""Black Panther" Comic Books Belong in Classroom" by David Cutler 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 persuasive and enthusiastic about the inclusion of comic books, specifically "Black Panther," in educational settings. Words such as “massive success” and “legitimate teaching and learning tools” convey a sense of urgency and importance, suggesting that comic books hold significant value. The phrase “powerful statement” underscores the impact of the narrative during the civil rights movement, highlighting the weighty social messages contained within the comics. This choice of language helps to reinforce the idea that comic books are not just entertainment, but also rich educational resources that can foster important discussions in the classroom.