“Black Panther” is a landmark film for Marvel Studios and one of their very best.

Just when you think that the comic superhero movie is all but played out, along comes “Black Panther” from Marvel Studios. This superb comic book adaptation by filmmaker Ryan Coogler and his co-screenwriter Joe Robert Cole honors the original work by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, as well as the previous 17 films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, yet it feels fresh and unique on many levels. It not only has a black lead (Chadwick Boseman), but the main supporting characters are all black women. The film touches on themes of racism, globalism, and ecology. The gorgeous tribal costumes and CGI Wakanda, Africa settings are stunning creations. And its message of racial and female empowerment makes it vital and timely. 2018 already has one of its best films.