Those of you who are fans of the Black Panther might remember that back in 2008, Marvel had announced that it was working on a Black Panther cartoon to air on BET. Despite a teaser trailer being shown at Comic-Con, the cartoon never came out in the states, only in Australia.
However, Marvel has finally decided to release the cartoon on our end of the planet via online platforms. The show will be available via iTunes, XBOX Live, Microsoft Zune, and the Playstation Network starting June 23rd. Featuring the vocal talents of Djimon Hounsou as Black Panther and Jill Scott as Storm, it will be running 12 episodes and taking it’s cues from John Romita Jr’s art and Reginald Hudlin’s writing from “Who Is The Black Panther?”. So far the show looks to be similar to the other animated comics that Marvel has been releasing online, and it’s nice to know that Black Panther has finally found it’s home.
For the full press release and a trailer, check after the jump. Be sure to also check the official Black Panther site and a “making of” video from Marvel about the upcoming show.
Marvel Knights Animation is proud to announce Black Panther: Who Is The Black Panther?, a twelve-episode, weekly, all-new series debuting on iTunes, Xbox LIVE, Microsoft Zune and PlayStation®Network on June 23rd.
Inspired by the acclaimed graphic novel from respected filmmaker/producer Reginald Hudlin and legendary comic book artist John Romita Jr, Black Panther: Who Is The Black Panther? introduces viewers to the Black Panther, the warrior king of Wakanda, a technologically advanced nation in the heart of Africa. As outside forces conspire to plunder this proud nation, the Black Panther will face his greatest threats as he meets Klaw, the man who murdered his father.
“The positive responses to news of the show have been so overwhelming, it’s great to finally make the Black Panther series available to everyone,” said Hudlin. “Audiences get caught up on many levels — seeing John Romita Jr’s art come to life; the quality of the voice work by an award winning cast; the boldness of the politics, the music and humor. But see it for yourself!”
Romita Jr added, “The reaction by any person, upon viewing footage of a black panther, is universal: Awe. There is no more elegant a creature on the face of the planet. The creation of the character by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, in a turbulent political time, maintained that quality. Reggie Hudlin’s updated version follows that and adds an amazing, cinematic flair to it. In my opinion, reading, and now viewing, the Black Panther series is much akin to witnessing a panther in person. Enjoy the elegance of the story, the elegance of the actors, their voices, their words, and….the imagery.”
This exciting series also features the voices of major celebrities including Academy Award-nominee Djimon Hounsou as Black Panther; Jill Scott as Storm, Kerry Washington as Princess Shuri; Alfre Woodard as both Dondi Reese and Queen Mother; Carl Lumbly as Uncle S’Yan; and comics legend Stan Lee in a special role.
Learn more about Black Panther: Who Is The Black Panther? right now at www.marvel.com/blackpanther
