Once and for all let’s try and put an end to this debate on who wrote the better Black Panther series between Christopher Priest and Reginald Hudlin?
For years now I have been on the internet talking comic books and sparing minds with some of the most creative and intelligent people out here, you know very knowledgeable folks whose wisdom stretch way beyond pop culture such as music, film, and movies etc. When we talk Black Panther there are two names that always seem to pop up, Christopher Priest and Reginald Hudlin. Neither one of these guys created The Black Panther or it’s fabulous characters such as T’Challa or Ulyesses Klaw, nor are they the first writers of the BP, hell I’m not even saying they are the best writers of the BP especially the way the new series is taking off, but today my focus is between these two extraordinary storytellers who have a completely different background but share the same passion for the same character.
Let’s start with Christopher Priest who has written the bible when it comes to the BP according to most Marvel fans. He has the blue print, the foundation that makes the Black Panther great to this day. His series ran from 1998-2003. I missed the boat when he was actually writing this stuff, so I recently went back and did my homework. His take on T’Challa is EPIC, it’s very different from Hudlin not in a worse or better way, I mean he made T’Challa a smooth character who took no BS. He reminded me more of a politician or a business man than a king or even a superhero, he was just a Bad Ass. Priest also used a huge political overtone that Hudlin would later admit he borrowed from. Lead actor Chadwick Boseman always refers to Christopher Priest’s work when it comes to the BP. He talks about how Priest allows T’Challa to rely on his wits and intelligence to defeat his enemies and if that didn’t work he would simply just kick their asses! Priest once described himself as a big kid who get’s paid to day dream about superheroes, very true his genius shines through his work! Great job!
When I came aboard was in 2005, the reign of Reginald Hudlin and the BP comics. I brought a toybiz Marvel Legend Black Panther, the figure came with one Jack Kirby Comic of the BP, and it was a good read but it was a little dated for my taste. It looked like it was a copy from the 70’s or who knows, still it was a good read. So I asked my brother who is a huge comic book fan, where can I find some newer BP stuff, and wouldn’t you know it a brand new Black Panther series had just launched. From the first read I was hooked. Reginald Hudlin’s take on T’Challa was very royal to me, he was every bit a king. The storyline focused on a Brave Young ruler coming into power and being forced to face his own anger and demons. I loved it! The only downfall, and this isn’t a bad thing, is that Hudlin’s version is based off of a lot of Priests’ ideas, but he did find a way to add on to them. I love the fact that he was able to commercialize and bigger the BP’s brand. At the time Hudlin agreed to write the Black Panther he was in charge of B.E.T television, and being a movie director he was able to push the BP through the higher ranks over at Marvel resulting in him getting a cartoon series that was great along with a high profile wedding with the X-Men’s mutant Storm. The cartoon series was the best Marvel cartoon DVD in my opinion. In closing I think this newly found fame for the BP is directly from Hudlin’s commercial work taking the Black Panther to a new level. In my opinion I’m going with Hudlin on this one, what do you think? Leave a comment below. Peace Gab.
Here is the trailer for the BP animated series!
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Some of the stars from the Hollywood Bowl Black Movie Music concert: bass master Marcus Miller, Ralph Johnson of Earth Wind & Fire, Paul Anthony of Full Force,Verdine White of Earth Wind & Fire Reggie Hudlin, Bowlegged Lou & B-Fine of Full Force.
Here I am with my wife Chrisette and (L-R) Wall Street wizard Derek Jones and media mogul Cathy Hughes, the other two honorees at the 2016 United Negro College Fund Benefit in the Hamptons.
Me and journalist Samson Styles, one of favorite people from my BET years.
Here’s an animated clip of him telling a story from his previous life:
Dr. Michael Lomax, President of the UNCF, presents me with a huge plaque!
I give my thank yous to the crowd.
The crowd responds in kind.
The next day the party continues with a lovely brunch at the home of Dianne and Bill Plummer. Here I am with Alicia Goldstein, a dear friend of me and my wife Chrisette.
Alicia, Chrisette and host Dianne Plummer chillin’ Hamptons style.
Always happy to talk with fellow honoree Cathy Hughes, founder of Radio One and TV One. I produce the NAACP Image Awards on her television network.
The Academy presented a screening of “Purple Rain” on Wednesday, August 17, 2016. Pictured (left to right): Marie France, Robert Cavallo, Albert Magnoli, Apollonia Kotero, Marcus Miller, Reginald Hudlin, Jerome Benton and Jill Jones.
Guests for the panel discussion preceding the film included actor Jill Jones, director Albert Magnoli, producer Robert Cavallo, costume designer Marie France, actor/musician Jerome Benton, and actor/singer Apollonia.
It was moderated by Academy Governor Reggie Hudlin and Marcus Miller. Check out video and picture highlights of the event below.
The film was set in Minneapolis, Prince’s hometown, and it centers on a young rock musician, the Kid (Prince), looking to escape his abusive family life. The Kid dedicates himself to relentless rehearsals and performances at the First Avenue nightclub with his band, the Revolution, while trying to start a stable relationship with singer Apollonia.
Purple Rain grossed almost $70 million at the box office, sold over 20 million copies of the soundtrack, won an Oscar for Original Song Score and turned Prince into the sensation he remains today.
Byron Phillips, Van Jones and Academy governor/moderator Reginald Hudlin prior to a screening of “Purple Rain” presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, on Wednesday, August 17, 2016. ©AMPAS
Chrisette Hudlin, Academy President Cheryl Boone Isaacs, Academy governor/moderator Reginald Hudlin and Stanley Isaacs prior to a screening of “Purple Rain” presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, on Wednesday, August 17, 2016. ©AMPAS
Moderators Marcus Miller (left) and Reginald Hudlin prior to a screening of “Purple Rain” presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, on Wednesday, August 17, 2016. ©AMPAS
The Genesis of the Film
Jill and Jerome
Academy governor/moderator Reginald Hudlin (left), actor/musician Jerome Benton (center) and actress/musician Jill Jones prior to a screening of “Purple Rain” presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, on Wednesday, August 17, 2016. ©AMPAS
The Academy presented a screening of “Purple Rain” on Wednesday, August 17, 2016. Pictured (left to right): Marie France, Robert Cavallo, Albert Magnoli, Apollonia Kotero, Marcus Miller, Reginald Hudlin, Jerome Benton and Jill Jones. ©AMPAS
Writing and Casting
Costume Design
Actress/musician Apollonia Kotero (left), moderator Marcus Miller (center) and Academy governor/moderator Reginald Hudlin prior to a screening of “Purple Rain” presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, on Wednesday, August 17, 2016. ©AMPAS
Apollonia
The Academy presented a screening of “Purple Rain” on Wednesday, August 17, 2016. Pictured (left to right): Jerome Benton, Jill Jones, Marie France, Reginald Hudlin, Apollonia Kotero, Albert Magnoli, Robert Cavallo and Joe Ruffalo. ©AMPAS
Academy governor/moderator Reginald Hudlin prior to a screening of “Purple Rain” presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, on Wednesday, August 17, 2016. ©AMPAS
