Black Panther sketches make world premiere at UMES art gallery

PRINCESS ANNE, Md. – For at least a little while, Wakanda will be located in Princess Anne.

And that’s because the University of Maryland Eastern Shore is playing host to the world premiere art gallery of the original black panther comic sketches, and Wakanda of course, is the home of the Black Panther.

Billy Graham, the first black artist for Marvel, sketched out these comic for the black panther comic and tonight they were revealed to the public for the first time.

Following the movie’s incredible box office success, Graham’s family opened a trunk left from him 20 years after his death and discovered the sketches.

The original artwork is now on display at UMES, along with Graham’s portfolio, his drafting tools and illustrations from other comic series.

“I can’t wait until October 18th when the family comes and sees this, because they’ve only seen these pieces sort of in a portfolio, but to see them framed on the wall in a display like this is, it really gives him the prominence that it deserves,” said Susan Holt, the UMES gallery director.

The gallery is open until October 25 for display at UMES, Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM.  Graham’s granddaughter and two sons will be at UMES for a gallery walk through on October 18.