Ant-Man and The Wasp shows that Size Doesn't Matter but yet it Does

This week Marvel's Ant-Man and The Wasp brings a “smaller” superhero adventure back to cinemas as a sequel to 2015's Ant-Man. It is the 20th movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (M.C.U.) as part of Phase Three and takes place close to events of Avengers Infinity War. Because jumping into this latest movie, let's briefly recap on the adventures to Ant-Man to date.

Three years ago we were introduced to the microscopic world of the MCU through the eyes of Scott Lang (Paul Rudd). Being an ex-con, Scott finds it difficult finding regular employment in order to maintain visitation rights with his daughter, Cassie. In order to make ends mean, he soon teams up with fellow ex-con Luis (Michael Pena) to break into a safe in an old house. Scott succeeds breaking open the safe but only finds what appears to be a motorcycle suit.

It turns out that the heist was in fact staged by Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) to test Scott as the new Ant-Man. Pym was the original Ant-Man in the 1980s performing clandestine missions for S.H.I.E.L.D. until death of his wife, Janet Van Dyne, leading to a fallout with Howard Stark and the covert organisation. He then setup Pym Technologies but disavowed his shrinking technology for fear that it would be used for nefarious purposes. Unfortunately come present day this former protege Darren Cross (Corey Stoll) is close to replicating shrinking technology with intent to weaponise it. Pym convinces Scott to help destroy Cross' tech research and prototype. Together with his daughter Hope (Evangeline Lilly), they train Scott to effectively use the suit's powers and control ants to aid on the mission.

The heist appears to go according to plan until Cross detects the subterfuge and captures Scott, Hope and Pym. Of course, that's only temporary as our heroes escape and destroy the laboratory and research facility. In the process Cross dons his own prototype Yellowjacket shrinking suit and a miniature battle ensues with Ant-Man in Cassie's bedroom of Cassie. To defeat Cross, Scott has to go sub-atomic to wreck the Yellowjacket suit from the inside then disappear into the Quantum Realm. However, Scott manages to overcome debilitating effects of the microverse and enlarges back to the normal world reuniting with his daughter.

Watch this Honest Trailers take on the first Ant-Man movie.

Fast forward a year, Scott is recruited by Sam Wilson / Falcon during the events of Captain America: Civil War in 2016. Ant-Man becomes a member of Team Captain America in an epic airport battle against Team Iron Man where Avengers and their associates are pitted against one another over differences on the Sokovia Accords. This incident also showcased that Ant-Man's powers can work in reverse, enlarging him to a massive 65 feet / 20 metre tall Giant Man!

Ant-Man joins Team Cap in Civil War.

Although Steve Rogers and Bucky escape, the rest of the team are captured and sent to the Raft prison for enhanced humans. Their prison time appears short lived though once Rogers breaks them out and goes underground quitting the Avengers.

Here is the Honest Trailers "re-cap" (geddit?). of Civil War.

This then brings us to “present day” where Scott is serving out two years of house arrest at the start of Ant-Man and The Wasp. Here's the official synopsis of the movie:

In the aftermath of 'Captain America: Civil War,' Scott Lang grapples with the consequences of his choices as both a Super Hero and a father. As he struggles to re-balance his home life with his responsibilities as Ant-Man, he's confronted by Hope van Dyne and Dr. Hank Pym with an urgent new mission. Scott must once again put on the suit and learn to fight alongside The Wasp as the team works together to uncover secrets from their past.

In the Director's seat once again is Peyton Reed with the returning cast of Paul Rudd as Scott Lang / Ant-Man, Evangeline Lilly as Hope Van Dyne / Wasp, Michael Pena as Luis, Abby Ryder Fortson as Cassie, Judy Greer as Maggie (Scott's ex-wife), Bobby Cannavale as Jim Paxton (Maggie's husband), Tip “T.I.” Harris as Kurt, David Dastmalchian as Kurt, and Michael Douglas as Dr. Hank Pym. Plus of course the anticipated cameo by Stan Lee.

This time The Wasp shares main title credit with Ant-Man, and as clearly hinted at the end of the preceding movie, Hope Van Dyne takeovers the mantle of Wasp from her mother in a new suit. In addition to shrinking abilities, this new Wasp suit includes wings and blasters to “sting” bad guys. Find out more about Wasp in this featurette;

Micheal Douglas (left) returns as Dr. Hank Pym and introducing Michelle Pfeiffer as Janet Van Dyne.

Ant-Man and The Wasp also looks to flesh out Hope's mother, Janet Van Dyne played by award-winning veteran actress Michelle Pfeiffer (Batman Returns, Dangerous Minds). Inspired by Scott's escape from the Quantum Realm, Hank Pym re-examines his technology for a potential rescue mission of Janet who was lost in this microverse three decades earlier.

A familiar face in geek pop culture movies, Laurence Fishburne of Matrix infamy portrays Bill Forster, a former colleague of Pym on Project Goliath. Geeks should also recognise Fishburne as the current Perry White from Man of Steel and subsequent movies of the DC Expanded Universe (DCEU). Like Ryan Reynolds, he's certainly another alumni of both Marvel and DC movies.

New antagonists include Walton Goggins (Tomb Raider, Maze Runner: The Death Cure) as Sonny Burch, a low-time tech hustler, and Hannah John-Kamen (Ready Player One) as Ava Starr / Ghost, a mysterious enhanced woman who can phase through solid matter (kinda like Vision). Read more about Ghost from this article by Hype.

Viewers of American sitcom Fresh Off The Boat will also recognise Randall Park who joins the cast as FBI Agent Jimmy Woo. Plus there are numerous characters from our titular hero... Ants! The movie certainly casts ants in ways never seen before and potentially makes them look cool. Find out more about Ants in this Marvel science mini-documentary:

Uma of BFM's At The Movies had the opportunity to interview the stars of Ant-Man and The Wasp, Paul Rudd and Evangeline Lilly. Here's what they had to say about being in the MCU:

At the Movies x Ant Man and the Wasp: Paul Rudd
Also in Taipei, Umapagan spoke to Paul Rudd about the Withnail and I drinking game, about the MCU, and about starring alongside Hollywood legends. Catch Ant Man and the Wasp in cinemas on the 4th of July and let us know what you think about the 20th movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Posted by At the Movies on Monday, 2 July 2018

At the Movies x Ant Man and the Wasp: Evangeline Lilly
Umapagan was in Taipei recently where he caught up with the Wasp herself! Evangeline Lilly talks to At the Movies about what it's like being the first female superhero to have title billing in an MCU movie. Ant Man and the Wasp will be in cinemas on July 4th.
Posted by At the Movies on Sunday, 1 July 2018

Now watch them attempt a miniature cookout session to make some fried rice!

But seriously here's a featurette on Ant-Man and The Wasp teaming-up as the shrinking superheroes of the MCU:

Thanks for Walt Disney Studios Malaysia, a few of us Marvelites got to attend the Movie Premiere of Ant-Man and The Wasp at TGV Cinemas, 1 Utama earlier this week. A handful of “ants” suited up for the occasion and certainly delighted fellow cinema patrons. Here are our immediate non-spoiler reactions of the movie:

Many "ants" and a "wasp" cosplaying at the Malaysian Movie Premiere for Ant-Man and The Wasp.

Read more early reactions compiled by Says.com here, and reviews by Star2.com and Variety. If prefer to watch one instead, here is IGN's video review:

Remember this is a Marvel movie, so stay back during the end-credits for two bonus scenes. Marvel's Ant-Man and The Wasp is now showing in Malaysian cinemas nationwide.

For fans who can wait (or like a 2nd or 3rd round) or regular movie goers, The Sun newspaper together with Petron Malaysia is giving away open tickets to watch Ant-Man and The Wasp starting next week. To participate spend a minimum RM5 on fuel at Petron stations then get hold of The Sun published on 2 July to count the number if tiny Ant-Men and Wasps. Read terms and condition plus submit entries by 8 July through via The Sun website page here.

For collectors of geek stuff, the Outpost Movie Recon Team (M.R.T.) has special intel below for you all to bring home a piece of the action.

Starting first from GSC Cinemas, there are so many movie merchandise giveaways that will have fans coming back again for repeated screenings of this movie. Available right now with purchase of two movie tickets are a Special Print Edition poster and exclusive Pin Badges.

Then starting next week from 10 July will be a Mini-Comic Book with Magnifying Glass, and from 14 July will be Collectible Coin. These are given out with purchase of two movie tickets as well. Check the full terms and conditions plus availability from GSC's website.

There are also a few type of concession combo deals. The 3D Figure Cup looks way cool and available as part of popcorn combo.

For official Ant-Man and The Wasp metallic foil tshirts, there are three designs available. Two designs of either Ant-Man or The Wasp come as part of a concession combo with popcorn and drinks from RM44.50. The third design featuring both superheroes is available for only RM10 with purchase of two Gold Class or Premiere Class tickets. Again check availability from GSC's website.

Over at TGV Cinemas, they are offering a Ant-Man Popcorn Bucket which resembles the helmet of our titular hero. It is sold together with popcorn and drinks for RM34.90, or RM10 less for Maybank cardmembers. Maybank credit card holders may also take advatange of Buy 1 Get 1 offer for IMAX tickets, hence bring a partner / friend for FREE.

Finally as part of their promotional campaign to send a MovieClub member to New York Comic Con (NYCC), purchase two tickets to redeem an Ant-Man and The Wasp Collectible Card which is the final piece required to qualify joining this slogan contest. NYCC takes place 4 to 7 October 2018 and is typically SOLD OUT months in advance so this is certainly an opportunity not to be missed for geek pop culture fans eligible for travel to the United States.

Read up all the terms and conditions for these promos at TGV's website.

In addition, TGV Home of Heroes is celebrating this summer blockbuster season of superheroes movies with a Heroes Homecoming Fan Gathering taking place a cinemas across the country. The BIGGEST fan engagements will take place this weekend 7-8 July 2018 at the Main Concourse of Sunway Putra Mall, Kuala Lumpur from 10am to 10pm with comic book superhero exhibits, video games, green screen photo booth, popcorn giveaway and lucky draws.

The main Fan Gathering will take place on Saturday between 5pm to 9pm at four locations simultaneously. In addition to Sunway Putra Mall, the other locations are TGV 1st Avenue in Penang, Station 18 in Ipoh and Imperial City Mall in Miri. Fans can enlist during this time to participate in a Superhero themed challenge to win major prizes worth thousands of RM. Here's the video recap from the last Heroes Homecoming Fan Gathering at Sunway Velocity Mall for an idea on what to expect:

Throwback- Heroes Homecoming Fan Gathering, TGV Cinemas Sunway Velocity
We're a week away from our next fan gathering, at the Main Concourse Area at Sunway Putra Mall. Here's a throwback to what happened at our last Heroes Homecoming Fan Gathering, in April 2018. Looking forward to more fun and games, and a chance to take part in giveaways with prizes worth up to RM5,000? RSVP here : http://bit.ly/TGV-HOTH-AntManFanGathering
Posted by TGV Cinemas on Friday, 29 June 2018

Especially for superhero movie cosplayers, a Cosplay Competition will be taking place at Sunway Putra Mall (main concourse) from 7.30pm onwards. Cosplayers from Marvel, DC, Image and other superhero franchises are welcome to participate; not just limited to Ant-Man and The Wasp. Prizes worth over RM3,000 include:

• Grand Prize: Canon DSLR Camera
• Second Prize: Ant- Man & the Wasp Phone Holder, Key Chain and Pin Badges
• Third Prize: Set of Avengers Mini Figurines

Plus FIRST 12 qualified registrations receive an Ant-Man Popcorn Bucket. Participation is FREE with Registration opening at 6pm until 7pm with maximum of 20 pax. Be sure to check Terms and Conditions for the Cosplay Competition at TGV's website.

For the latest updates on what's happening join the Heroes Homecoming Event Listing on Facebook and stay tuned.

Now at MBO Cinemas, an official Spinning Keychain is available free with purchase of two MX4D movie tickets, which is only available at Starling Mall and Kuantan City Mall for purchases over the counter. Alternatively this keychain and limited edition tshirt may be won by AllStar members through contest until 23 July with purchase of two Ant-Man and The Wasp tickets to enter. AllStar members can also use their points to redeem four different movie premiums bidding with their points; read-up on bid mechanics with terms and conditions.

Finally, a contest is open to all Facebook users to simply win some loot by commenting on this MBO post.

HypeMY has a contest offering similar movie premium so check out their website here on how to participate.

Now we've mentioned Petron Malaysia earlier, but they have even yet more stuff to giveaway including an all-expense 5-Day 4-Night Marvel VIP Experience in London with tickets to London MCM Comic Con in 2019! In addition there are 50 weekly prizes of Limited Edition Ant-Man and The Wasp movie premiums. To enter spend a minimum of RM50 on fuel swiping Petron Miles Card to enter. Read more on this great fan experience opportunity reported by The Sun here and get full terms and conditions from Petron's website.

For toys for the BIG boys and kids, 6in scale action figures of Ant-Man and The Wasp are available from Hasbro's Marvel Legends series priced at RM132. The head sculpts are really good this time with Scott's expression matching the nature of this movie. They may be a bit hard to find at regular toy retailers since released as part of an Avengers Infinity War set (with parts to build Cull Obsidian) so do check out toy collectors hobby stores instead.

Fans of LEGO can pickup the official 76109 Quantum Explorer building set which includes all three main characters of this movie as minifigs: Ant-Man, Wasp and Ghost. These are priced at RM122.60 and should be available at major toy retailers and LEGO shops.

25 feet. 65 feet. Does Size Matter? Find out in Ant-Man and The Wasp!

Disclaimer: Ant-Man, The Wasp and associated trademarks are copyright to Marvel Entertainment, referenced here for fan service purposes only without intent to infringe.

Black Panther welcomes Marvelites to Wakanda

2018 is going to be a BIG year for Marvelites (aka Marvel fans) with so much comic book movies being served from now until December. 20th Century Fox is contributing two movies in the form of Deadpool 2 in May and X-Men Dark Phoenix in November. Then there's the first Venom movie from Sony Pictures in October together with an animated Spider-man movie in December. Marvel Studios themselves will dish out three movies starting with Black Panther next week as a precursor to the ultimate superhero team-up in Avengers Infinity War this April, followed in July by Ant-Man & The Wasp. Plus there are whole servings of Marvel superheroes on TV from titles like Agents of SHIELD, The Gifted, Legion, The Runaways, Cloak & Dagger, Jessica Jones and Luke Cage.

Kicking off Marvel-mania in the cinemas officially from 15 February 2018 next week is Marvel's Black Panther. Our titular superhero first appeared almost two years prior in Captain America: Civil War. In his debut, Black Panther was pursuing the Winter Soldier / Bucky Barnes who was wanted for the murder of Wakanda's King T'Chaka in a terrorist bombing of a United Nations conference. When Barnes was apprehended together with Captain America / Steve Rogers, it was revealed that Black Panther is Prince T'Challa of Wakanda, vowing revenge for the death of his father and King.

Black Panther as part of Team Iron Man in the awesome airport battle showdown against Team Captain America.

During the ensuing row between superheroes, Black Panther sided with Tony Stark as part of Team Iron Man against Team Captain America. The magnificent "airport battle" ended with the escape of Roger and Barnes though other members of their team were apprehended.

Subsequently, Black Panther secretly followed Stark to a Siberian Hydra base and learned the real culprit of the bombing was Helmut Zemo, a Sokovian seeking to fracture the Avengers who he blames for the death of his family during the incident with Ultron. Black Panther apprehended Zemo and ultimately provided sanctuary for Rogers and Barnes in his homeland of Wakanda.

First appearance of Black Panther in the pages of Fantastic Four #52.

Whilst elements of Black Panther in the movies are fairly consistent with the source comics, his first introduction back in 1966 was not in the pages of Captain America but inside issue 52 of the Fantastic Four. In the comics, Black Panther possesses super-human conditioning akin to the super-soldier serum but sourced instead from a heart-shaped herb associated with the Panther God Bast. In the movies, at least during the events of Civil War, no explanation of his powers was given although they could be conjectured as part of his vibranium enhanced costume. Other than this, his alter-ego as King T'Challa of the African nation Wakanda seems consistent with the comics.

Read more about Black Panther's comic book background from Star2.com.

Black Panther's vibranium costume provides immunity to bullets  and explosions.

Now Black Panther returns in this own solo movie outing taking place after the events of Captain America Civil War and shedding more light into the mysterious nation of Wakanda.

Movie Synopsis

Marvel Studios’ Black Panther follows T’Challa who, after the death of his father, the King of Wakanda, returns home to the isolated, technologically advanced African nation to succeed to the throne and take his rightful place as king. But when a powerful old enemy reappears, T’Challa’s mettle as king—and Black Panther—is tested when he is drawn into a formidable conflict that puts the fate of Wakanda and the entire world at risk. Faced with treachery and danger, the young king must rally his allies and release the full power of Black Panther to defeat his foes and secure the safety of his people and their way of life.

Marvel's Black Panther is directed by Ryan Coogler with Chadwick Boseman reprising his role as Black Panther / T'Challa. Joining him is Lupita Nyong'o as Nakia, Danai Gurira as Okoye, Martin Freeman as Everett Ross, Daniel Kaluuya as W'Kabi, Letitia Wright as Shuri, Angela Bassett as Ramonda &  Forest Whitaker as Zuri. Opposing our hero are Michael B. Jordan as Erik Killmonger, Winston Duke as M'Baku, and Andy Serkis as Ulysses Klaue.

Marvel Studios Producer Kevin Feige and Black Panther co-creator Stan Lee share about developing Black Panther from comic book pages to screen.

Despite the fantastical worlds showcased in comic books, Marvel often created superheroes with very grounded human origins, many of which are credited to the legendary Stan Lee. Instead of aliens or gods (except for Thor and his entourage), many of Marvel's heroes are indeed regular humans that us mere mortals can relate to: the tech billionaire growing a conscience, the teenage kid rushing to grow up, a former felon who can't get a job, the arrogant doctor, etc.

However unlike most Marvel comic book superheroes, Black Panther does not originate from a particular locale in the United States based on our real world, but instead from a fictional African nation of Wakanda. Moreover, he holds the mantle of King and has to balance duty to his people against duty as a superhero. This forthcoming movie looks to be T'Challa's journey as the new King of Wakanda and his challenges from both internal and external discord.

Black Panther's costume showcased during San Diego Comic-con.

One of the most intriguing aspects to this upcoming movie is the nation of Wakanda itself. As shown in the trailers, Wakanda is very much a mysterious and reclusive African nation. It is soon revealed as the most technologically advanced nation on Earth and the source of vibranium, a highly sought after mineral for its unique properties, i.e. vibranium was used to make Captain America's "indestructible" shield.

Wakanda in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) looks to be intricately fleshed out from the trailers, its people mixing cutting edge high-technology with age old tribal rituals. An ensemble cast reflects the Wakandans featuring Golden Glode award winner Angela Bassett as Ramonda, Queen Mother, and Letitia Wright as Shuri, T'Challa's younger sister and Princess of Wakanda.

Chadwick Boseman as Black Panther / T'Challa fulfilling his father's legacy.

 Angela Bassett as Queen Mother Ramonda (left) and Letitia Wright as Princess Shuri

The royal family is protected by the Dora Milaje, an elite special forces of warrior women led by "Wakanda forever" Okoye (Danai Gurira). T'Challa's love interest Nakia (Lupita Nyong'o) is also a member of the Dora Milaje.

The warrior women of Wakanda (Left to Right): Okoye (Danai Gurira) head of the Dora Milaje, Nakia (Lupita Nyong'o).

Also supporting T'Challa is W'Kabi (Daniel Kaluuya), his best friend and head of security. Academy award winner Forest Whitaker dons Wakandan robes as Zuri, an elder statesman and religious figure.

 Other key Wakandans (L to R): T'Challa's best friend W'Kabi (Daniel Kaluuya), and tribal figure Zuri (Forest Whitaker).

Unsettling the peaceful nation and opposing King T'Challa's rule are M'Baku (Winston Duke), a powerful warrior of a Wakanda tribe, and Erik Killmonger played by Michael B. Jordan. Killmonger in particular is seen to challenge T'Challa directly for the throne and looks legitimately bad@$$ enough to go toe-to-toe with the Black Panther when he morphs into his own presumably vibranium suit. Allied with them is arms-dealer and smuggler Ulysses Klaue played by Andy Serkis (Lord of the Rings) reprising his role from Avengers Age of Ultron albeit less an arm.

 Michael B. Jordan as Erik Killmonger (left) seeks the throne with support of Wakandan tribal leader M'Baku (Winston Duke).

Face-off between rivals T'Challa (left) and Killmonger in tribal combat.

Motion-capture master actor Andy Serkis returns as arms-dealer Ulysses Klaue, but NOT as a CG character.

Another alumni from J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies is Martin Freeman as CIA agent Everett K. Ross. He was last seen during the events of Captain America: Civil War as  Deputy Task Force Commander of the Joint Counterterrorism Center, reporting to US Secretary of State Thaddeus Ross. In the trailer Ross is seen interrogating Klaue (Editor: wonder if the actors felt dejavu from their scene as Bilbo and Gollum, although in different shoes so to speak) about Wakanda, which ultimately leads him to the hidden African nation and providing us an outsider's view to that world.

Martin Freeman goes on another unexpected journey as Everett K. Ross.

Marvel's Black Panther has already had its World Premiere and press screenings, receiving rave reviews amongst critics and fans. Check out non-spoiler reviews by Star2.com with rating of 8.5 out of 10 and Den of Geek scoring 4 out of 5. At the time of this post, it rates 98% on Rotten Tomatoes and 86 on Metacritic. That's ample reason of us comic book geeks to rush to cinemas as soon as possible and fortunately early sneak previews of Black Panther begin on Tuesday 13 February from 7pm onwards at the major Malaysian cinema chains.

Source: TGV Cinemas.

Like all Marvel movies, post-credit scenes are expected therefore stay in your seats for two (2) such scenes. If you find yourself starting to miss Wakanda then worry not as in just over two (2) months away the Black Panther will return alongside Steve Rogers and his comrades in Avengers Infinity War scheduled to release on 26 April 2018.

T'Challa returns for Avengers Infinity War together with Steve Rogers and friends to combat the forces of Thanos.

Now for Marvelites who must bring home some stuff, the Outpost Movie Recon Team (M.R.T.) has tracked down a whole slew of movie memorabilia and merchandise to worship the Black Panther. Starting with the movie exhibitors, GSC Cinemas is throwing out a whole lot of Black Panther merchandise for their customers:

Purchase of any two (2) movie tickets will be given Black Panther angpow packets.

Firstly, purchase of two (2) tickets for any movies will entitle redemption of Black Panther angpow packets from all GSC cineplexes. Find out how to redeem and other terms & conditions from the GSC official website.

Rewarding advance ticket purchases, a Black Panther keychain will be given away for four (4) tickets purchased from selected cinemas. Find out participating cineplexes and other terms & conditions from the official GSC website. Redemption begins from Tuesday 13 February, 6pm while stocks last.

For fans who can't wait, GSC is already making available concession combos offering a limited edition Black Panther collectible coin at selected cineplexes. The combos are priced at RM21 for West Malaysia comprising one large popcorn and 2 regular drinks plus the Black Panther coin. Again goto the official GSC website for list of the participating cineplexes and other terms & conditions.

Finally, an exclusive Limited Edition Black Panther tshirt is available from part of another concession combo priced at RM45 with one large popcorn and two regular drinks. As mentioned before, check out the official GSC website for participating cineplexes and other terms & conditions.

Over at MBO Cinemas, they are offering a Black Panther popcorn container which is sculpted like the titular heroes' head. Popcorn is included in the combos priced at RM30 for 1 drink, or RM33 for 2 drinks. The combos are already available so check with MBO Cinemas Facebook Page for cinemas offering them.

For the chance to win movie premiums, LFS Cinemas has posted a Facebook contest on their Page offering Black Panther tshirt, keychain, earphones, notebook and more. Act soon as this contest closes on 15 February 2018.

Premium-X Cinemas in OneCity USJ is also offering similar Movie Premiums via their online contest. Goto their Facebook Page for more details on how to participate and submit your entries by 25 February 2018.

Official Black Panther movie premiums up for grabs.

Lastly Klips by Says.com has these same movie premiums available via their website contest taking submissions until 19 February 2018.

Marvel collectors will be happy to get their hands on toys from Hasbro now available at major toy retailers and hobby stores. Various role play toys like Black Panther mask and claws will delight kids together with action figures priced from RM49.90.

Hasbro role-play toys with Black Panther masks, claws and gauntlet.

Kids action figures of major characters priced at RM49.90.

For more discerning adult collectors, the Marvel Legends products should be of keen interest. The 6in series offers Black Panther, Erik Killmonger and Nakia as seen in the movie. Other Marvel characters from the same set include Black Bolt the King of Inhumans, Namor the Sub-Mariner and the Invincible Iron Man. Parts are included with each character, except Iron Man, to assemble Dora Malije leader Okoye. These action figures are premium priced at RM139.90 each. For more detailed review of the Marvel Legends Black Panther set, head over to our associate Pop Culture-FUN Malaysia blog.

Characters in the Marvel Legends 6in Black Panther series.

T'Challa as the Black Panther in Marvel Legends 12in scale, although availability may be limited in Malaysia.

LEGO has also released two building sets for Black Panther from scenes inspired of the movie. Set no. 76100 Royal Talon Fighter Attack priced at RM179.90 presents Wakanda's futuristic aircraft with a high ratio of four mini-figs including Black Panther himself, Killmonger, Nakia and Klaue.

The Black Panther's ride is pretty cool.

Set 76099 Rhino Face-off by the Mine is priced at RM129.90 includes both mini-figs of Black Panther and Killmonger in their panther costumes, plus Okoye and a rhino. Should we wager that in Wakanda the Dora Milaje ride rhinos to battle or this is just a gimmick that looks cool to kids?

Funko POP! vinyl figurine of Black Panther unmasked from the upcoming movie.

Collectors of Funko POP! cutesy vinyl figurines will be either delighted to extend their collection of Marvel characters into this movie, or despair with some characters available only as retail exclusives to hunt down. Read-up the official Funko POP! blog to find out what products are being made, although at this time we have yet to source availability in Malaysia.

That's a wrap for our special intel on Marvel's Black Panther covering what movie goers should know before entering the cinema, plus recon on where to find movie memorabilia at our local shores. Also follow Marvel Malaysia for latest updates on the MCU. Black Panther will be in cinemas nationwide 15 February 2018 as alternative fare to Chinese New Year movies.

Advance sneak previews begin Tuesday, 13 February from 7pm which offer an earlier option to catch the movie which may not be so appropriate for Valentine's Day consumption on Wednesday, 14 February.

Now as Stan Lee would say,

Excelsior!

Disclaimer: Black Panther and associated trademarks are copyright to Marvel Entertainment, referenced here for fan service purposes only without intent to infringe.