March 15, 2018 

By Freddie Allen 

NNPA Newswire 

 

In the first novel commissioned by Marvel about the Wakandan superhero, award-winning journalist and author Jesse Holland takes a deep dive into the mythology of the Black Panther and the lives of the characters depicted in the groundbreaking feature film.

 

Marvel’s “Black Panther” has earned $922 million worldwide and $512.6 million domestically. The film is on its way to becoming, “the second-biggest comic book superhero flick in North America behind “The Avengers” ($623m in 2012),” according to Forbes.com.

 

Before “Black Panther” smashed box office records, Holland had written a nonfiction book titled “The Invisibles: The Untold Story about Slaves in the White House.”

 

A description of the “The Invisibles” on Amazon.com says, that the book chronicles “the African American presence inside the White House from its beginnings in 1782 until 1862, when President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation that granted slaves their freedom.”

 

An editor from Lucas Films read “The Invisibles” and loved it, Holland said, and reached out to him to write a history for Finn, the African American character in “Stars Wars: The Force Awakens.” Those conversations led to Holland’s novel “Star Wars: The Force Awakens-Finn's Story.”

 

Holland said that “Finn’s Story” landed him on Marvel’s radar.

 

“[Marvel Studios] was making a movie about the Black Panther and wanted to know if I would be interested in writing the first novel about the iconic Marvel character,” said Holland.

 

The author said, “Yes,” immediately. Holland said that there was just one catch: The entire novel had to be written in six months.

 

Luckily, Holland had been a Black Panther fan since he was a child. When Marvel offered to send him some Black Panther comic books for background material, he told them, “You don’t have to, because I already own them.”

 

Holland went back and read Black Panther comic books written by Reginald Hudlin and Christopher Priest; he even went back to the very beginning with Stan Lee and Jack Kirby.

 

Marvel’s Black Panther character has existed since the 1960s and preceded the launch of the Black Panther political party, by just a few months.

 

According to History.com, in a 1990 interview with “The Comics Journal,” co-creator Jack Kirby said that he came up with the Black Panther when he realized that he didn’t have any Black characters in his growing Marvel Universe.

 

“I had a lot of Black readers. My first friend was…Black,” Kirby said in the interview. “And here I was ignoring them, because I was associating with everybody else.”

 

Holland said that Marvel asked him to develop a mythology around the character that would be relatable to modern audiences. Holland started with the classic Black Panther origin story written by Reginald Hudlin and fleshed it out.

 

“I had to go from a six-issue comic book to 90,000 words,” said Holland. “So, I had to flesh out the story a little bit and add a few more themes to it.”

 

Still, Holland said that a lot of the themes that are weaved into Ryan Coogler’s film adaptation are the same themes that he used in his novel, “Black Panther: Who is the Black Panther?”

 

“Themes of family, the connection between the T'Challa and his mother and his sister…the themes of honor and duty, you can see those themes with T’Challa trying to figure out how he is going to fit in as the new monarch of Wakanda,” said Holland. “You can see the same themes in his relationships with his bodyguards, the Dora Milaje, and how they fit into this new society.”

 

Holland continued: “So, if you really want to know who W’Kabi is—the Black Panther's adviser—he has a major story line in the novel. If you want to know more about Shuri, the Panther's sister…she has a whole story line in my book, too. If you want to know about the history of the Panther and his mother, Ramonda...if you want to know the motivations behind what the screenwriters wrote in the movie, my novel goes through all of that.”

 

Holland said that in addition to the record-breaking movie, his novel is the very first time a major piece of literature was written about the Black Panther.

 

The fact that Marvel not only created a comic book for the Black Panther character, but also a movie and a major novel shows how important and groundbreaking this character is, Holland said.

 

“The success of the Black Panther and the cultural phenomenon that the film has become shows Hollywood that if you can tell a good story, the Black community will support these ventures and everyone else will, too,” Holland added.

 

Holland said that his “Black Panther” novel is the perfect stepping stone for people who want to know more about the Wakandan superhero and his family depicted on screen.

 

“The novel tells the story that people can relate to: about fathers and sons, about mothers and daughters, about honor, duty and sacrifice,” said Holland. “It tells the story that helps reflect not only who the Black Panther is, but who we are, as the African American community.”

March 15, 2018 

Aries March 21 – April 19 

You may clash with someone in authority as sociable Venus angles toward cautious Saturn early in the week. Perhaps you should say how you feel, but you might fear doing so. However, another more positive connection could give you the courage to speak out and express yourself honestly, and this might make all the difference. The new moon on Saturday could be an invitation to pay closer attention to your dreams. When feisty Mars enters Capricorn on Saturday, your ambitious side could come to the fore.

  

Taurus April 20 – May 20 

It might seem like keeping your feelings to yourself is a good thing, but is it really? You might be worried about someone’s reaction, and this could be the reason for your dilemma. Nevertheless, if you can say what you think, it could make a world of difference. The new moon in your social sector on Saturday could inspire you to move in new circles or connect with new friends. At the same time, with feisty Mars entering your sector of exploration, travel may be on the horizon.

  

Gemini May 21 – June 21 

Your social life fairly sparkles as lovely Venus and inquisitive Mercury continue their journey in this zone. However, you could be a little nervous about approaching someone because they appear special. Even if you feel intimidated, introducing yourself could bring a surprisingly positive reaction from this person. With a new moon in your sector of career and goals on Saturday, a new idea may be well worth exploring. At the same time, feisty Mars suggests letting go of the past to make room for future developments.

  

Cancer June 22 – July 22 

With a positive focus on your career zone, using both charm and logic could see you making great progress. Even so, you may feel that someone is blocking your plans. If so, your best bet might be to have a heart-to-heart chat with them even if you feel nervous about it. The result of such a talk could exceed your expectations. The new moon in your sector of travel on Saturday could be a call to finally book a trip that you have been dreaming about for some time.

  

Leo July 23 – August 22 

With Mars in the last degrees of Sagittarius, the start of the week could be an opportunity to complete a creative project. If you do it now, you could feel a great sense of accomplishment. Stirring Mars moves into Capricorn and your lifestyle sector over the weekend, so your attention may shift to other things. This is another reason to get it all done and dusted. Even so, there is a lot of activity in your travel sector, and this could see you eager for new experiences.

  

Virgo August 23 – September 22 

As luscious Venus angles toward Saturn early in the week, you may wonder if you should share your feelings or keep them to yourself. However, this person might encourage you to speak out, and magical things could happen if you do. Don’t let fear get the better of you. The new moon in your relationship sector over the weekend can be another reminder to be bold and have faith in your instincts. Mars enters your communication zone on Saturday, so the coming weeks could be perfect for marketing your business.

  

Libra September 23 – October 22 

You may not see eye to eye with a family member, but perhaps this isn’t as bad an issue as you think. If it encourages you to discuss key issues openly and honestly, it could lead to something positive. With the sun aligning with jovial Jupiter in your sector of values, it’s possible that much good could come out of this. Over the weekend, the new moon in Pisces can be an opportunity to get your wellness schedule on track if it feels right to do so.

 

Scorpio October 23 – November 21 

A relationship could seem very special, showing great promise at the start of the week. If you feel nervous about getting close to this person, however, it could put a little bit of a wall between you. If you feel the fear and conquer it, you may find there was nothing to worry about at all. Feisty Mars moves into your sector of talk and thought over the weekend, and this can bring opportunities for networking and linking with those on your wavelength.

  

Sagittarius November 22 – December 21 

You could be geared up for adventure, especially with chatty Mercury and lovely Venus now moving through your leisure sector. If the cost seems prohibitive, you might wonder if it’s worth it. Think of the experience you could gain and reconsider. Even if it’s expensive, it could be beneficial in more ways than one. On another note, the new moon in your home and family sector could ring in changes this weekend. Whatever project you have in mind, this is the time to start.

 

Capricorn December 22 – January 19 

You might wonder if you’re doing the right thing regarding a family issue. With delightful Venus angling toward sobering Saturn in your sign, you could even feel like a wet blanket putting a damper on everyone’s party spirit. However, there may be truth in what you say, and it might be wise for family members to heed your advice. It’s also likely that a compromise could work equally well. Fiery Mars moves into your sign over the weekend, which could reenergize and inspire you.

 

 Aquarius January 20 – February 18 

You might refrain from sharing your feelings, particularly if the issue is a sensitive one. If you’ve had experience of this yourself, you could be even less willing to talk about it. However, it could lead to a breakthrough. Early this week, you might find that overcoming a barrier and speaking your truth comes as a great relief. Feisty Mars moves into your spiritual sector over the weekend, which could stir up your psyche. Be prepared for some vivid dreams.

  

Pisces February 19 – March 20 

The sun in your sign makes a very lovely aspect to jovial Jupiter on Tuesday. If you’re going away on a trip this week, it could be a very promising one. Opportunities may show up that bring you a new lease on life. Even so, friends might question whether you’re doing the right thing. If you feel you are, take no notice. Over the weekend, the new moon in your sign is perfect for starting toward an important goal or dream.

March 15, 2018 

Associated Press

 

Former rapper Craig Mack, best known for the platinum 1994 hit “Flava in Ya Ear” has died in South Carolina.

 

Colleton County Coroner Richard Harvey says the 47-year-old Mack died at his home in Walterboro around 9 p.m. Monday. Harvey said it appeared Mack died of natural causes.

 

The Long Island, New York, native helped launch Diddy’s Bad Boy Entertainment with his first album, “Project: Funk da World.” It was anchored by “Flava in Ya Ear,” which was nominated for a Grammy. The remix also included LL Cool J, Busta Rhymes and the then up-and-coming Biggie Smalls. His follow-up single, “Get Down” went gold.

 

“Craig Mack you were the first artist to release music on Bad Boy and gave us our first hit. You always followed your heart and you had an energy that was out of this world. You believed in me and you believed in Bad Boy,” Diddy said on social media on Tuesday. “I will never forget what you did for hip-hop. You inspired me, and I will continue to try to keep inspiring others. We will always love you.” #badboy4life”

 

After Mack left Diddy, he released a second album, “Operation: Get Down” in 1997 but left the music industry and devoted his life to religion.

 

After news traveled of his death, the rapper was remembered by artists ranging from Questlove to Lin-Miranda Manuel. DJ Scratch said on Instagram that Mack formerly handled his turntable setups and breakdowns.

 

“I’m so saddened to get a text about Craig Mack,” wrote Missy Elliott on Twitter. “I am grateful to have worked with him on this song on the Dangerous Minds soundtrack & he was so kind funny & Talented ... Rest peacefully Craig.”