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. 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 both celebratory and assertive, emphasizing the cultural significance of "Black Panther" as well as its educational value. Words like "massive success," "blockbuster," and "legitimate teaching and learning tools" convey a sense of enthusiasm and validation for comic books in educational contexts. The phrase "powerful statement" further underscores the importance of the Black Panther character as a symbol of empowerment during the civil rights movement, suggesting that the author holds a deep appreciation for the narrative's historical context and impact. Overall, the tone conveys an invitation for educators to recognize and harness the potential of comic books in their teaching.