World of Wakanda: The Return of Kasper Cole

Mentored by T’Challa and Erik Killmonger, Kasper Cole once spent his time striking across New York City in the name of what’s right. But time has passed, failure and frustration have taken their toll, and the man once known as The White Tiger stands by as Wakanda burns.

But on April 19, writers Rembert Browne and Ta-Nehisi Coates join artist Joe Bennett to bring Kasper Cole back to the fight in BLACK PANTHER: WORLD OF WAKANDA #6. The White Tiger returns for what may be the final encounter with his city and the world he once knew.

We caught up with Rembert to talk about super heroes and football, his collaboration with Ta-Nehisi Coates, and the real-life relevance of the world of Wakanda.

Marvel.com: I know you’re a big Atlanta Falcons fan, so if you could choose one Marvel hero to play for the team, who would it be?

Rembert Browne: The Falcons are cursed, so unfortunately there is no hero that could undo such evil. I’m still not ready to talk about this.

Marvel.com: Understood. So maybe a trade the other way: what Falcons player do you think would fit in as a Marvel hero?

Rembert Browne: Devonta Freeman as Ant-Man.

Marvel.com: What were the conversations you and Ta-Nehisi had about what you wanted to do with this issue? Was it all about narrative? Was it about a broader vision for the story?

Rembert Browne: We knew each other before I got the ask for this very out-of-the-blue, amazing opportunity. We chatted in the beginning and then he very much let me do my thing. I think he wanted me to feel like it was my project, even if I am creating this thing that exists and needs to make sense within this story he’s been telling. But yes, he’s a good man, that Ta-Nehisi Coates, very exciting up-and-coming writer.

Marvel.com: What most intrigued you about writing Kasper Cole?

Rembert Browne: There [are] few things I identify with more than feeling like you’re making a difference and still being very broke. So yes, when I saw that aspect of his bio, my recession Spidey-sense went off and I assumed I could do a half-decent job telling his story.

Marvel.com: There are few more socially relevant stories in the Marvel Universe than this one, so what excited you about writing with that in mind?

Rembert Browne: I think there’s a beautiful moment happening in art right now, stories being told that are true mixtures of the serious and the fun. Look at a show like “Atlanta,” or a movie like “Get Out.” In one moment you’re hit with the real and the next moment you’re crying laughing. It’s how real life is.

I was attracted to this story because he’s a young black man and by virtue of that reality, there will be excitement, action, disappointment, unfair treatment, pain, and redemption. Kasper’s a dude that in one day whoops ass and gets his ass whooped. To me, that’s pretty socially relevant.

Not every black story needs to be about a freedom fighter. But I also can’t imagine a story where that black person isn’t looking to be free, and doesn’t have to fight.

Also, he’s jacked, so that’s aspirational.

BLACK PANTHER: WORLD OF WAKANDA #6, by Rembert Browne, Ta-Nehisi Coates, and artist Joe Bennett, is available on April 19!