Black Panther: A Cultural Exploration, by Ytasha Womack, publishing October 3, 2023.
Black Panther: A Cultural Exploration takes an engrossing, deep dive into the cultural influences of Black Panther, from the development of the Marvel Comics character in the 1960s to his current worldwide renown. Black Panther was created in 1966 by the legendary Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in the midst of the civil rights movement and just before the birth of the Black Panther Party.
Ms. Womack, an award-winning author, director, and independent scholar delves into the compelling backstory of the famous Marvel Comics character, from its comics debut to the blockbuster films, the iconic artwork through the decades of Marvel comics and the real-world influences that helped inform the society and culture of Wakanda. The book connects the world of Black Panther with cultural and historical touchpoints and the community of readers whose lives were shaped by the character and comics.
“It was an absolute pleasure writing this book and interviewing people who hold their memories of reading Marvel’s Black Panther close to their hearts. It was a joy writing about cultural moments and creatives who shaped the Black Panther story and in turn shape us. The Black Panther mythos is a reigning beacon among Afrofuturist creations. I’m delighted that I could capture some of the magic that brought this story to life.” – Ytasha L. Womack
A Chicago resident, Ms. Womack lectures on Afrofuturism, was a cocurator of Carnegie Hall’s Afrofuturism Festival, a nationwide arts festival, in 2022. She is also the author of Afrofuturism: The World of Black Sci Fi & Fantasy Culture was a 2014 Locus Awards Nonfiction Finalist.
About Author
