Why Wakanda Matters

Product Description In 2018, the Marvel Cinematic Universe finally delivered on something fans had long been waiting for: a feature film with a solo Black superhero. Black Panther introduced viewers to the stunning world of Wakanda, a fictional African country with incredible technological advancements, and to T'Challa, a young man stepping into his role as king and taking up the mantle of the Black Panther title from his late father. The unforgettable story, coupled with the film's mega-success, has undoubtedly shaped the future of superhero cinema, in addition to genuinely changing viewers' lives. Why Wakanda Matters gives this iconic film the in-depth analysis it deserves under the lens of the latest psychological concepts—as well as delving into the lasting cultural impact of this unforgettable story. Edited by Sheena C. Howard, an award-winning author, filmmaker, and scholar, Why Wakanda Matters features a collection of essays from leading experts in a variety of fields who offer insightful perspectives on topics such as cognitive dissonance, intergenerational trauma and resistance, social identity, collective identity, and cultural and racial identity. Fans of the movie and those interested in deeper discussions about the film will revel in this thought-provoking examination of all aspects of Black Panther and the power of psychology. Review "The essays, a well-balanced combination of contemporary thought and historical analysis, will leave readers eager for another viewing."-- "Publishers Weekly" About the Author Sheena C. Howard, PhD, is an associate professor of communication and an award-winning author, filmmaker, and scholar. In 2014, Sheena won an Eisner Award for her first book, Black Comics: Politics of Race and Representation. She is the first Black woman to receive this honor. She is also the author of several critically acclaimed books and comic books on a range of topics. Sheena is a writer and image activist, with a passion for telling stories, through various mediums, that encourage audiences to consider narratives that are different than their own. In 2014, Sheena published Black Queer Identity Matrix and Critical Articulations of Race, Gender, and Sexual Orientation. Sheena is also the author/editor of the award-winning book Encyclopedia of Black Comics and cowriter of the comic book Superb, about a teenage superhero with Down syndrome. In 2016, through her company Nerdworks, LLC, Sheena directed, produced, and wrote the documentary Remixing Colorblind, which explores the ways the educational system shapes our perception of race and ""others.