In late this year, when Marvel Animation’s anticipated series titled “Eyes of Wakanda” hits Disney+, it won’t just follow the ancestry of one of Marvel Universe’s mightiest and influential nations. This animated production, premiering on August 6, also carries the potential to unveil a long-standing mystery within the MCU: the actual account of how Captain America’s shield came into existence.
The “Black Panther” animated series, which had its premiere at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, delves into significant periods in Wakanda’s illustrious past by examining four crucial events. Each episode centers around the struggles connected to vibranium artifacts that were taken from the secluded African kingdom and the conflicts they sparked.
In the narrative of “Eyes of Wakanda,” we traverse historical eras ranging from ancient times like the Bronze Age to the present day. The storyline centers on a group of Wakandan warriors who are assigned to retrieve valuable artifacts, as the world is greedy to exploit them. Among these warriors is Noni, a fallen member of the Dora Milaje (portrayed by Winnie Harlow), and the Hatut Zaraze, an elite secret service that translates to “Dogs of War” in English.
The series will merge international spying, real-world events, and Marvel lore, focusing on these valiant Wakandan warriors as they attempt to recover these significant and risky artifacts. A hint about a Marvel character appearing in the show has been given, but another intriguing prospect could lie in a possible narrative set in the 1940s, during which Stark Industries (under Howard Stark’s leadership) obtained a small amount of vibranium that would later become Captain America’s famous shield.
Exploring the previously unknown storyline through “Eyes of Wakanda” might enrich both Wakanda’s and Howard Stark’s Marvel Cinematic Universe heritages with fresh, intriguing dimensions.
The Black Panther Series Could Explore a Missing Piece of MCU History
In 2010’s “Iron Man 2,” a brief, almost unnoticeable Easter egg introduced the distinctive star-patterned shield design of the MCU for the first time. However, fans didn’t get a clear view of this extraordinary defensive and offensive tool until the following year in “Captain America: The First Avenger.” Here, Stark (played by Dominic Cooper) shows an unpainted prototype to Steve Rogers (Chris Evans). What remains unexplored on screen is the mystery of how Stark obtained the vibranium needed for the shield.
In the movie, this particular aspect is not fully explained, leading viewers to ponder if Vibranium was given, bought, or stolen. Considering Wakanda’s history of secrecy and strong defense of its assets, a straightforward transaction seems unlikely.
In this scenario, the “Eyes of Wakanda” could play a role. The central theme of the “Black Panther” series – the historic theft of vibranium – sets up a potential episode that revolves around Stark’s discovery and the subsequent repercussions. This would be an intriguing method to link the shield’s history with Wakanda’s broader storyline, which involves protecting its vibranium reserves from external forces. Moreover, this episode could underscore Wakanda’s belief that they are entitled to all creations derived from vibranium, a notion hinted at in the Disney+ series “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier”.
Could the Black Panther Series Shift Howard Stark’s Legacy?
A storyline taking place in the 1940s could provide a rich environment for Marvel to delve into not only Howard Stark’s character, but also the political landscape and international relations of that era.
In this hypothetical scenario, during World War II, researchers at Stark Industries accidentally discover a trove of vibranium and, upon realizing its unique capabilities, decide to take it for themselves. This action leads Wakanda to take decisive steps to retrieve the metal before it can be used for nefarious purposes. The ensuing storyline would delve into the complex history of Captain America’s shield and introduce a moral ambiguity that has long been associated with an iconic symbol of valor.
Additionally, exploring these questions about Howard Stark’s involvement in the acquisition of vibranium could add depth to his character. Was he aware that the vibranium was obtained illegally or stolen? Or perhaps he was unaware, merely caught up in a broader network of spying and wartime exploitation?
For quite some time, fans have been hoping for a deeper exploration of the character Howard Stark. A episode titled “Eyes of Wakanda” might deliver just that, offering a rich and unforeseen portrayal.
How Eyes of Wakanda Explores Real-World History via the MCU
This thought appears to align with the creative trajectory that the “Eyes of Wakanda” series appears to be following. According to its creator/director, Todd Harris, Entertainment Weekly described it as a thrilling journey across the globe, brimming with allusions to real-world occurrences.
There are several unexpected moments in this opportunity. One reason is to introduce small snippets of history that may be new, such as ‘I didn’t realize that happened.’ Another aspect involves challenging some historical theories, facts, and preconceived notions by holding them up for reflection.
During a conversation with Deadline, Harris elaborated more on how he, Ryan Coogler (producer and director of Black Panther), along with the show’s writers, delved into the rich, ancient past of the fictitious nation they were creating.
Ryan gave us free rein to explore, and he was incredibly inspiring. His focus was on the Sea Peoples during the Bronze Age, a topic still debated in historical circles. The idea revolved around what if these raiders were actually led by the people of Wakanda? What kind of revolutionary impact would they have had during that time period?
The show intends to delve into how Vibranium has influenced global history, so it’s fascinating to consider the connection during the creation of Captain America’s famous shield.
Eyes of Wakanda Could Bring More Connectivity to the MCU
For quite some time, fans have pondered about the real tale behind Captain America’s shield. The film Eyes of Wakanda, however, offers an engaging and historical perspective to unravel this enigma, enhancing not only Wakanda’s lore but also the expansive Marvel universe.
In a style that Marvel Animation is known for, they could produce an interconnected narrative for their upcoming stories, as Marvel Studios prepares to launch three more MCU shows by year’s end. If Marvel Animation decides to follow this approach, it could very well be one of the series’ most buzzed-about installments among fans. The secrets of the Black Panther series will finally be unveiled when it premieres on Disney+ in August.
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2025-06-10 22:35