Wole Soyinka Prize winner Nnedi Okorafor, is the first female to adopt Black Panther’s character T’Challa into a graphic novel. The graphic novel is set to hit the shelves on June 5th, 2018 to the delight of fans.
Got my author copies. First time seeing my name on the front cover of a Marvel graphic novel. 😊 Proud to be the first woman to write T’Challa (a character created in 1966).
The release date is between tomorrow and June 5, depending on what part of the world you’re in. pic.twitter.com/PBKbjlSwrX
— Nnedi Okorafor, PhD (@Nnedi) May 22, 2018
Nnedi Okorafor a Nigerian-American author and scholar shared news of the release via Twitter. Known for her work in science fiction and fantasy, some of her latest literature that will be adapted into productions include ‘Hello Moto” and “Who Fears Death.” Expressing her approach to what many thought was a daunting task, Nnedi shared on Twitter:
My purpose in pointing out being a first is to highlight the fact that women can successfully write storylines of prominent male characters in comics (without co-writing with a man). And that very few of us currently are and this should change.
— Nnedi Okorafor, PhD (@Nnedi) May 22, 2018
As the first female author. Nnnedi worked with friend and illustrator Andre Lima Araujo for the cover of the highly anticipated release. For a character first introduced to the public in 1966, it seems that the duo were keen to re-introduce a new, dynamic and relevant Wakandan King.
Black Panther: Long Live The King out today as a collection, first time in print. Here are some nice B&W cover and pages from the first issue. #BlackPanther pic.twitter.com/WpGFxPWyTq
— André Lima Araújo 🇵🇹 (@erdna11) May 23, 2018
After news of the graphic novel was made public, fans from all over the world shared their two cents on the new development to Black Panther’s lead character. Needlesstosay, most fans could not contain their excitement.
T'challa Saying "Mscheww" might be one of my favorite moments in comics recently. @Nnedi I Stan!! pic.twitter.com/5R88ZXP4Z9
— Ryan (@spencergitonga) May 23, 2018