As fans eagerly await the theatrical release of Black Panther, Marvel Comics has chosen to release a video tracing the rich heritage of Wakanda’s protector, the Black Panther. Featuring art by Khary Randolph and Erick Arciniega, this video centers around the events leading up to T’Challa taking the throne of Wakanda and the mantle of Black Panther. 

Beginning with the first Black Panther, Bashenga, who started the lineage of royalty that would rule Wakanda. Many generations later, Azzuri the Wise fought of Hydra forces during World War II. After staving off their attempts to steal Vibranium, Azzuri married Nanali and had two sons T’Chaka and T’Shan. The video then outlines the offspring of T’Challa’s father T’Chaka. Along with T’Challa, whose mother died during childbirth, T’Chaka also has an adopted son Hunter and a warrior named Jakarra. Before his death, T’Chaka remarried and had a daughter named Shuri.

Along with his immediate family, this video provides information on T’Challa’s extended family, the royal court, the Dora Milaje (learn more about them in our Did You Know section), and some of his greatest villains – many of whom will appear in the upcoming film. 

Directed by Ryan Coogler, Black Panther stars Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong’o, Daniel Kaluuya, Letitia Wright, Danai Gurira, Angela Bassett, Martin Freeman, Andy Serkis, Winston Duke, and Forest Whitaker. The film hit theaters on February 16, 2018.

Dive into Wakanda’s rich comic book history with the family lineage of its ruler, the Black Panther. Long live the king. 👑 (Art & Colors: @kharyrandolph & @erickarciniega) #BlackPanther pic.twitter.com/9JfCeXw0JK

— Marvel Entertainment (@Marvel) February 9, 2018