Black Panther bows to the Red Dragon

THE new film Black Panther has hinted at Welsh independence in the comic book world as it features the Welsh flag.

Black Panther, set in the fictional land of Wakanda, shows King T’challa at the United Nations standing on stage alongside a Welsh flag.

It left viewers wondering if Wales is independent in the Marvel universe. Wales is currently represented at the UN under the Union Flag as part of the United Kingdom.

But viewers were quick to spot the Baner Cymru (or Y Ddraig Goch) on proud display on stage. The country of Wakanda is supposed to be a representation of a fictional east African nation.

Welshman Leigh Jones, who works for a record label in London, said the flag’s inclusion made him proud.

“It seemed too good to be true, but when I saw the screenshot I was incredibly happy and proud because of the context,” he told the BBC.

He suggested that when the Welsh language and independence movements began gaining momentum in the Sixties, they saw themselves as part of a global struggle for civil rights at the time, which was being led by black Americans, and that this could be acknowledgement of that fellowship. Mr Jones added: “It’s just brilliant to have recognition of Wales as a separate nation on a global scale when we even struggle to get that recognition within the UK.”

Other theories posted by fans include the flag’s cameo being a nod to little-known Marvel hero Y Ddraig Goch – which literally translates to The Red Dragon.

Meanwhile, studio estimates yesterday said the Marvel superhero film blew past expectations when it opened in the US, with $192million in ticket sales over the weekend. That makes Black Panther the fifth-biggest opening weekend ever, not accounting for inflation. It is also the highest-grossing February opening weekend.

The only films with a higher grossing opening weekend are Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Star Wars: The Last Jedi, Jurassic World and The Avengers.

Ryan Coogler’s film, which cost about $200 million to make, is the most big-budget, largely black ensemble film in years and is centred on a black superhero. The strong opening suggests Black Panther will easily set a box office record for films directed by a black filmmaker.

A Welsh assembly spokesman said: “Wales continues to punch above its weight – a real-life Marvel.”