However, 16 years later, after establishing their new careers, both men’s paths would cross again. It so happens that Coates’ work as a journalist and writer had landed him the opportunity to write Marvel Comics’ Black Panther series. The first issue penned by the author released on April 6 2016, a mere six days before Boseman made his big screen debut portraying the superhero in Captain America: Civil War.

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It’s for those reasons comic book readers will find a small surprise in this week’ s Marvel comic book issues. Both digital and physical editions will include a couple of special pages honoring Chadwick Boseman’s memory in the format where Black Panther made its name, before being immortalized in film by the late star.

Coates speaks highly of Boseman’s demeanor, even back in college. He describes the actor as carrying himself in real life just like a true king would, something which he highlighted from his first impression after meeting him at a protest by saying he “would listen to him talk and only catch about 60% of what he was actually saying. It took time to realize that this was because Chad was always a few steps ahead of everyone”.

The writer goes on to describe how the experience of studying at a historically Black college like Howard University shaped them and motivated both to adopt the same fighting spirit embodied by some of the school’s most notable alumni and activists. It’s already been a little over a month since Boseman lost his battle with cancer, yet examples of his generosity and the love he inspired among his colleagues in the entertainment industry continue to surface.

While it’s inevitable that the Black Panther movie franchise and  the MCU will move on without Boseman, reminders like these should provide comfort to fans who can now be sure that Chadwick Boseman the man had some of T’Challa’s personality ingrained in him, a true warrior, even back when he was only a young student.

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Source: GamesRadar+