We always get the same formulaic meal whenever we choose to dine at one of Marvel's restaurants, but Coogler, like Marvel's other top chefs James Gunn and Taika Waititi, adds his own flavors, which make the film feel more like his own and less of a studio film pushing its own agenda. It's absolutely refreshing to not only see a film that's so black, but also so African, considering how the continent never really pierces the Western media. Coogler had never been to Africa prior to working on Black Panther, but took a trip in preparation for the film. His time and experience there really shine through the film and help to make the world of Wakanda that much more real.

The political angle the story takes on is also a breath of fresh air in the world of comic book blockbusters, and give Black Panther some relevant intellectual depth. Likewise, the political elements help form and shape Michael B. Jordan's Erik Kilmonger, A.K.A. the greatest Marvel villain to date. Kilmonger's political views make him sympathetic to an extent, in that the technology and resources that Wakanda possesses should be shared with the world, just not in the form of world takeover or domination. He's more than just a CG monstrosity, he's a villain with a vision, and his logic makes some actual sense. Michael B. Jordan kills as Kilmonger, bringing his A-game and injecting a heavy dose of pathos to his villainy.