While both Disney and Marvel Entertainment have created some pretty touching and heartfelt tributes for the passing of Black Panther actor Chadwick Boseman, Marvel Comics has just revealed a touching hat-tip within the latest issue of Jason Aaron's Avengers series. While the current arc of the series sees multiple Avengers and other heroes dealing with the return of the Phoenix Force, Avengers #41 has a large focus on the Black Panther in particular. As such, a new Wakandan helicarrier in the Marvel Universe has been named after Boseman himself, as shown near the issue's end.
Some other notable tributes that have been created in recent months include the creation of an impressive mural of the actor in Disneyland's shopping district. Likewise, the Disney+ version of 2018's Black Panther film starring Boseman features a newly edited title opening for Marvel Studios, now featuring exclusive shots and clips of his role as the titular character. ABC also created a video tribute for Chadwick Boseman which can be viewed on Disney+ as well.
On the comics side of things, many of Marvel's September issues in 2020 carried special covers, similar to their past tribute to the passing of Stan Lee. The special issues also featured a tribute from artist Brian Stelfreeze within, along with a letter from writer Ta-Nehisi Coates commemorating Boseman's life. Both Stelfreeze and Coates were also instrumental in bringing the Black Panther character to greater prominence in the comics, just prior to Boseman's depiction in 2018. However, it looks as though fellow Marvel Comics writer Jason Aaron wanted to honor the late actor with a tribute of his own, having a Wakandan helicarrier named after Chadwick Boseman featured in Avengers #41 with art by Javier Garrón.
While it's only a small reference in the grander scheme of the issue, it's still incredible to see a piece of the Marvel Universe honoring a man that did so much good, memorializing his role as such a significant cultural icon and hero, both on and off the screen. While this could simply be a one-off tribute from Jason Aaron, hopefully this won't be the last fans see of Helicarrier Boseman. It would be wonderful to see it become a permanent fixture of the Marvel Universe, seen from time to time in future issues providing back-up and support to King T'Challa himself.
In any case, as fans remember the life of Chadwick Boseman and the power he brought to the role of Black Panther, Marvel continues to honor his legacy in ways both big and small in the months that have passed since his passing. Like many heroes, Chadwick Boseman's life and impact will be remembered for years to come, and it's nice to see Marvel Comics recognizing that fact in a variety of ways for fans to appreciate and enjoy.