Marvel Studios has significantly expanded the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s rich tapestry with the animated series, “Eyes of Wakanda,” introducing a captivating roster of eleven new Black Panther-related characters. This four-part series marks a pivotal moment as the first Marvel Studios Animation project officially deemed canon to Earth 616’s primary continuity, solidifying these fresh faces as integral parts of the MCU’s historical narrative and offering unprecedented insights into Wakanda’s hidden past.
Developed by the creative minds of Ryan Coogler and Todd Harris, “Eyes of Wakanda” delves deep into the enigmatic origins and exploits of the Wakandan War Dogs, formerly known as the Hatut Zeraze. As the fictional African nation’s clandestine secret police, these elite agents are entrusted with a crucial mission: tirelessly scouring the globe across various historical epochs to recover invaluable stolen Wakandan technology, most notably the formidable vibranium weapons, years before the modern MCU timeline.
The premiere episode, “Into the Lion’s Den,” transports viewers to 1260 BC Crete, where the narrative unfurls around a banished former Dora Milaje member named Noni. Tasked with confronting a formidable Killmonger-esque Wakandan outcast known as the Lion, who seeks to forge a global kingdom using stolen vibranium weapons, Noni’s initial failure sets her on a path to becoming a dedicated War Dog. This captivating initial chapter masterfully kick-starts the series’ overarching artifact-collecting saga, propelled by a stellar voice cast.
“Eyes of Wakanda” brilliantly reimagines historical events, as evidenced in its second episode, which fast-forwards several years to a fictionalized retelling of the legendary Trojan War. Here, audiences witness an older Noni continuing her mission, as the series ingeniously implants a Wakandan War Dog into the heart of the conflict between Troy and Greece. This segment notably introduces a recontextualized Achilles, whose storied fate is dramatically rewritten upon learning of his ally’s true Wakandan agenda, culminating in a significant alteration to known history.
Episode three, “Lost and Found,” set in 1400 AD across both China and Wakanda, introduces an entirely new set of characters unconnected to previous narratives, broadening the scope of Wakanda Lore. This chapter not only spotlights additional Wakandan warriors but also marks the groundbreaking debut of another Iron Fist within the MCU timeline. Such an introduction renders this episode a crucial and perhaps foundational moment, potentially laying groundwork for thrilling future stories that weave these diverse histories together.
The series culminates during the historic Battle of Adwa in Ethiopia in 1896, where an experienced Wakandan War Dog, Kuda, and his royal trainee, Prince Tafari, embark on a perilous quest to retrieve a powerful vibranium ax. Their mission takes an unexpected turn with the arrival of the future Queen of Wakanda, also the world’s last Black Panther, who has traveled back in time using Quantum technology. Her urgent plea to return the ax is driven by a critical objective: preventing an alien Horde invasion 500 years in the future, by allowing Killmonger to claim the artifact decades later, thereby integrating Wakanda with the outside world.
This extraordinary trio, against all odds, successfully avert a catastrophic global invasion, cementing their status as some of the MCU’s most profoundly important yet largely unsung heroes. “Eyes of Wakanda” illuminates four distinct, previously unseen periods within the MCU’s extensive history, enriching its canon immeasurably. While the future of the series remains uncertain regarding a second season, the potential for further exploration into Wakanda’s vibrant world through the perspective of its remarkable War Dog warriors promises compelling narratives for fans of Marvel Studios.
