WARNING: The following contains spoilers for What If...? Season 1, Episode 6, "What If... Killmonger Rescued Tony Stark?," streaming now on Disney+.
In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, from the moment the Dora Milaje was introduced in Captain America: Civil War, it was obvious they'd be fan-favorites. They were badass in the Black Panther solo film, as well as the Avengers movies, standing tall and proud to defend Wakanda and its royal family. As a statement of female empowerment, they proved to be most impressive warriors, with Okoye being viewed as the deadliest of the lot. However, come "What If... Killmonger Rescued Tony Stark?" we discover this title isn't Okoye's to claim -- it's actually Queen Ramonda.
Ramonda has been more of a diplomat in the mainstream continuity, but this changes drastically when Killmonger dupes the royals in this alternate reality. He brings the dead body of Klaue in for stealing vibranium, gaining their trust in the wake of T'Challa's death. Little do they know he's manipulating a war between Wakanda and the United States, as Thunderbolt Ross is bringing the Liberator Drones to the African country.
Ross wants to raze Wakanda, as he thinks the Dora Milaje murdered Tony Stark. This isn't true, of course, it's all part of Killmonger's plan to play the hero and prove he's worthy of being the next Black Panther. To this end Killmonger convinces the royals to let the drones in so they can crush them and prove to America who's the boss of war, culminating in a brutal battle in the Wakandan fields.
Shockingly, King T'Chaka calls Ramonda his general, and we quickly see her suited up and on the frontlines, leading. As the bots charge, Ramonda shows no fear and rushes into battle first, leaping over the warriors wielding Wakanda's electric shields to strike the first blow. The queens starts slicing and dicing, inviting Okoye's soldiers in for war.
This encourages Killmonger to lead the rhino pack out with the "Wakanda Forever!" war-cry and while he is playing everyone, he's very much impressed by Ramonda. She's fearlessly avenging her son, using the vibranium spear to better effect than the impressive Okoye.
Surprisingly, despite being older, Ramonda is just as fast and strong, impaling drones and not even needing help, even as we see Killmonger having to save Okoye. It shows Ramonda has experience, as the regal mother defies the odds, equally inspired by Killmonger's never-say-die attitude too.
It comes to a head as the field burns, with Ramonda grabbing her spear and flinging it like a javelin. It's a crowning moment of glory, as it impales two drones, with Ramonda jumping on their heads to pull the spear up. This decapitates both bots and slices their bodies apart, with the mother yelling "For T'Challa!" as tears stream from her face. This emotional scene leaves Okoye and the others in awe of their leader, who fans didn't know was such an elite fighter.
To see how Queen Ramonda owns it in battle, the latest episode of What If...? is streaming now on Disney+.
0 Comments