Both Black Panther films were deeply embedded in the culture. While the first film explored African culture, the second brought ancient Aztec and Mayan cultures back to the present day. But wouldn’t it be pretty amazing if we could delve deeper into Black Panther’s story, just like we did for Namor? Black Panther revealed how Earth got Vibranium in an opening montage. And he also teased how the shaman Bashenga became the first Black Panther. Whether or not Marvel chooses to tell its story remains to be seen. But we have some new artwork that could be used to shed some light on Bashenga’s backstory.
Who was King Bashenga?
Back when all the tribes of Wakanda were divided, it was this lore warrior shaman who united all the tribes. After seeing a vision of the goddess Bast, he was led to a powerful herb that had grown on vibranium-rich soil. On Bast’s instructions, he consumed the herb and became a superhuman. He was the first King of Wakanda and he also became the first Black Panther. After his demise, his Golden Tribe descendants continued to take on the role of Black Panther.
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Bashenga: the first black panther
Artist Shaun Harrison came up with a bunch of concept art pieces that explore the idea of a new Disney/Marvel take Bashenga: the first black panther. Here, look :
Design for a new Disney/Marvel release, Bashenga: The First Black Panther. And it’s taking off so let me post here… scroll down below to see more images pic.twitter.com/m613vqw8uo
—Shaun Harrison (@shaun_harrison) November 26, 2022
Harrison also revealed a few characters who could be part of the 5 tribes that were prevalent in the Kingdom at the time.
Music produced by P.Priime & Ludwig Göransson, songs written by WizKid & Burna Boy. Choreography by Fatima Robinson. Directed by Misha Green of Lovecraft Country fame. pic.twitter.com/agPdrxXikY
—Shaun Harrison (@shaun_harrison) November 26, 2022
Then there’s the Black Panther costume:
Created in Midjourney, After Effects and Photoshop pic.twitter.com/eeCtygEsn9
—Shaun Harrison (@shaun_harrison) November 26, 2022
Needless to say, these artworks are gorgeous and look almost real.
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In fact, just by looking at these concept arts, you would actually want a project based on King Bashenga and his unification of the five tribes. John Boyega is an excellent choice to play young Bashenga. On top of that, adding Phastos also seems like a brilliant idea. And the fans reacted very well to this idea because most of them want Ryan Coogler to bring it to life.
Fan reactions to the Bashenga concept
Here is how netizens reacted to the concept of Bashenga – The First Black Panther:
It looks awesome pic.twitter.com/c2q6IK9ySK
– Bumblebee (@TF40ever) November 27, 2022
It’s so good it feels real.
Oh I thought it was real, I hate to see fan made stuff being shared
— Greater_Greene (@greater_Greene) November 27, 2022
People want Bast!
WE NEED THISSSS I wanna see baast!
— hinatawitch🪨🪨 (@hyuganeji1993) November 27, 2022
Why we need to see this story come to life:
It’s been two films and a few films, we know absolutely nothing about the history of Wakanda. A big rock fell a long time ago and now they are the richest and by far the most advanced country on the planet, without any explanation. Zero world building.
— Amysim (@bustersgirl1996) November 27, 2022
Really Badass!
This is really disgusting !!!#MarvelStudios #Disney
—Dale Grimes (@Dalegri24969647) November 27, 2022
Marvel should really consider retelling this historic event after Avengers: Secret Wars.
Read also : After the huge success of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, director Ryan Coogler writes a moving letter thanking fans for their support
Maybe Ryan Coogler’s longtime deal with Disney could include that Wakandan story project with the Okoye series he’s supposed to be developing for Disney+. Bashenga’s plot would work pretty well as a Disney+ series for sure.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is currently playing in theaters around the world.
Source: Twitter
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