Wakanda lovers, this miniseries will take you back in time. Marvel Studios brings you “Eyes of Wakanda”, a visually striking show that tells us the story of the kingdom. As most of us know, Wakanda first came to our attention through the Captain America movie and then through Chadwick Boseman’s Black Panther. So this time, here is what follows: the miniseries revolves around Hatut Zeraze-a, a Wakanda warrior force that has a very important mission to achieve. This mission is a deciding factor in many things. Their task is to retrieve the Vibranium, which the enemies have stolen. What is Vibranium, you will ask? So I will break it down for you. Vibranium is a powerful yet rare metal that is the source for Wakada tech. The Marvel fans know that this mental has been an important connection in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as well. Through this series, we witness the brave warriors of Wakanda travelling through time and retrieving the stolen parts. To do this, we have Noni, who is a disgraced member of Dora Milaje- the all-women force of the kingdom. She was removed for disobeying orders, and in order to get back into the kingdom, she must find the Vibranium. Being an outcast member, we can see how her story adds layers and depth to this plot. She shows us what patriotism means as she is willing to fight for her kingdom. It is her leadership and fighting skills as a warrior that make the plot so intriguing to watch. By the second episode, the audience gets to watch the Trojan War through the eyes of Wakanda. Though Memnon and Achilles have trusted each other, let's not forget the ultimate aim. Memnon sticks to his allegiance with the kingdom and kills him. Definitely not an easy decision, he had to choose loyalty towards his land over friendship in order to safeguard Vibranium.
In the third episode, the plot gives us the character of Jorani, a young woman who becomes the first female Iron Fist. Set in the backdrop of China during the 1400s, Jorani partners with the War Dogs to find the Vibranium from Agent Basha. The character of Agent Basha is very important, as he was a former Wakanda spy who has now turned against the kingdom.
Lastly, the fourth episode is set in Ethiopia during the first Italo-Ethiopian War. Wakandan warriors Kuda and Prince Tafari go to retrieve the stolen artifact, which is a mystical axe, amidst the war. But soon enough, they are visited by the future Black Panther, who reveals that by removing the artifact, there is an imbalance in the timeline that triggers a chain of reaction, such as Wakanda losing its influence over Ethiopia and subsequent wars. Now they must make a decision: whether to take the axe or keep it back.
Whenever we talk about Marvel, it is important to talk about the villains because what is Marvel without its villains? On this front, too, the miniseries keeps us entertained throughout. And mind you, just as intriguing the plot is because of Noni, these villains are no less intriguing. They add the twist that we did not predict. For example, in episode 1, we meet the Lion. Not much is known about it previously. What I personally found interesting was the way he looked with all those gold and drapes. It felt like he had looked after some Indian king. The best part about new characters for an already established plot is that you will find yourself asking many questions. Some of these questions that crossed my mind were: was he connected to Wakanda before? Have I seen it anywhere earlier? What is he up to? How is Noni going to handle him? These questions are many, but the show, and especially episode 1, answers them all. As we move forward, we get to witness many other villains, such as Agent Basha, who make the plot sinister.
Coming to the animation part, which is crucial for this miniseries, the animation is beautifully done. This is what will attract the audience. Also, the animation matters because the tag of Marvel Cinematic Universe and, most importantly, Black Panther is added, so it is natural for the viewers to have certain expectations attached. The animation makes it feel as if the characters have come to life. Visually, it is very appealing.
The plot is fantastic. It is quick-paced and profound. Each character comes with a backstory, which adds layers to the overall storyline. Even if you aren’t a fan of the Marvel world, there is no harm in watching this show. It's short and keeps you invested well.
Final Score- [8/10]
Reviewed by - Neerja Choudhuri
Follow @NeerjaCH on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times