Denys Cowan and Dwayne Turner’s visions of Wakanda as an ersatz African Epcot Center opened my eyes to the unexploited possibilities; these men, both of whom are African American, together with writer Peter B. Gillis, created an African Asgard of sorts, and I just went, ‘Oh, my.’

" Denys Cowan and Dwayne Turner’s visions of Wakanda as an ersatz African Epcot Center opened my eyes to the unexploited possibilities; these men, both of whom are African American, together with writer Peter B. Gillis, created an African Asgard of sorts, and I just went, ‘Oh, my.’ "
- Christopher Priest

Christopher Priest's statement highlights his admiration for how Denys Cowan and Dwayne Turner envisioned the fictional African nation of Wakanda. They depicted it as a vibrant, futuristic society that felt like an elaborate cultural showcase, akin to Epcot Center but specifically focused on Africa. This portrayal opened Priest’s eyes to new creative opportunities.

At its core, Priest's quote reflects the profound impact that diverse perspectives can have in storytelling and world-building. By seeing Wakanda through Cowan and Turner's lens, Priest was inspired to reimagine African culture not just as a setting for stories but as an advanced civilization with rich traditions and technological advancements. This innovative approach challenged traditional stereotypes about Africa in popular media and highlighted the potential of incorporating deep cultural understanding into fantastical settings.

Christopher Priest is a highly acclaimed writer known for his work in both comic books and novels. His career spans several decades, during which he has contributed significantly to the fields of science fiction and superhero comics, often pushing boundaries by exploring complex themes through diverse characters and settings.