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Overanalyzing Anime
Blog Owner & Lead Writer
Without a doubt Michael B. Jordan's KIllmonger is the most talked about character to come out of Black Panther - & perhaps even the most widely discussed villain of the MCU. His plan to liberate billions of oppressed people around the world by using advanced weaponry has stirred up plenty of debate - with some understanding & embracing his brutal tactics, while others choose to reject his violent, destructive methodology.
I’ll start by saying this - Killmonger is a villain. There’s no way around that fact. I’ll be the first to admit that he presents some solid arguments as to why he believes Wakanda should send aide to those around the world, but the way in which he chooses to bring his plan to fruition makes him no better than the oppressors he wishes to overthrow. These are not the makings of a hero - they’re the qualities of a villain. So, while much of his rhetoric inspires the notion of brotherhood & taking care of one’s fellow man, it’s really just a facade; his true ambition is to incite violence & spread the same hate that fuels every cell in his body.
Now, as much as he is a villain, it’s not to say that his rage isn’t warranted. His father was killed by his uncle, & he was left to survive alone in an environment that was anything but nurturing. I can understand how that frustration could turn young Erik Stevens into Killmonger; it’s something that happens in ghettos constantly. That being said, it doesn’t make him any less of a villain for how he went about dealing with it.
Which brings me to my biggest issue with Killmonger (& people like him) - how he assigns blame. The man who truly wronged him - T’Chaka - is dead, but that’s not enough for him. Even in killing “Uncle James,” he still isn’t satisfied. Even with his moral crusade, killing the oppressors isn’t enough, which is why he fully intends to kill their children & followers too. The fact of the matter is, he never intends on stopping the bloodshed.
This probably won’t be the last time I talk about Erik, but until then, let me know what your thoughts are in the comments!
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