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It
gives me great pleasure to share with you my collection of
the King of Wakanda-The Black Panther.
For
my doctoral thesis in 1977, I wrote about the effects of the
media upon youth culture
(Philosophy of Divine Nutrition-1977).
Media
and Youth Culture
As
part of that writing I focused on the lack of multi cultural
and female super heroes within popular comic books. The Black
Panther is recognized as one of the first non stereotyped
super heroes of color. He is an African King who rules the
nation of Wakanda. My sincere thanks to The Marvel Directory,
Christopher Priest and Wikipedia for their information on
this most important character.To have lived long enough to
see African American and Female owned and created comic book
characters, publishing companies and web sites dedicated to
those multi cultural characters, fills me with great joy.
Real
Name: T'Challa (pronounced Challa)like Tchaikovsky-Also
pronounced with a hard T sound (Ta Challa)
Occupation: King of Wakanda, scientist,school
teacher
Legal Status: Citizen of Wakanda
Identity: Publicly known
Other Aliases: Luke Charles, Black Leopard,Daredevil
Place of Birth: Wakanda, Northern Africa
Marital Status: Married -Storm (Ororo Monroe)
Known Relatives: T'Chaka (father, deceased),
N'Yami (mother, deceased), Khanata, Joshua Itobo, Ishanta,
Zuni (cousins), Jakarra (half brother)
Group Affiliation: The Avengers v.1 #52,
formerly Fantastic Force
Base of Operations: Wakanda, mobile
First Appearance: FANTASTIC FOUR v. 1 #52
T'Challa is the
son of T'Chaka, who was the Black Panther before him.
At
some point in the distant past, a massive meteorite comprised
of the sound-absorbing mineral Vibranium crashed in Wakanda,
and was only recently unearthed. Knowing that other, more
powerful nations would attempt to manipulate and dominate
Wakanda for this rare and valuable resource, T'Chaka concealed
Wakanda from the outside world. He would sell off minute amounts
of the valuable vibranium while at the same time sending Wakanda's
best scholars to university abroad, his goal being to make
Wakanda one of the most technologically advanced nations in
the world.
However,
eventually the explorer Ulysses Klaw found his way to Wakanda,
and using lies and subterfuge covered up his work on a vibranium-powered
sound-based weapon. When he was exposed, Klaw killed T'Chaka
and many other Wakandans, only for his "sound blaster"
to be turned on him by a grieving 13 year old T'Challa. Klaw's
right hand was destroyed by the overloaded sonic weapon, and
he and his men fled.
T'Challa
was educated at several prestigious universities in the U.S.
and Europe, earning advanced degrees in physics (Ph.D.), engineering,
economics, political science and psychology.
To
ascend to the throne of Wakanda he was required to pass two
tests: defeat six of Wakanda's greatest warriors in unarmed
combat, and obtain the secret heart-shaped herb that grants
the country's chieftains their powers( Fantastic Four
Unlimited #1. Successfully carrying out the
dual challenge, T'Challa donned the ceremonial garb of the
Black Panther, totem of the Wakandan people.
Under
T'Challa, Wakanda has become one of the wealthiest and most
technologically advanced nations on the planet, fulfilling
the dreams of his father.
In
Fantastic Four #52, we are introduced to
T'Challa as a young king who wants to test the abilities of
the World's Mightiest Super-Team. Having successfully beaten
them one by one, he would have conquered them all had not
Wyatt Wingfoot( Native American friend of FF), asleep in the
back of the car, intervened.
Apologizing
for his deception, the Panther then joined forces with the
FF to battle the deadly Klaw, finally avenging himself and
his father.
Following
an adventure to prevent Baron Zemo's plan to activate an orbital
death ray platform(Tales of Suspense #97-99, Captain America
#100), a grateful Captain America sponsored the Black Panther
for membership into the Avengers(#52). T'Challa accepted,
but his true motives for joining were to learn whether or
not these American "heroes" were a threat to Wakanda.
It
was many years later that the Avengers found this out in Black
Panther v.2 #8.For several years, The Black Panther
assumed the role of a super hero and even adopted a "secret"
identity as Harlem school teacher Luke Charles.
During his time with the Avengers, he met social worker and
jazz singer Monica Lynne. Their relationship was rocky at
best due to the strains of being involved with a super hero
as well as a King.
Being
out of his country for so long a period of time found T'Challa's
throne threatened by Erik Killmonger. The
role of Black Panther briefly fell into the hands of T'Challa's
rival Killmonger when he defeated T'Challa in ritual combat,
only for Killmonger to "die" upon eating the heart-shaped
herb. T'Challa regained his authority in the minds of his
people.Killmonger
would also return.
The
Black Panther became an Avenger in 1968 (Avengers
#52).
His
origin was retold in Avengers #87.When the
Black Panther first joined the Avengers, he shortened his
name to " The Panther".He also wore a mask that
revealed his lower jaw.He officially announced his
return to Wakanda and leaving the Avengers in Avengers #88.
In
Fantastic Four #119, he changed his name
to The Black Leopard. When The Thing asks
him why did he change his name he stated, " I contemplate
a return to your country, Ben Grimm, where the later term
has-political connotations. I neither condemn nor condone
those that have taken up the name--but T'Challa is a law unto
himself. Hence, the new name-- a minor point, at best, since
the panther is a leopard." When he returned
to the Avengers in Avengers #105,
he proclaimed to Hawkeye-" I am not a stereotype
.I am myself-and I am The Black Panther". Wizard
#158, erroneously states that this occurred in Avengers
#101. It is actually in Avengers #105.
In
1971, he fought back an attempt
by Victor Von Doom to take over Wakanda
in Astonishing Tales #6 & 7
In
1972 at the request of Matt Murdock, he wore the Daredevil
costume in Daredeveil #92
Continuing
from the pages of Avengers #61
he had his first series in the pages of Jungle Action
#5-24. Oct 1972- Nov 1976
-written
by critically acclaimed Don McGregor as well as Roy Thomas
and drawn by several artists including Gene Colan on covers
as well as interiors by Buckler, Kane and Graham.
"Panther's
Rage" is the first comic that was created from start
to finish as a complete novel.
Running
in two years' issues of Jungle Action (#'s 6 through 18),
"Panther's Rage" is a 200-page
novel that journeys to the heart of the African nation of
Wakanda, a nation ravaged by a revolution against its king,
T'Challa, the Black Panther.
His
first Team-Up with Spider-Man was in 1974
in Marvel Team-Up #20 where they fought Stegron.Their
second Team Up was in 1979 in Marvel Team Up #87-where
they fought Hell Razor who was actually a
dupe for the Roxxon Corporation. Roxxon's plan was
to acquire Vibranium.
Volume
One of the Marvel Comics Black Panther
was
written and illustrated by Jack “King” Kirby issues
#1-15 Jan 1977- May 1979.
In
1978, he teamed up with The Thing in Marvel Two in
One #40 & 41.
In
1979 he also appeared in Marvel Premiere #51-#53,
where he battled the KKK. This three part story takes place
right after the events of Black Panther #14 & 15.
In
1988, he appeared in his first mini series
, a four part series written by Peter Gillis and penciled
by Denys Cowan
In
1989,Panther's Quest was presented in a 25
comic (8 pages average) story arc within the pages of
Marvel Comics presents #13-37 Written by Donald F.
McGregor and drawn by Gene Colan.#13 sets the stage for the
story arc. Titled " A Rumor of Life". T'Challa goes
to then Apartheid South Africa in search of his mother who
has been kidnapped.
A
four part Graphic Novel titled Panther’s
Prey was published between May 1991-Oct of 1991 written
by Don McGregor and drawn by Dwayne Turner
In
1991, he closed out the volume Marvel Fanfare #60
In
1993, he appeared in the Marvel UK comic
book Black Axe- issues #4-7. Which introduced
the character Afrikaa
He
reappeared with both Spider-Man and Iron Man for the Vibranium
Vendetta which ran through Amazing Spider-Man Annual #25,Peter
Parker The Spectacular Spider-Man Annual#11 and Web of Spider-Man
Annual #7.
Volume
One under the Marvel Knights
imprint
was written by Christopher Priest and drawn
primarily by Mark Texeira, Bob Almond and Sal Velluto.
Nov 1998
The
Marvel Knights imprint ended with issue #16 and from #17 until
its conclusion with #62 was titled
Marvel
Comics Black Panther Volume two.
The
new Black Panther-Kevin “Casper” Cole
was a New York City Narcotics Officer who finds one of T’Challa’s
old costumes and learns the path of Ascension (#50-62), becoming
The White Tiger as a result. Many of the covers for these
issues were drawn by Andy Kubert and the art was done by Dan
Farga or Jorge Lucas. Priest continued on until its conclusion
at #62.
Picking
up somewhat where things ended in #62- The Crew was a short
lived series that revolved around Rhodey Rhodes of War Machine
notoriety as well as the White Tiger.
In
February 2005, volume 3 of Marvel Comics MK The Black
Panther series was published. It is being written
by filmmaker Reginald Hudlin and drawn by artists John Romita,Jr.
and Scott Eaton. Hudlin also wrote for the MK Spider-Man series
and Romita (JRjr) is a long time Amazing Spider-Man artist
following in the footsteps of his father John Romita Sr. According
to interviews with Mr. Hudlin, this volume of the Black Panther
is going to take a Year One approach, meaning
everything you just read about the history of the Black Panther
may not make it in this version.At least for the first 6 issues
Hudlin/JRjr's Panther suit is based upon the Kirby look compared
to the MK look of Priest and Texeira.
Time will tell if the King of Wakanda gets the critical acclaim
that he did under Priest. It appears that Hudlin is sincerely
committed to the character and certainly has the talent to
make the Black Panther a first tier super hero within the
Marvel Universe. I suspect that if successful in popularizing
this character, Hudlin would have first crack at the making
of the movie.
2008
Update
As
of September 21, 2008, it appears that the Hudlin run on Black
Panther will end with #41. This will be the end of the Secret
Invasion battle in Wakanda.Neither Marvel Comics nor Hudlin
have been forth coming on what the fate of The Black PAnther
and Storm will be.It also appears the Mr. Hudlin has left
the employ of BET. This also brings into question the future
of the propsed Black Panther cartoon.
It will be interesting to see how things unfold for The King
of Wakanda. I cannot beleive that Marvel has worked so hard
to make him a first tier Super Hero to not continue with another
series. Speculation is that the mini series-X-Men: Wolrds
Apart featuring Storm,the X-Men and the people of Wakanda,
will be the kick off point for a new series.
2009
Update
Rumors
of Mr. Hudlin's demise were greatly exaggerated. While the
"See Wakanda and Die"(#39-41) final arc was written
by Aaron, Reginald Hudlin has continued with the Dark Reign
volume of Black Panther.
Marvel
Entertainment has committed to 8 episodes of The Black Panther
animated series to appear on BET under the direction of Reginald
Hudlin
Height:
6 ft.
Weight: 185 lbs.
Eyes: Brown
Hair: Black, Marvel Knights--shaved bald
Strength
Level: The Panther’s natural strength and abilities
having been heightened by the heart-shaped herb administered
only to Wakandan kings during a sacred ascension ritual. The
herb is found only in Wakanda. It is estimated that T'Challa
can press over head approximately 750 pounds.
Known
Superhuman Powers: While not considered "super",
the heart shaped herb endows T'Challa with peak human strength,
peak human reflexes, and peak human senses such as enhanced
hearing, smell, taste, and "night" vision.
Abilities:
An accomplished gymnast and acrobat, as well as an expert
tracker. T'Challa is a master of several disciplines of African
martial arts as well as ninjitsu techniques of hypnosis and
mind control. The current writer for Black Panther-Reginald
Hudlin, has expressed the idea that the Black
Panther is the greatest fighter in the Marvel Universe!
The Black Panther who fought Captain America in Hudlin's Black
Panther #1 was T'Chaka father of T'Challa.
Weapons:
Christopher Priest's, Marvel Knights Black Panther's costume
is a Vibranium micro-weave body suit which
not only stops bullets, but saps their momentum.
His boots' are made with Vibranium
soles which can absorb sound and impact this enables
him to leap from structures up to eight stories tall
and land like the jungle cat he is named for.
The
Panther's retractable claws contain a new
composite of the experimental "anti-metal"
or AntArtic Vibranium that can break down other alloys.
With the use of his claws he can literally run up
the sides of buildings.
T'Challa carries an energy dagger that can
be fired, thrown or handled like a knife.
At its highest setting, the weapon easily can cut
through forged steel.
Dora
Milaje "DOR-ah muh-LAH-jay". The Dora Milaje
are also known as the 'adored ones.' They
are highly trained in the physical arts of combat,
and have aided the king in battle on a number of occasions.
They speak only with the king, and when they address him,
they do so in the uncommon Wakandan dialect of Hausa.
Each
of the king's two Dora Milaje is selected from one of the
opposing Wakandan factions. Their position as potential wives
to the king is designed to maintain peace between the two
tribes: The City Dwellers and the Marsh Tribesman. This position
sustains the precarious balance of peace. While the king has
all physical rights to his Dora Milaje, he does not impose
himself upon them. If, however, he were to indulge in their
beauty, they would be unable to take a husband in the future.Now
that the Black Panther has married, it has not been discussed
what the exact staus of the Dora Milaje will be.
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