Hudlin on Panther—will Civil War disrupt the upcoming nuptials in Wakanda?

Black Panther scribe, Reginald Hudlin is excited to bring us the wedding of the century set to take place in July's Black Panther #18. Long-time heroes Storm and the Black Panther are expected to celebrated their nuptials despite tensions in the Super Hero community at an all-time high. Iron Man and Captain America—opposing leaders of the warring sides—have RSVP'd that they are attending, but will this wedding in Wakanda erupt into another battlefield of this Civil War?

The upcoming wedding has captured the imagination of Marvel fans everywhere and is set to be an event you'll just kick yourself if you miss. It has been building up for months now and the happy moment will finally be upon us. This Wedding of the Century is written by none other than super scribe Reginald Hudlin, who took a few moments of his time to answer a few questions:

Marvel: How did the entire idea of the "Bride of the Panther" come about?

Reginald Hudlin: Once Marvel decided to turn my six-issue mini-series into an ongoing series, I knew the next logical story line was for the Black Panther to get married. That's one of the most important things that kings do, right? Have heirs to the throne.

M: Was it always these two lovely characters or was there a possibility it could be someone else marrying either T'Challa or Ororo?

RH: Once Marvel gave the okay, then there was no doubt that was the most perfect match up.

M: What's it like trying to coordinate a huge event like this, one that has repercussions in different corners of the Marvel Universe?

RH: It didn't get too complicated until it became an integral part of Civil War. Then it was a logistical monster. But it ended up being richer.

M: What's it like to make a fairly dramatic change in two long-time, perhaps even legendary, Marvel heroes like Storm and the Black Panther? Is it daunting?

RH: No, I loved it. It's harder to tell stories where nothing happen and still makes that story matter. Marvel is based on big events that evolve the character, whether it's the wedding of Reed and Sue or the death of Gwen Stacy, and I'm happy to make my contribution to that legacy.

M: Don't you hate all those fictional weddings on TV or in movies where they get to it and say, "If there is anybody who has reason..."

RH: There will be none of that here!

M: Will there be children from this union? If so, what do you think they'll be like? Super-heroes in the making?

RH: I'm making no promises or commitments, but of course there will be kids.

M: What about the artist involved in this project? What does he bring to it?

RH: Scot Eaton has been doing great work on the book, and he's gonna kill this one (in a good way!)

M: Who else would you have get married in the Marvel Universe?

RH: Thanos and the Wasp.

M: What was the hands-down coolest thing about working on this mightiest of all super-hero weddings?

RH: The Black Panther is marrying Storm! What's cooler than that?

M: Honestly, Reg, we can't think of anything as cool as that right now. Best of luck to you and here's hoping we hear the pitter-patter of little feet in the halls of Wakanda soon!




BLACK PANTHER #18 (MAY061955)
Written by REGINALD HUDLIN
Penciled by SCOT EATON
Cover by FRANK CHO
48 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99
FOC – 4/27, On Sale 5/17/2006

BLACK PANTHER #18 TURNER VARIANT (MAY061956)
Written by REGINALD HUDLIN
Penciled by SCOT EATON
Cover by MICHAEL TURNER
48 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99
FOC – 4/27, On Sale 5/17/2006