Season Review: Eyes of Wakanda Season One

Marvel’s latest animated series, Eyes of Wakanda, offers a compelling and action-packed look into the untold history of the hidden nation. Eschewing a single narrative, this four-episode anthology dives into different historical periods, following the Hatut Zaraze, or “War Dogs”—Wakandan spies tasked with retrieving lost vibranium artifacts and protecting the kingdom’s secrets. The result is a series that is both a thrilling spy saga and a rich expansion of Marvel’s most fascinating corner.

The first thing that stands out is the animation. The show’s visuals are gorgeous, with a vibrant color palette and fluid, dynamic action sequences that set it apart from other Marvel animated fare like What If…. Each episode’s setting, from ancient Crete to 15th-century China, is rendered with meticulous detail and a unique artistic flair. The show also embraces a surprising level of violence, with the War Dogs’ missions often being brutal and high-stakes affairs that reflect the serious nature of their work.

Eyes of Wakanda is at its best when it blends real-world history with the deep-seated lore of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The series cleverly inserts Wakandan influence into key moments in time, such as the Trojan War and the Italo-Ethiopian War. This “what if” approach, but within the main MCU timeline, creates a series of engaging, standalone adventures that add significant context to the world of Black Panther.

The anthology format allows for a diverse cast of characters and stories, with each episode introducing a new War Dog and a new challenge. We meet Noni, a disgraced Dora Milaje, on a mission to hunt a traitor, and later, Basha, who finds himself in a tense confrontation with the legendary Iron Fist. The final episode provides a masterful connection to the live-action films, tying the entire series together in a way that feels both earned and impactful.

The main criticism of Eyes of Wakanda is that there simply isn’t enough of it. At four episodes, the series feels more like a prologue than a fully realized season. Just as you become invested in a particular character or setting, the episode ends and the story moves on. This brevity, while making for a tightly-paced experience, leaves you wanting more and makes the individual stories feel somewhat brief. While the series finale ties into the larger MCU, some viewers might find the overall connection to be too subtle, and the show’s anthology nature can sometimes feel disconnected.

Eyes of Wakanda is a strong and welcome addition to the MCU’s animated library. With its stunning animation, mature tone, and clever historical storytelling, it successfully enriches the lore of Wakanda and its “War Dogs.” While its limited length is a frustrating constraint, the show is a highly enjoyable, self-contained journey that provides a fresh perspective on a beloved corner of the Marvel universe. It’s a must-watch for any fan of Black Panther and an easy recommendation for anyone who enjoys thrilling spy action and beautiful animation.