This article originally appeared on i-DThe narrative around superhero films has historically been one of whiteness and male-dominance. Ryan Coogler's fantastic new Marvel comic adaption Black Panther changes this, triumphantly. It's a story that celebrates the strength, beauty and power of men and women of African descent, and breathes new life into the genre.The comic book character Black Panther – the first superhero of African descent in mainstream American comics – was initially conceived in 1966, first appearing in comic Fantastic Four #52. Real name T'challa, the Black Panther is the king of Wakanda – a fictional East African nation powered by the precious element vibranium.Over half a century after the comic book was first printed, Marvel have brought this futuristic African utopia to the big screen, with starring roles from Lupita Nyong'o, Chadwick Boseman, Michael B Jordan, Daniel Kaluuya and Letitia Wright, to name a few.From bringing modern black superheroes to the Marvel universe and cinemas across the globe, to taking in the entire African diaspora in such a meaningful and impactful way, and presenting female characters as equally powerful to their male counterparts, Coogler's Black Panther truly marks a new moment in modern cinema.In case you needed a little more convincing, we went down to the movie's London premiere and met the stars and director, to find out why the film means so much to them.Marvel Studios’ Black Panther will be released in UK cinemas on the 13th of February, 2018.