'Black Panther' is easily the best of the Marvel superhero movies

The first thing to be said about “Black Panther” is that it’s a terrific movie. If it was not, all the talk about being a landmark in Hollywood’s depiction of African-American empowerment would be a consolation prize. It’s easily the best of the Marvel superhero movies but it’s also a film that foregrounds a cornucopia of powerful black faces, garbs, traditions, and conflicts. It’s a stealth movie: Like “Get Out,” it’s a genre film jam-packed with social relevancy.

I can well imagine what it might be like to be a young