Black Panther was first seen in the Marvel comics in the 1960s and made his first appearance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe in “Captain America: Civil War.” It’s been many years since Black Panther was introduced in the comics, and after having a role in a Marvel movie, he has been given the movie that he deserves.

In “Black Panther,” directed by Ryan Coogler, the main setting is the African nation of Wakanda. The rest of the world believes that Wakanda is a third world country, when in reality, it is the most technologically advanced nation in the world. The country is filled with vibranium, the fictitious metal that is almost indestructible. This valuable treasure is the reason why past kings of Wakanda have kept their nation a secret. However, things change when T’Challa, Black Panther (Chadwick Boseman), becomes king and believes that it might be time for Wakanda to connect with the rest of the world.

The film shows many social issues that the world is currently experiencing. The super villain, Erik Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan), has grown up in the United States and has seen racism in America and around the world. This has left him feeling hatred towards the oppressors. Killmonger is a villian who gains sympathy from the audience due to his cruel childhood and growing up in a community filled with violence and little opportunities. Black Panther, as king of Wakanda, must prevent Killmonger from using Wakandan resources to turn the oppressors into the oppressed.

“Black Panther” was a film filled with action, humor, and important social issues as well as diversity on screen. The entire cast is principally black, and this has given many children of color superheroes and warriors who look like them. The Dora Milaje, a team of women warriors who are the bodyguards of the Black Panther, can be seen throughout the entire movie, showing girls that they too are a part of the fight against evil. Many children are fans of Marvel and they see the movies, buy the merchandise, and dream of being these heroes. It is great to see children looking up to these heroes, but what happens when none of them look like them? The major superhero movies have white male leads. Marvel has many female superheroes in the comics, but only a few have been in the movies, and none have been a lead in a movie. “Wonderwoman” recently came out in June 2017 and gave many girls the opportunity to see themselves on the big screen. “Black Panther” has given children of color a movie in which men and women of color are equally strong and respected.

I will never know how it feels to be oppressed for being an African American, but I do know how it feels to be oppressed for being a Mexican American. “Black Panther” has shown that we must not look for ways to hurt those who have hurt us, but instead unite and help those who are still being discriminated against. This film has shown that equality and peace cannot be reached if a group of people wishes to be more superior than the other. Seeing diversity on the big screen is important for everyone, and it is much more impactful when it carries a meaningful message. In the end credits of “Black Panther,” T’Challa is seen at a United Nations meeting informing world leaders that Wakanda will no longer have its borders closed to the rest of the world. He says, “We must find a way to look after one another, as if we were one single tribe.” As humans, we should always help each other in order to create a world filled with bridges of opportunities and without barriers.