Slick, stylish and epic on many levels, the game-changing Black Panther claws its way into Marvel - and cinema - history. With his new kingdom under threat from both external and internal forces, what sort of king will T'Challa be, and what sort of superhero is the Black Panther?

There's something different about this Marvel film. I've probably said that about 3 different Marvel films now, but this one is different. Can you believe there have now been 18 MCU films? Eight-teen. In a universe where the big movie bosses are churning out film after film after film in an origins-villain-global-threat-redemption factory, it's amazing we haven't gotten bored already. Luckily we haven't, because Black Panther is far bolder than any before it, and it's attention-grabbing for all the right reasons. Not just because of all the headlines about race ("Finally! A Black superhero! An all-Black cast!") but because of all the details coming together, and not just as a show of tokenism. It tackles genuine, rooted problems facing non-superhero society today, colonisation of the past, ongoing oppression, and, just like the hidden country of Wakanda, that's just scratching the surface.

Wakanda, briefly introduced in Captain America: Civil War is a fictional country in East Africa about to welcome new king T'Challa aka Black Panther. What most people don't know, however, is that ostensibly poor Wakanda is actually an incredibly (secretly) technologically advanced state, thanks to it being built on super-powerful metal "vibranium". And thanks to this vibranium, the creatives in the film crew have really had some fun in limitlessly imagining up stuff. Some of the best gadgets can be found here (fake cars, med-tech, hologram bracelets, Black Panther suits etc.); Iron Man eat your heart out. Already, there is so much personality in this setting that's been referred to as "Afro-futuristic". It's a stunning mix staying true to African kingdom, yet gloriously and shamelessly otherworldly, a sci-fi lover's dream. Though it's to get lost in Wakanda, we have to remember that guy from the title in the suit. Cool-under-pressure regal T'Challa (played by a mesmerising and completely in-control Chadwick Boseman) is put through his paces as he faces the new challenge of being king, but more dangerously, a mysterious blast from the past, as well as the internal conflict of serving your people versus serving the world. Also, in case you didn't know, he's also has superpowers/enhanced abilities from a magical purple herb. It's pretty cool.

This is not so much an origins story - in fact, there's barely any mention of T'Challa's childhood - but there's still a strong emphasis on family and backstory, and these pack the biggest emotional punches in various different contexts. After an intro to Wakanda and a vague search for identity from our king, we're thrown into the film's threat which then leads us to Erik "Killmonger" Stevens (Michael B. Jordan). Good vs. evil doesn't quite fit the mould here, and we're treated to one of Marvel's best and most complex villains in a long time. He's a villain that can related to, even pitied. Credit's certainly due to Jordan too - damn, he's just so cool.

Fortunately, Black Panther isn't alone in his fight and this is possibly one of the best things about the film, establishing some very formidable characters. It's worth pointing out here they are all female - although you barely register it whilst watching because it just makes the film without making a big deal out of it. Let it be universally acclaimed that the Dora Milaje (Royal special forces) is a group of fearless kick-ass women. There's Lupita Nyong'o as spy Nakia, who has great chemistry with T'Challa and also oozes class. Danai Gurira plays chief Dora Milaje Okoye who has the most incredible screen-presence and gets some of the most memorable scenes (which she owns, naturally). Then there's T'Challa's teenage sister Shuri (played by Brit Letitia Wright) who is a surprise instant hit with her laidback comical turns (a fun foil to her brother), and actually has a significant role as tech-whiz "New-Q". You can also watch out for Martin Freeman returning with a questionable American accent as CIA agent Ross, Oscar-nominated Daniel Kaluuya, and Angela Bassett as Queen Mother.

There are a few more things Black Panther gets really right. It strikes the right political tone and criticism, and seems respectful of African culture. I watched the film on opening night and ended up in an African Society's screening, and I've honestly never been in a cinema with so much whooping and cheering throughout. Secondly, the combat. From the  gripping cinematography of the waterfall fights, to the final showdown, and of course all of Nakia and Okoye's fights, it's these scenes that remind you it is a superhero action movie. Thirdly, the soundtrack that's been making waves and topping charts. Kendrick Lemar curated it and it's fused seamlessly into the film's DNA, adding sheer levels of coolness and the right electrobeats in all the right places.

Avengers Infinity War kicks off this year but Black Panther has set the bar ve-ry high. In fact, you barely even register that it's "the last Marvel film before Infinity War!" because it feels independent, and this works superbly in the film's favour. It needs to be, because it feels like such a monumental shift in the superhero dynamic. It's not just about glorifying the character in the title like others before it have done, and you don't even need to know much about the past films to enjoy it.

Should Wakanda stay secret and self-sufficient or do they owe it to help others in need, when they have the resources and technology to do so? This is the question that will have you wondering, as you chant "Wakanda forever!". You'll also be wondering, "When can I watch this again?"

Black Panther is in cinemas now.