Storms of Carnage: The Black Panther Unleashed , is probably one of the best fan films made in ages. At 12,000 views and growing over the last two weeks, I tracked down the director and star of this awesome corner of the internet, D.A. Jackson. Jackson, who has an extensive creative background as an illustrator, and martial arts training, began his film career as a stuntman and achieved critical acclaim in 2006 (as well as garnering multiple film festival awards), for his film, Prodigal. That same year, Jackson won the Breakout Action Star award at the Action On Film International Film Festival. Since then, he has continued to direct everything from television shows to hyperviolent fan films. As a result of his love for film and comics, he eventually felt motivated to write and direct a film about one of his favorite characters, the Black Panther. Post Comic-Con International, I spoke to him about his film and what we can expect next.
How long have you been a fan of T'Challa (a.k.a. The Black Panther) and how were you first introduced to him?
I've been a Marvel fan since childhood. Their characters and storylines have been profoundly inspirational to my creativity for as long as I can remember. T'Challa first appealed to me back in the late 80's when they did a mini series of him, but it wasn't until the Reggie Hudlin/ JohnRomita Jr. version of him, around 10 years ago, that he fully resonated. That vision of the character was powerful, intelligent, and unrelenting. In a lot of ways he reminded me of Batman, but less restrained.
How much do you know about the upcoming Marvel Studio production?
I've heard rumors for some time (like everybody else) going all the way back to that initial proposition of a Wesley Snipes helmed version, but I think Marvel is just waiting for the right vision of the character. Something that can appeal to the current fans, but transcend its boundaries by relating universal concepts. They know we've all been waiting for this so they may be afraid of handling it incorrectly. Personally, I'd love to see them take a chance with a big screen version of T'Challa.
There are rumors that John Boyega has been cast. How do you feel about that?
I think its just rumors. They float around seemingly teasing the fans perpetually and it keeps the Panther in the news, which is cool. As far as an actor goes, I think he's good. But, I'd say the same for Chadwick Boseman who's a really good actor. The thing that I, as a martial artist, always wonder is, can they pull off the action or will they require a stuntman for the costumed sequences. I mean c'mon, T'Challa is supposed to be a master of every existing martial art, plus he's super agile. I'd like to see an actor that can carry the action as strong as the dialogue since this is ultimately such a physical character.
What's your next project?
Our next project? Well, since we've had such a viral response and warm reception from all the other Black Panther fans out there, we've upped the production timeline on the next installment of the Storms of Carnage storyline. So for all of the fans of the first film, we hope to honor their trust and blow their minds with the sequel. And, for Marvel Studios we just want to show that there is an audience for this character.
Check out Storms of Carnage: The Black Panther Unleashed, here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UVVBSYuAu5c