The word on the internet is that Marvel Studios has plans for some big announcements at this year’s D23 Expo. It’s hard to imagine there’s more to say after their earthshaking presentation just months ago at San Diego Comic-Con. However, the rumor is that Marvel has a number of reveals in the works for some of its movies and Disney+ series. In fact, there’s one that has been the subject of speculation that could be confirmed very soon.
While the studio laid out its movie schedule for the coming years, the Disney+ calendar was still in question. One of the most mysterious of Marvel’s Phase 5 streaming projects has been the Black Panther spinoff series. To this point, all that is known is that BP director Ryan Coogler will be behind the camera in some fashion, either as director, writer, and/or producer.
What this show will be about is anyone’s guess, but there have been many theories, but the most prominent has been that the BP spinoff will star the fierce Dora Milaje. Now there is a new rumor that it will focus on one character specifically, the most popular of Wakanda’s special forces team, Okoye.
Played by The Walking Dead’s Danai Gurira, she captivated audiences in Black Panther before being a standout character among an all-star cast in Infinity War and Endgame. It’s quickly made her the fan favorite of the Dora Milaje, and exploring her character could make for great television drama. This seems like a likely plot for the Wakandan spinoff show, and that will have dollar signs hovering over these key issues.
BLACK PANTHER #1 (1998)
This has been a favorite among Black Panther collectors in recent years. Not only do you get Okoye’s debut, but it also features the first appearance of the entire Dora Milaje. Better still, you also get Nakia’s premiere comic. The ending of the first movie hinted that she would marry T’Challa and become Wakanda’s next queen. While the Wakanda Forever trailer shows T’Challa’s mother ruling the fictional African nation, it’s still very likely that Nakia will be a major character in the new movie.
This is a good time to buy Black Panther #1. After averaging over $400 over the past year, with sales as high as $900, the 9.8’s current fair market value has dipped to less than $300.
BLACK PANTHER #23 (2000)
If the rumors are true and Okoye will star in her own Panther spinoff, then we could see Nakia’s comic evolution happen in live action.
It was in 2000’s Black Panther #23 that she aligned with Erik Killmonger to become the newest Malice. This is one of the most common villain names in Marvel Comics, with a combined six iterations to speak of, including Sue Storm and a Ghost Rider villain. However, Nakia could be the MCU’s one and only Malice as she fights against the Wakandan crown. This would put her and Okoye into conflict, which would add to the streaming show’s drama to great effect.
Two years ago, the 9.8 BP #23 sold for as much as $130. Last June, it reached $150. So far this year, there’s only been one graded sale when another 9.8 sold for just $44 in July. That could make this a wise investment, especially if Okoye’s show is confirmed at D23.
WAKANDA FOREVER
What surprises D23 holds for the world, we can only guess. One thing is for sure, Marvel always makes a splash at major events; they’re poised for another round of news that will upend the secondary market. While it’s all a gamble at the moment, the smart money is on Okoye and the Dora Miljae.
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