The Transmedia Construction of the Black Panther: Long Live the King

Bryan J. Carr's book explores the evolution of the Black Panther character across comics, film, television, video games, and music, examining his role as a powerful counter-narrative to regressive attitudes toward Black identity and Africa. It offers a case study for media trends of representation and addresses questions about the character's impact and significance in understanding modern consolidated media systems.

Format: Hardback
Length: 296 pages
Publication date: 15 May 2022
Publisher: Lexington Books

In his comprehensive exploration, Bryan J. Carr delves into the intricate evolution of the Black Panther character across a diverse range of media, including comics, films, television series, video games, and music. Carr posits that the Black Panther represents the collective creative efforts of numerous individuals across various mediums, each contributing to the legacy of the first mainstream Black superhero. This remarkable narrative unfolds against a backdrop of profound social and cultural transformations, global political battles for equality, and the enduring impact of colonizing Western ideologies. The Panther's existence is a multifaceted tapestry that not only mirrors the same struggles within the traditionally white superhero realm but also serves as a captivating case study for examining media representation trends from past to present. Carr raises thought-provoking questions such as whether the Black Panther truly emerges as a powerful counter-narrative to longstanding regressive attitudes towards Black identity and Africa. He also seeks to identify the key contributors to our understanding of this iconic character. Furthermore, Carr explores how the Black Panther can be utilized as a valuable tool for comprehending the complexities of our modern, consolidated media systems. This book holds immense appeal to scholars and enthusiasts across media studies, film and television studies, comics studies, cultural studies, critical race studies, and African studies. Its comprehensive analysis and insightful perspectives shed light on the enduring significance of the Black Panther in shaping the cultural landscape and offer valuable insights into the evolving dynamics of media representation.

Weight: 626g
Dimension: 227 x 160 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781793631831