, but also because of the potential it implies for the franchise, providing a wider range of options regarding it and its impact.
Villain Tour in the Marvel Cinematic Universe
Still Marvel has focused on developing superheroes without making life difficult for their antagonists.. It is understood from the idyllic point of view of the story, as if in essence they wanted to say: only good things matter. The detail is that in order for them to exist, their counterpart must also be there. One exists for the other.
In comics, villains typically appear and disappear from stories, enriching their narrative trajectories. In the case of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, in many cases it happens that they say goodbye to the story, but the reasons are not clear to the viewer or their personality is not reflected in a good way. A kind of vacuum is formed in which preference is given to one of the parties. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever somewhat contradicts this logic.
The discursive maturity of the Marvel Cinematic Universe isn’t just about addressing more complex issues or being more or less representative. This is also achieved through adaptations in which they do not always win. A variant of this is that even if they lose, they can stay, go in and out of stories, and their development as a character is based on the story. Thanos was successful for thisas his performances were punctual at first, until they became inevitable in two major franchise bets, Avengers: Infinity War D Avengers: Endgame.
Although Namor is not a dimension character in Thanos, his continuity is beyond Black Panther: Wakanda Forever invites you to think that you can keep track of these characters that exist outside of their presentation films. In this way, the narrative is naturally enriched, adding nuance and layers beyond the visible faces of the stories.
Namor’s potential beyond Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
Tenoch Huerta embodies a complex character. His departure casts a shadow over the present, causing a sort of need for revenge. At the same time, his intentions regarding vibranium have a logical basis. Can he be considered a villain? This is if you understand that this is unfavorable for the main characters of the story. However, if it is considered that Wakanda and Talokan have common enemies, the previous idea can be changed.
Who are these opponents? Other powers in the world are interested in their resources, and the US and France (or all of Europe) are closely watching what is happening in Wakanda. Namor tries to forge an alliance between Talokan and Wakanda, although his ultimate goal does not allow for intermediate points: dominating others does not seem very democratic or civilized. These nuances make the character capable of offering different faces, playing different roles in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Based on this, your story can develop further. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever as if it were Thor, Spider-Man, Doctor Strange or several others, although he is now labeled as a villain. Keep the Villains Out of the Marvel Cinematic Universe allows them to have some sort of redemption or otherwise remain threats. Thus, not only is the franchise enriched, but what is natural for comics is preserved: the significant weight and influence of opponents.
