Wakanda Truly Turned Its Back On Killmonger
Erik Stevens, aka his Wakandan name N’Jadaka or his villain alias, Killmonger, was an exiled member of Wakanda’s royal family who grew up alone on the streets of California. His father, Prince N’Jobu, wanted to use Wakanda's resources to help people of African descent from all over the world. He was betrayed by a friend, Zuri, to his brother, and when he tried to kill Zuri, T’Chaka killed him. Killmonger had to grow up alone and poor because his mother was wrongfully in jail, and his Wakandan family never searched for him.
Unfortunately, Killmonger grew up into a power-obsessed sadist. He claimed to want to help the world by ruling Wakanda, but he did not care who he hurt in the process. However, Wakanda’s indifference was to blame for who Killmonger turned out to be. T’Challa even learns from this and opens Wakanda to the world.
The tragic narrative of Killmonger, born Erik Stevens, highlights the deep consequences of Wakanda's rejection and indifference towards one of its own. Despite his royal lineage as the son of Prince N’Jobu, Killmonger's upbringing was marked by abandonment and hardship in California, compounded by his mother's wrongful imprisonment. This backstory is crucial in understanding how Wakanda's isolationist policies and failure to protect or acknowledge him contributed significantly to his transformation into a power-obsessed adversary. Killmonger's complex motivations stem not only from personal revenge but also from a twisted desire to use Wakanda's technological and vibranium resources to empower oppressed people of African descent globally. However, his methods were ruthless and uncompromising, leading to violent confrontations that scared even the most loyal Wakandans. Wakanda's initial choice to turn its back on Killmonger shows the darker side of tradition and secrecy, where familial bonds were sacrificed for perceived greater security. This decision indirectly enabled Killmonger's bitterness and radicalization. Importantly, the story pivots with T’Challa, who learns from these tragic events and chooses openness over isolation. By opening Wakanda to the world, T’Challa aims to prevent future tragedies like Killmonger’s, promoting healing and inclusiveness. Understanding this dynamic between Wakanda and Killmonger offers valuable insight into themes of exile, identity, and reconciliation in storytelling. It also reflects broader real-world issues regarding diaspora, identity, and the consequences of systemic neglect. Readers can appreciate how the fictional story of Wakanda mirrors societal challenges and the imperative of compassion within communities.
Check out Eyes of Wakanda. It’s a 4 episode cartoon on Disney+. Short stories of the past that shows the richness of the culture. Rumors of a new Black Panther movie in the works. We can hope