Opinion: Why ‘Black Panther’ and other comic books belong in the classroom

With the massive success of “Black Panther,” the latest blockbuster from Marvel, the time is ripe for educators to embrace comic books as legitimate teaching and learning tools.

The movie is based on the superhero created by comic book legends Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, first appearing in “Fantastic Four” #52, released in 1966. In that issue, for what turns out to be a defensible reason, the Black Panther, or T’Challa as he is also known, single-handedly takes down each member of the powerful all-white superhero team. During the height of the civil rights movement, this was a powerful statement indeed, providing a clear allegory to the tumultuous time
Question
Use the article excerpt to answer the question.

In 3–5 sentences, explain the author’s tone. Give examples of words from the text that help make the author’s tone clear and explain their effect.

1 answer

The author's tone is assertive and passionate, advocating for the inclusion of comic books like "Black Panther" in educational settings. Words such as "massive success," "embrace," and "legitimate teaching and learning tools" convey a sense of enthusiasm and urgency regarding the potential impact of these materials in the classroom. Additionally, the phrase "powerful statement" emphasizes the significance of the comic's historical context and its relevance to contemporary discussions, reinforcing the author's belief that comic books can serve as meaningful educational resources. This choice of language not only underscores the author's conviction but also invites educators to reconsider the value of comics in fostering critical conversations.