Eyes of Wakanda (Disney+)

By: Dave Hughes

Ryan Coogler has had quite a year. First, the visionary director  released one of the most successful horror movies of all time in Sinners, which he then followed up by producing the Disney+ series Iron Heart. Now, Coogler returns as an executive producer on Eyes of Wakanda, the new limited series released from Marvel Animation. Serving as a prequel to Coogler’s acclaimed Black Panther (2018), the show introduces the audience to an elite group of Wakandans called the War Dogs. Their job is to travel the world to re-acquire stolen Vibranium, a powerful metal that is revered by the Wakandans. With stunning animation and a compelling narrative, Eyes of Wakanda expands the world of Wakanda while also challenging audiences’ perspective of its people. 

Eyes of Wakanda unfolds over four standalone episodes, each set during a different time period and location. The animation style is striking in each episode, with crisp, vibrant colors that make the story come to life. From the mountains of feudal Japan, to the walls of fire during the Fall of Troy, the series brings history and legend to life through rich palettes, detailed environments, and dynamic action. It’s a visual treat for fans of Marvel and animation in general. The artistry makes the audience more invested in the story as the narrative comes to life on the screen. 

Marvel Animation and Ryan Coogler do not shy away from heavy themes simply because it is an animated project. Each episode carries a deliberate weight, with morally complex decisions that push the protagonists into different territory. Some choices serve the greater good of Wakanda at the expense of personal happiness, forcing characters to sacrifice friendships and even parts of themselves. The War Dogs are willing to do whatever it takes to reclaim Vibranium, even when those actions cast them in a less-than heroic light.  It is a bold choice to take this route in an animated project but it can be quite rewarding for the more seasoned Marvel fan. 

While the series asks weighty questions, certain episodes do have a more lasting impact than others.  Some stories address heavier topics and therefore carry far more emotional weight and impact. Episode 2 particularly stands out as a strong heavy hitting story featuring morally ambiguous choices. Other episodes are more humorous in nature. The mix of tones keeps the program fresh while moving quickly from episode to episode. The tonal variety, along with the show's minimal reliance on the Marvel Cinematic Universe lore makes the show accessible to viewers of all backgrounds. The series contains very few brief nods to the larger Marvel Universe but those connections are more subtle than central to the plot, serving as nothing more than nods to those more devoted MCU fans.  

Target Score: 8/10. Eyes of Wakanda delivers engaging stories with only loose connections to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Its striking animation and morally complex decisions makes it appealing to both seasoned Marvel followers and those newcomers. While it serves as a perfect companion to Coogler’s Black Panther films, it also stands on its own as a strong entry in Marvel Animation’s growing library.