The Marvel Cinematic Universe has expanded into nearly every genre and format imaginable. However, ‘Eyes of Wakanda‘ stands apart as a visually rich and narratively unique experience. Tapping into the deep roots of Wakandan history and culture, this animated miniseries dares to delve into the untold stories that shaped one of Marvel’s most mysterious nations.
And while it shines with creativity, bold worldbuilding, and breathtaking animation, it’s ultimately hindered by its short runtime. The show also suffers from a sense of disconnection from the larger MCU narrative.
‘Eyes Of Wakanda’ Deserved More Space To Breathe
From its first frame, ‘Eyes of Wakanda’ envelops viewers in a vibrant, kinetic portrait of a country unlike any other in the MCU. Set centuries before the events of ‘Black Panther’, the show takes a bold leap away from modern timelines and introduces us to ancient Wakandan agents, aka War Dogs, tasked with retrieving stolen Vibranium from various corners of the world.
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This premise alone has a lot of potential. Each of the four episodes focuses on a different agent, a different mission, and a different moment in time. However, while the stories are rich in concept, they are compressed into tight, 30-minute capsules. Moreover, that’s not to say that the show doesn’t deliver. It’s actually quite the opposite, as the series is dazzling in its visual storytelling. The animation bursts with color, style, and cultural flair.
There’s something undeniably majestic about watching Wakanda’s golden past unfold. Yet, each episode feels like a whisper when the show could’ve been a roar. Just as you begin to immerse yourself in the setting and its characters, the episode ends. The worldbuilding in the show is effective but fleeting. There’s no time for complex character arcs or emotional payoffs. Even though the final episode cleverly connects the anthology’s threads, it doesn’t quite satisfy the longing for deeper exploration.
Iron Fist’s Redesign In ‘Eyes Of Wakanda’ Redeems The Hero
In episode 3, ‘Eyes of Wakanda’ takes an unexpected detour into one of the MCU’s most underwhelming legacies: ‘Iron Fist’. However, instead of rehashing past mistakes, the show revitalizes the concept with flair. The episode introduces Jorani, a female Iron Fist from the distant past. Her presence is brief, but she leaves a lasting impression, largely thanks to the incredible redesign of her character.
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Gone is the low-effort costume from Netflix’s ‘Iron Fist’. In its place stands a beautiful insectoid headpiece that makes Jorani look like a praying mantis. It’s sleek, otherworldly, and intimidating. This was everything the original Iron Fist failed to be. It gives viewers a sense of what the character could have been in live-action. It’s ironic that one of ‘Eyes of Wakanda’s most memorable moments doesn’t even center on a Wakandan.
Additionally, this also shows that ‘Eyes of Wakanda’ isn’t afraid to venture beyond borders, even if only for a few minutes. Jorani’s presence also feels like an invitation. If Marvel ever wants to reboot ‘Iron Fist’ and wash away the memory of the Netflix show’s missteps, this is the blueprint. Moreover, in many ways, ‘Eyes of Wakanda’ feels like the kind of story fans have been asking for.
