Name

The name Black Panther predates the founding of the Black Panther Party in October 1966, though not the black panther logo of the party's predecessor, the Lowndes County Freedom Organization (LCFO), nor the segregated World War II 761st "Black Panthers" Tank Battalion.^[3][4] Scripter Stan Lee denied that the comic, which pre-dates the political usage of the term, was, or could have been, named after any of the political uses of the term "black panther", including the LCFO, citing "a strange coincidence".^[5] The Black Panther is the first black superhero in American mainstream comic books; very few black heroes were created before him, and none with actual superpowers. These included the characters in the single-issue, low distribution All-Negro Comics #1 (1947).^[6] Waku, Prince of the Bantu, who starred in his own feature in the omnibus title Jungle Tales, from Marvel's 1950s predecessor, Atlas Comics^[7][8] and the Dell Comics Western character Lobo, the first black person to star in his own comic book.^[9] Previous non-caricatured black supporting characters in comics include U.S. Army infantry private Gabriel Jones of Sgt. Fury and his Howling Commandos.

In a guest appearance in Fantastic Four #119 (February 1972), the Black Panther briefly used the name Black Leopard to avoid connotations with the Party, but the new name did not last.^[10] The character's name was changed back to Black Panther in The Avengers #105, with T'Challa explaining that renaming himself made as much sense as altering the Scarlet Witch's name, and he is not a stereotype.^[11]

Co-creator Stan Lee recounted that the name was inspired by a pulp adventure hero who had a black panther as a helper.^[12] Jack Kirby's original concept art for Black Panther used the concept name Coal Tiger.^[13] Influences on the character included historical figures such as 14th-century Mali Empire sultan Mansa Musa and 20th-century Jamaican activist Marcus Garvey, as well as Biblical figures such as Ham and Canaan.^[14]

Publication history

Black Panther first appearance in Fantastic Four #52 (July 1966).

The origin of the idea for the character was disputed by both Kirby and Lee. Kirby claimed sole credit for creating the character in The Comics Journal #134 (February 1990), stating that realizing there were no black characters in his comics demanded that some be added for "human reasons".^[15] Lee claimed the character was created by his desire in the mid-1960s to include more African and African-American characters in Marvel Comics. While there is no documentation showing which claim is closer to the truth, by 1966 Kirby is thought to have been largely plotting the book on his own^[16] and having to explain the stories to Lee when the pages arrived in the Marvel offices, as had happened a few issues prior with the Silver Surfer in The Fantastic Four #48 (March 1966). In a 1968 interview, Lee said:^[17]

Some artists, such as Jack Kirby, need no plot at all. I mean I’ll just say to Jack, ‘Let’s let the next villain be Dr. Doom’… or I may not even say that. He may tell me. And then he goes home and does it. He’s so good at plots, I’m sure he’s a thousand times better than I. He just about makes up the plots for these stories. All I do is a little editing.

In an interview, Kirby shared the same genesis as Lee: "I came up with the Black Panther because I realized I had no blacks in my strip. I'd never drawn a black. I needed a black. I suddenly discovered that I had a lot of black readers. My first friend was a black! And here I was ignoring them because I was associating with everybody else."^[18]

Roy Thomas has made claims that support Lee's version of events, while Kirby was supported by his wife and prior artwork. In 1963, they included a black character, Gabe Jones, in the ensemble cast of Sgt. Fury and His Howling Commandos,^[19] and Lee encouraged artists to include black characters in crowd scenes.^[20] In a 1998 interview, Lee explained his motivation: "I wasn't thinking of civil rights. I had a lot of friends who were black and we had artists who were black. So, it occurred to me... why aren't there any black heroes?"^[21] Soon after Black Panther was introduced, Marvel added two more recurring black characters: Jill Jerrold in Modeling with Millie, and Bill Foster in The Avengers.^[20]

There was some debate at Marvel, with Lee wondering how far to go with the commercially-risky introduction of a black superhero in that era. In the first version of the cover for Fantastic Four #52, Kirby drew the Black Panther wearing a cowl that exposed his face. In the published version, the cowl became a full face-mask. Previews in other comics did not show the cover at all, indicating that Lee was hesitant.^[22]

Following his debut in Fantastic Four #52–53 (July – August 1966) and subsequent guest appearance in Fantastic Four Annual #5 (1967) and with Captain America in Tales of Suspense #97–99 and Captain America 100 (January – April 1968), the Black Panther journeyed from the fictional African nation of Wakanda to New York City to join the titular American superhero team in The Avengers #52 (May 1968), appearing in that comic for the next few years. During his time with the Avengers, he made solo guest-appearances in three issues of Daredevil, and fought Doctor Doom in Astonishing Tales #6–7 (June & August 1971), in that supervillain's short-lived starring feature.

He received his first starring feature with Jungle Action #5 (July 1973), a reprint of the Panther-centric story in The Avengers #62 (March 1969). A new series began running the following issue, written by Don McGregor, with art by pencilers Rich Buckler, Gil Kane, and Billy Graham, and which gave inkers Klaus Janson and Bob McLeod some of their first professional exposure. The critically acclaimed^[23] series ran in Jungle Action #6–24 (September 1973 – November 1976).^[24]

One now-common format McGregor pioneered was that of the self-contained, multi-issue story arc.^[25] The first, "Panther's Rage", ran through the first 13 issues. Critic Jason Sacks has called the arc "Marvel's first graphic novel":

[T]here were real character arcs in Spider-Man and the Fantastic Four [comics] over time. But ... "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.^[25]

The second and final arc, "Panther vs. the Klan", ran as mostly 17-page stories in Jungle Action #19–24 (January – November 1976), except for issue #23, a reprint of Daredevil #69 (October 1970), in which the Black Panther guest-starred.^[24] The subject matter of the Ku Klux Klan was considered controversial in the Marvel offices at the time, creating difficulties for the creative team.^[26]

African-American writer-editor Dwayne McDuffie said of the Jungle Action "Black Panther" feature:

This overlooked and underrated classic is arguably the most tightly written multi-part superhero epic ever. If you can get your hands on it ... sit down and read the whole thing. It's damn-near flawless, every issue, every scene, a functional, necessary part of the whole. Okay, now go back and read any individual issue. You'll find seamlessly integrated words and pictures; clearly introduced characters and situations; a concise (sometimes even transparent) recap; beautifully developed character relationships; at least one cool new villain; a stunning action set piece to test our hero's skills and resolve; and a story that is always moving forward towards a definite and satisfying conclusion. That's what we should all be delivering, every single month. Don [McGregor] and company did it in only 17 story pages per issue.^[23]

Though popular with college students, the overall sales of Jungle Action were low,^[27] and Marvel relaunched the Black Panther in a self-titled series, bringing in the character's co-creator Jack Kirby—newly returned to Marvel after having decamped to rival DC Comics for a time—as writer, penciler, and editor. However, Kirby wanted to work on new characters and was unhappy at being assigned a series starring a character he had already worked with extensively.^[28] He left the series after only 12 issues and was replaced by Ed Hannigan (writer), Jerry Bingham (penciler), and Roger Stern (editor). Black Panther ran 15 issues (January 1977 – May 1979).^[29] Due to the series getting discontinued, the contents of what would have been Black Panther #16–18 were published in Marvel Premiere #51–53.

A four-issue miniseries, Black Panther vol. 2,^[30] (July – October 1988) was written by Peter B. Gillis and penciled by Denys Cowan.^[31] McGregor revisited his Panther saga with Gene Colan in "Panther's Quest", published as 25 eight-page installments within the bi-weekly anthology series Marvel Comics Presents (issues #13–37, Feb.–December 1989).^[32] He later teamed with artist Dwayne Turner in the square-bound miniseries Black Panther: Panther's Prey (September 1990 – March 1991).^[33] McGregor conceived a fifth arc in his Black Panther saga, titled "Panther's Vows", but it failed to get off the ground.^[27]

Writer Christopher Priest's and penciller Mark Texeira's 1998 series The Black Panther vol. 3 used Erik Killmonger, Venomm, and other characters introduced in "Panther's Rage", together with new characters such as State Department attorney Everett Ross; the Black Panther's adopted brother, Hunter; and the Panther's protégé, Queen Divine Justice. The Priest-Texeira series was under the Marvel Knights imprint in its first year. Priest said the creation of character Ross contributed heavily to his decision to write the series. "I realized I could use Ross to bridge the gap between the African culture that the Black Panther mythos is steeped in and the predominantly white readership that Marvel sells to," adding that in his opinion, the Black Panther had been misused in the years after his creation.^[34]

The last 13 issues (#50–62) saw the main character replaced by a multiracial New York City police officer named Kasper Cole, with T'Challa relegated to a supporting character. This Black Panther, who became the White Tiger, was placed in the series The Crew, running concurrently with the final few Black Panther issues. The Crew was canceled with issue #7.

Artist John Romita Jr. signing a copy of the fourth Black Panther series at Midtown Comics in Manhattan

In 2005, Marvel began publishing Black Panther vol. 4,^[35] which ran 41 issues (April 2005 – November 2008).^[36] It was initially written by filmmaker Reginald Hudlin (through issue #38) and penciled by John Romita, Jr. (through #6). Hudlin said he wanted to add "street cred" to the title, although he noted that the book was not necessarily or primarily geared toward an African-American readership.^[37] As influences for his characterization of the character, Hudlin has cited comic character Batman, film director Spike Lee, and music artist Sean Combs.^[37]

Black Panther vol. 5^[38] launched in February 2009, with Hudlin, again scripting, introducing a successor Black Panther, T'Challa's sister Shuri.^[39][40][41] Hudlin co-wrote issue #7 with Jonathan Maberry, who then became the new writer,^[42] joined by artist Will Conrad.^[43] The Panther was also a featured player, with members of the Fantastic Four and the X-Men, in the Doctor Doom-based, six-issue miniseries Doomwar (April – September 2010).^[44]

T'Challa then accepted an invitation from Matt Murdock, the superhero Daredevil, to become the new protector of New York City's Hell's Kitchen neighborhood. He became the lead character in Daredevil beginning with issue #513 (February 2011), when that series was retitled Black Panther: The Man Without Fear.^[45] Under writer David Liss and artist Francesco Francavilla, he took on the identity of Mr. Okonkwo, an immigrant from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and becomes the owner of a small diner to be close to the people.^[46]

A new Black Panther series written by Ta-Nehisi Coates and drawn by Brian Stelfreeze was launched in 2016 and continues to be published with Coates as the head writer.^[47][48][49]

In 2017, the Africanfuturist writer Nnedi Okorafor wrote the series Black Panther: Long Live the King.^[50]

In February 2018, Christopher Priest, Don McGregor, and Reginald Hudlin each contributed one story to the Black Panther Annual #1.^[51] In May 2021, Marvel Comics announced the screenwriter and director John Ridley will write Black Panther comics.^[52]

In July 2022 the limited series Wakanda was announced, written by Stephanie Williams and illustrated by Paco Medina, the series will have a backup series titled History of the Black Panthers, written by Evan Narcisse and illustrated by Natacha Bustos.^[53] In August 2022, Marvel announced the one-shot Black Panther: Unconquered, written by Bryan Edward Hill and illustrated by Alberto Foche.^[54]

In January 2023, a new Black Panther series was announced, written by Eve Ewing and illustrated by Chris Allen.^[55]

Marriage and passing the mantle

T'Challa recounts the story of his ascension as the Black Panther in the fourth volume of his eponymous comic book series. He defeated his uncle during the Black Panther celebration,^[65] and during his walkabout when he fell in love with a street urchin named Ororo Munroe.^[66] Shortly afterwards, he proposes and the two are married.^[67]

Black Panther faces Erik Killmonger, defeating him with assistance from Monica Rambeau (a.k.a. Pulsar).^[68] Attacked by the forces of fellow Cabal member Doctor Doom, T'Challa is left comatose.^[69] His sister Shuri is trained as the next Black Panther, with the mantle passing onto her officially after T'Challa awakens from his coma and attempts to recover from his injuries.^[70] In the aftermath, T'Challa loses all of his enhanced attributes given to him by being the Panther totem. As a result, he works with his sorcerer, Zawavari, to accumulate a replacement.^[71]

The Man Without Fear

After the events of "Shadowland", Matt Murdock (the superhero Daredevil) asks T'Challa to replace him as guardian of Hell's Kitchen, giving T'Challa a chance to discover himself and explore his new limits while Murdock takes a leave of absence to cope with the aftermath of his own recent experiences being possessed by the Beast of the Hand.

Wakanda again

Upon his return to Wakanda, T'Challa serves as a second to his sister, Shuri, who remains the kingdom's active ruler. In preparation for an upcoming attack on Wakanda as part of the Avengers vs. X-Men storyline, the Panther Goddess returns T'Challa's abilities.^[72] Empowered by the Phoenix, Namor destroys Wakanda with a massive tidal wave.^[73] Returning to help, Storm is stunned when the Panther informs her that their marriage has been annulled.^[74]

Incursions

After witnessing an alternate Earth over Wakanda being destroyed by the Black Swan, T'Challa reforms the Illuminati—with Beast replacing the now-deceased Charles Xavier—to confront the threat of the Incursions, parallel universes colliding with each other to the destruction of both.

Secret Wars

Black Panther is one of the few heroes to survive the Incursion in a specially-designed "life pod." As Reed takes Doom's power and sets out to rebuild the multiverse, T'Challa uses the Time Gem to take himself back to Wakanda before the Incursions, proclaiming to his people that they will lead the way to the stars and explore new ideas.^[75]

All-New, All-Different Marvel

As part of the All-New, All-Different Marvel, Black Panther is a member of the Ultimates.^[76]

During the 2016 "Civil War II" storyline, Black Panther represents Wakanda on the Alpha Flight Space Program's Board of Governors.^[77]

During Hydra's reign over America led by Arnim Zola, Baron Zemo and Steve Rogers, Panther is captured for opposing this regime, and brought into a containing room.

After the defeat of Supreme Hydra Steve Rogers, Black Panther establishes his quest to go across the universe with his people, and found an Intergalactic Empire of Wakanda on Planet Bast, located in the Benhazin Star System.^[78][79]

Black Panther later hosts a meeting with Arabian Knight from Saudi Arabia, Sabra from Israel, Sunfire from Japan, Collective Man from China, Captain Britain from the United Kingdom, and Ursa Major from Russia in the Eden Room of Avengers Mountain. The meeting has Black Panther proposing that they work together to protect the world from future threats.

Mosi

Mosi is the Black Panther of 1,000,000 BC who appeared for the first time in Marvel Legacy #1 (November 2017). Mosi is part of the Avengers,^[81] along with Agamotto, Lady Phoenix, Odin, and prehistoric versions of Ghost Rider, Iron Fist, and Star Brand. The Stone Age Avengers defeated the Fallen and sealed it underground in what would become South Africa.^[82]

Olumo Bashenga

Olumo Bashenga appeared for the first time in Black Panther #7 (January 1978) by Jack Kirby (scripts and drawings). Wise warrior at the head of the Panther Tribe, according to legends, during the tumult where the vibranium meteorite fell on the soil of the village, then composed of various warring clans, he gathered all the aforementioned under his guide to defeating the inhabitants transformed by the impact into fierce "demonic spirits", a company which has unified the nation by founding Wakanda and becoming its first ruler^[83][84][85] and the first to obtain the title of "Black Panther" as it tells of his "spiritual connection" with the Panther Goddess Bast that led to the foundation of the Cult of the Panther.^[80]

Nehanda

During the 11th century, Nehanda was among the heroes of that time that became a member of the A.D. 1000's version of the Avengers.^[86][87]

Nehanda was among the ghosts that T'Challa summoned for consul.^[88]

T'Chanda (Azzuri the Wise)

T'Chanda a.k.a. Chanda,^[89] Azzari, Azzaria,^[90] or Azzuri the Wise,^[89] was the Black Panther and ruler of Wakanda during the Second World War, Chanda is the husband of Nanali and father of T'Chaka and S'Yan; distinguished by an excessively good and compassionate nature, he welcomed the Nazi colonel Fritz Klaue after he crashed into his reign due to a plane crash. Over time, the two make a kind of friendship and Klaue develops a strong obsession with the culture of Wakanda coming to try to convince them to make their religion deist rather than spiritist, which causes a strong friction between him and Chanda culminating in the death of Nanali by the Nazi and in its subsequent expulsion from the country.^[91]

He is well known for easily outmatching his ally Captain America and repelling Nazi super-powered invasion forces from their invasion during World War II.^[92]

He was first mentioned as Azzari the Wise in Black Panther #1 (October, 1976), wrriten and illustrated by Jack Kirby. Appears for the first time in Fantastic Four Unlimited #1 (March 1993) by Roy Thomas (scripts) and Herb Trimpe (drawings), where he was called Chanda.

T'Chaka

T'Chaka appeared for the first time in Fantastic Four #53 (August 1966) by Stan Lee (script) and Jack Kirby (art). The eldest son of King Azzuri and Queen Nanali, T'Chaka inherits the throne and the title of the Black Panther on his father's death by being helped in his monarch duties by his younger brother and trusted adviser S'Yan.^[93] After having married a woman named N'Yami, believing she cannot have children, he adopts a child with her, Hunter; however, she later becomes pregnant and dies giving birth to her first child, T'Challa; from the relationship with a woman of another tribe T'Chaka then has a second son, Jakarra, and finally remarries with Ramonda, with whom he has his only daughter, Shuri.^[93] When Ramonda subsequently disappears into nothingness, leading him to believe that he has been abandoned, he raises his children alone.^[94] To protect the kingdom, T'Chaka instituted a policy of strong isolationism,^[95] but in the course of his life he often collaborated with agents of the U.S. government.^[96][97] He is killed by Ulysses Klaw after having surprised him when he was trying to illegally extract vibranium in his kingdom.^[98]

S'Yan

S'Yan the Fast first appeared in Black Panther vol. 4 #2 (May 2005) and was created by Reginald Hudlin and John Romita Jr. The second son of King Azzuri and Queen Nanali, S'Yan is T'Chaka's younger brother and trusted advisor. Although he has no desire to reign, he agrees to ascend the throne after his brother's death until his nephew T'Challa becomes an adult^[93] and becomes one of the most beloved monarchs in the history of Wakanda. When T'Challa returns home and obtains the title of the Black Panther, he gladly returns to being a royal adviser.^[93] He dies during the war with Latveria defending Ramonda from the soldiers of Doctor Doom.

Erik Killmonger / N'Jadaka

In Black Panther vol. 3 #15 (February 2000), Erik Killmonger challenges and beats T'Challa in a duel for the throne, overthrowing him as king of Wakanda and taking on the role as the Black Panther.^[99] He becomes comatose after attempting to ingest the heart-shaped herb to acquire the Black Panther's powers, as he is not of royal blood. Killmonger's time as king is short-lived however, as he is killed by Monica Rambeau during T'Challa's attack to reclaim Wakanda.^[100]

Shuri

When T'Challa ends up in a coma because of Doctor Doom,^[101] Shuri becomes his substitute as the Black Panther and queen of Wakanda which, after the rise of her half-brother to "king of the dead" creates, for the first time in history, two avatars of the Panther Goddess.

Critical response

Anubhav Chaudhry of Sportskeeda described Black Panther as a "powerful, regal, and intelligent black hero," writing, "The introduction of the Black Panther in 1966 marked a pivotal moment in the history of comic books, opening the doors for diverse characters to enter the mainstream. His influence on the genre can still be felt today, inspiring a new generation of readers and creators. As the comics continue to innovate and evolve, the legacy of the Black Panther remains a testament to the power of representation and inclusion in storytelling. Indeed, this groundbreaking character will always hold a special place in the hearts of comic book fans worldwide."^[102] Laura Bradley of Vanity Fair included Black Panther in their "Stan Lee’s Most Iconic Characters" list, describing him as the "first superhero of African descent in the comics world."^[103] Fred Bluden of Screen Rant included Black Panther their "25 Greatest Comic Book Heroes" list, asserting, "Black Panther is more than a superhero, he's a king. As the leader of the incredibly advanced and highly private nation of Wakanda he has near-infinite financial resources, as well as access to technologies that are decades ahead of anything else in the world. Black Panther was created at a time when Black characters in mainstream comics were either sidekicks or racial stereotypes. As a technological genius, diplomat, statesman, and superhero, Black Panther helped to encourage the creation of other prominent black superheroes who were more than stereotypes. As a character, and a cultural milestone, his importance cannot be overstated."^[104] The A.V. Club ranked Black Panther 1st in their "100 Best Marvel Characters" list.^[105]

Lance Cartelli of ComicBook.com ranked Black Panther 5th in their "50 Most Important Superheroes Ever" list.^[106] Geoff Boucher of Deadline ranked Black Panther 5th in their "Hollywood Heroes Co-Created By The Marvel Comics Icon" list.^[107] BuzzFeed ranked Black Panther 6th in their "84 Avengers Members Ranked From Worst To Best" list, calling him the "first black superhero in mainstream American comics."^[108] GameSpot ranked Black Panther 8th in their "50 Most Important Superheroes" list, stating, "This Marvel Comics star is the first black superhero in mainstream comic book history."^[109] IGN ranked Black Panther 10th in their "Top 50 Avengers" list, writing, "Black Panther is not the first monarch turned superhero, but his continuing struggle to juggle his political responsibilities and personal commitments makes him one of the most fascinating Avengers,"^[110] and ranked him 51st in their "Top 100 Comic Books Heroes" list, saying, "T'Challa is a hero and a force to be reckoned with regardless of his technology and resources."^[111]

Rob Bricken of Gizmodo ranked Black Panther 11th in their "Every Member Of The Avengers" list, stating, "Black Panther is a tremendous hero of power, virtue and integrity."^[112] Darren Franich of Entertainment Weekly ranked Black Panther 26th in their "Let's Rank Every Avenger Ever" list, writing, "The Black Panther has one of the most interesting backstory/mythologies in comic books."^[113] Andrew Wheeler of ComicsAlliance ranked Black Panther 33rd in their "50 Sexiest Male Characters in Comics" list.^[114] Wizard Magazine ranked Black Panther 79th in their "200 Greatest Comic Book Character of All Time" list.^[115]

Comic Book Resources ranked Black Panther 1st in their "10 Most Attractive Marvel Heroes" list,^[116] 1st in their "10 Most Iconic Avengers Who Aren't Iron Man, Captain America, Or Thor" list,^[117] 2nd in their "Avengers' Greatest Leaders" list,^[118] 7th in their "10 Smartest Tech-Powered Heroes" list,^[119] 5th in their "10 Best Team Leaders In Comics" list,^[120] 10th in their "10 Greatest Avengers, Ranked By Courage" list,^[121] 10th in their "10 Scariest Avengers" list,^[122] and 29th in their "30 Strongest Marvel Superheroes" list.^[123]

Impact

• In 2018, T'Challa / Black Panther starred as the titular character in the film Black Panther, portrayed by Chadwick Boseman. It became the highest-grossing solo superhero movie of all time,^[124] the third-highest-grossing film of the MCU and superhero film overall,^[125] the ninth-highest-grossing film of all time,^[126] and the highest-grossing film by an African-American director.^[127][128] It is the fifth MCU film and 33rd overall to surpass $1 billion,^[129] and the second-highest-grossing film of 2018.^[130] It made history as the first superhero movie to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture.
• In 2020, following Chadwick Boseman's death, Disneyland unveiled a mural at Anaheim's Downtown representing the actor giving the Wakanda salute to a young fan wearing a “Black Panther” mask.^{[131][132][133]}
• In 2021, a wax figure of T'Challa / Black Panther was unveiled at Madame Tussauds London, inspired by the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) incarnation of the character.^{[134][135][136]}
• In 2022, BuyCostumes.com announced that T'Challa's Black Panther costume was the 8th most popular Halloween costume for kids.^{[137][138][139]}

Volumes

Age of Ultron

In the 2013 Age of Ultron miniseries, Black Panther contacts the Fantastic Four and informs them that Ultron has invaded Earth with an army of Ultron Sentinels.^[170] Black Panther was later seen with Red Hulk and Taskmaster in Chicago spying on some Ultron Sentinels. When Taskmaster takes out a Sentinel that was sneaking up on him, alerting the other Sentinels, Red Hulk holds off the Sentinels while Black Panther and Taskmaster flee. During the mayhem, Black Panther falls several stories and breaks his neck, killing him instantly.^[171]

Amalgam Comics

The Bronze Tiger is the ruler of Wakanda and is named B'Nchalla; he is an amalgamation of the Bronze Tiger (DC) and the Black Panther (Marvel).^[172] A similar character (or perhaps the same character) called the Bronze Panther (also an amalgamation of the Bronze Tiger (DC) and the Black Panther (Marvel)) appears later.^[173]

Avengers Forever

In the 1998–1999 limited series Avengers Forever, Captain America and Goliath visit an alternate future timeline where Martian invaders have ravaged the Earth. An aged Black Panther leads this reality's version of the Avengers, who consist of Jocasta, Living Lightning, Killraven, Crimson Dynamo and Thundra.^[174]

Civil War

In an alternate reality where the Civil War between Iron Man and Captain America never ended, the Black Panther was killed alongside Maria Hill after activating Prison 42's self-destruct mechanism.^[175] He is succeeded by his son, Azari, who takes on the Black Panther name.^[176] It is later revealed that the Black Panther who destroyed Prison 42 was actually Queen Veranke of the shape-shifting alien race the Skrulls, who had stolen T'Challa's identity to manipulate and prolong the Civil War to suit her own needs.^[177]

Earth-355

T'Chaka is the Coal Tiger, Sersi kills the Avengers, and the Coal Tiger is the only survivor.^[178]

Earth-6606

T'Challa is Chieftain Justice, a Captain Britain Corps member, in Excalibur #44 (1991).^[179]

Earth X

In the alternate universe of Earth X, T'Challa has been affected by the mutative event that drives the plot. Like most of humanity, he is mutated; in this case to become a humanoid black panther. He is entrusted with the Cosmic Cube by Captain America, who knows that T'Challa would be the only one to resist using it and to never give it back if asked. In fact, Captain America does ask for it back and T'Challa is forced to refuse.^[180]

Exiles

An alternate version of the Black Panther, called simply the "Panther", is drafted into the interdimensional superhero team the Exiles. The Panther is the son of T'Challa and Storm and named T'Chaka, after his grandfather. Originating from Earth-1119, he was ambushed by Klaw while examining some ruins. Caught in Klaw's blast, the Panther was plucked out of time and placed on the team. Unlike the stoic 616-Black Panther, The Panther is a wisecracking flirt.^[181] After his assumed death on Earth-1119, his sister took up the mantle of the Black Panther.^[182]

An alternate T'Challa later appears in the third Exiles series. His universe is still in the Wild West and he goes by King.^[183] He is a gunslinger equipped with vibranium clothing and bullets.

Fox Kids

The Black Panther appears in issues #1 and 6–7 of Marvel Comics/Fox Kids comic book series based on the TV show The Avengers: United They Stand.

Infinity Wars

In Infinity Wars, the Ghost Rider is fused with the Black Panther. Prince of Wakanda T'Challa was an arrogant boy who, because of his conflict with his father, was exiled from his place. He went to America where he found Jericho Simpson, who became his new father figure and gave T'Challa a new name as Johnny Blaze. During a stunt performance, he sensed his father T'Chaka dying and got distracted, which resulted in his own death. He was then revived by Zarathos, half-sister of Bast and offered to him powers in exchange of eating the souls of sinners. At first, he was reluctant, but when battling his father's killers, he accepted the offer, became the Ghost Panther and battled Erik Killraven (a fusion of Erik Killmonger and Killraven).^[184]

Marvel 2099

In the Marvel 2099 continuity, a greatly weakened Wakanda is soon to be governed by its princess, Okusana. Fearing that she is not ready, she requests Doom's help in resurrecting Thandaza, her grandfather and a former Black Panther. Doom (who claims to have agreed to the proposal out of respect for T'Challa) and the Wakandan scientists revive Thandaza in a cyberbetic body made from vibranium, but the plan goes awry when Mkhalali, the current Panther Guard, opens fire on Thandaza, believing his resurrection to be an abomination. The attack throws off the calibrations and leaves Thandaza in a maddened state and constant pain, causing him to go on a bloody rampage. Doom is ultimately forced to kill Thandaza, who thanks him for ending his suffering.^[185]

Marvel Knights 2099

Black Panther was featured in the Marvel Knights 2099 one shots, which were not tied to the main 2099 continuity. A new Black Panther, K'Shamba, rose to fight and thwart the mounting invasions by the successor of Doom, named Lucian. While the victory over the new Doom appeared triumphant, the new Wakandan king was ultimately revealed to be a puppet of Doom.^[186]

Marvel Mangaverse

T'Challa appears in Marvel Mangaverse Volume 2 as a man with a pet panther. When summoning the spirits, T'Challa and his panther combine to become the Black Panther. He also became the Falcon. This Black Panther found himself the object of affection of the Mangaverse version of Tigra. T'Challa's sister, T'Channa, reveals herself to be this universe's Doctor Doom.^[187]

Marvel Zombies

The Black Panther is, for the most part, one of the few uninfected superheroes in the alternate-universe series Marvel Zombies, where he is kept as a food supply for the Zombie Giant-Man, who keeps the Panther imprisoned and cuts off various limbs so that he can maintain his intelligence via a ready access to fresh meat without infecting the Panther with the zombie "virus".^[188] Despite having lost half of his right arm and his left foot, the Panther escapes — with the severed head of zombified superheroine the Wasp in tow — ^[189] and joins forces with the mutant group the Acolytes.^[190] While with the Acolytes, T'Challa briefly talks with his Earth-616 counterpart, where he expresses surprise at his marriage to Storm, but offers him all the information he can provide about the zombie plague.^[191] Decades later, T'Challa has married one of the Acolytes, Lisa Hendricks, and they have a son, with Forge having provided T'Challa with artificial limbs to compensate for his injuries.^[192] Facing retirement, the Panther is stabbed and critically wounded by an agent of an Acolyte splinter group, and the Wasp — now a willing ally after having lost her zombie hunger — zombifies the Panther to grant him continued existence. With the Wasp's help, he survives to the post-hunger stage himself and continues to lead his people, despite his status.^[193] Further internal betrayal leads the Black Panther and many of his allies to be tossed through dimensions.^[194] He ends up involved with another Earth that is threatened by the zombie virus. His attempts to save this new planet fail and he is destroyed, leaving only one hand displayed as a trophy by his enemies.^[195]

MC2

In the MC2 universe, the Black Panther has a son named T'Chaka II, who joined the A-Next as the Coal Tiger.^[196]

Mutant X

In the Mutant X reality, the Black Panther had the appearance of a humanoid black panther. He is among the second wave of heroes who died fighting the Beyonder.^[197]

Sky Spider/Vibranium Man/Star Panther

On an unnamed alternate Earth where King Killmonger conquered Wakanda and Asgard, one baby version of T'Challa was placed into a rocket and was shot into outer space to protect him from being killed by King Killmonger. He landed on the planet Chandilar of the Shi'ar Empire. Years later, T'Challa was operating as Sky Spider where he saved an alien from King Killmonger's mercenaries called the War Panthers after the alien got thrown out a window. Sky Spider claims that the War Panthers are marauders and mercenaries who do not deserve the Panther name. Sky Spider fights the War Panthers as King Killmonger attacks the village from his ship. Many tomorrows later, T'Challa is on the trail of King Killmonger as Vibranium Man complete with the Dora Milaje A.I. and attacks a War Panthers ship. When he finds the one that King Killmonger is on, Vibranium Man goes on the attack as he claims that his suit flows with the blood and spirit of the fallen Wakandans. King Killmonger called him a second-rate Tony Stark as he mentioned that his armor was forged by the gods that fell before his axe as he throws Vibranium Man off his ship quoting "Wakanda Nevermore". Three days later, Robbie Reyes, his Deathlok companion, and Ant-Man of Earth-818 find Vibranium Man in a solid Vibranium cocoon in an active star. After the cocoon is removed from the star, T'Challa comes out with the powers of the "white-hot heavens" as he takes the name of Star Panther where he will use his new abilities to kill King Killmonger.^[198]

When the Council of Red attack Avengers Tower in the God Quarry, Star Panther took on the members who were giant size and slayed most of them.^[199] After the remaining Council of Red members were either slain by the arrival of Old Man Phoenix and the granddaughters of King Thor, Doom Supreme arrived at the God Quarry with Doom the Living Planet and the Doctor Doom variants loyal to him. Star Panther assisted Old Man Phoenix in attacking Doom Supreme.^[200]

Ultimate Marvel

In the alternate reality Ultimate Marvel imprint, the Black Panther is T'Challa Udaku, a young man who is experimented on in the Weapon X program before being liberated by Nick Fury.^[201]

T'Challa, the younger son of King T'Chaka of Wakanda, is severely injured during the "Trial of the Panther" from which the protector of the nation is selected. His older brother M'Baku finds T'Challa bloodied, mute, and near death but derisively calls him a fool for attempting the trial. Later, M'Baku adds that he, not T'Challa, should have taken the trial. Angry that his father has decided to share Wakanda's technology in exchange for America's help in saving T'Challa's life, M'Baku leaves the kingdom.

To save T'Challa, T'Chaka turns him over to the Weapon X program. Over a year later, a healthy T'Challa, in his full Black Panther garb, has enhanced speed, strength and night vision and a healing ability. Additionally, he can summon short, cat-like adamantium claws from his knuckles by balling his hands into fists. T'Chaka becomes outraged upon learning that S.H.I.E.L.D. (who had shut down Weapon X and freed T'Challa) now considers his son an asset of the U.S. and S.H.I.E.L.D. He subsequently sends M'Baku a letter, claiming that M'Baku, not T'Challa, is the titular "favorite son", and he implores M'Baku to return.

Fury has Captain America train and mentor the Panther, who reveals his damaged throat. Captain America, sympathizing for the Panther's plight, encourages Fury to place the Panther in the superhero team the Ultimates. This turns out to be a ruse in which Captain America impersonates the Panther, allowing T'Challa to escape and return home to Wakanda.^[202]

After Ultimatum, the Black Panther joins the New Ultimates.^[203]

Television

• The Black Panther makes a non-speaking cameo appearance in X-Men: The Animated Series.^[204]
• Black Panther appears in Fantastic Four, voiced by Keith David.^[205]
• A young T'Challa / Black Panther appears in Iron Man: Armored Adventures, voiced by Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman.^[206]
• T'Challa / Black Panther appears in The Super Hero Squad Show episode "Tremble at the Might of... M.O.D.O.K.!", voiced by Taye Diggs.^[207] This version is in a relationship with Storm and a temporary member of the titular Super Hero Squad.
• T'Challa / Black Panther appears in a self-titled TV series, voiced by Djimon Hounsou.^[208][209]
• T'Challa / Black Panther appears in The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes, voiced by James C. Mathis III.^[210] His origin is told in the episode "The Man in the Ant Hill", wherein he becomes Black Panther after Man-Ape kills his father T'Chaka in combat with Klaw's unseen help. In "Panther's Quest", T'Challa makes himself known to the Avengers to enlist their help in avenging T'Chaka and joins them. However, in "Who Do You Trust?", T'Challa leaves the team due to his uncertainty of his teammates and his need to protect Wakanda from the Skrulls. He rejoins the team in "Behold ... The Vision!" after a battle with the eponymous character. T'Challa was presumed dead in "Operation Galactic Storm" when he drove a Kree ship into the sun. However, T'Challa used its teleporter to reach a second Kree ship at the last minute, where he steals a smaller ship so he can rejoin the Avengers.
• T'Challa / Black Panther appears in Avengers Assemble,^[211] voiced again by James C. Mathis III.^[212] Introduced in the third season episode "Panther's Rage", T'Challa speaks at an assembly before he is attacked by Crossbones, though the former joins forces with Captain America to defeat the latter before stealing Captain America's shield, claiming Howard Stark stole the Vibranium used in its construction. In response, Captain America brings in the Avengers to help him travel to Wakanda and take it back. During a confrontation with Ulysses Klaue, who stole the shield for his own ends, T'Challa learns T'Chaka voluntarily gave Stark the Vibranium. After they defeat Klaue, T'Challa changes his views on the Avengers, who offer him a reserve membership. In the two-part fourth season episode "Avengers No More", T'Challa helps found and lead the All-New, All-Different Avengers after the original team disappears, and becomes the focus of the fifth season Avengers: Black Panther's Quest.^[213]
  • The fifth season episodes "The Lost Temple", "Yemandi", and "Bashenga" also features the past Black Panthers T'Chanda (voiced by Corey Jones),^[214] an exclusive Black Panther named Yemandi (voiced by Anika Noni Rose),^[215] and Bashenga (voiced by Phil LaMarr) respectively.^[216]
• Black Panther appears in Marvel Disk Wars: The Avengers, voiced by Mahito Ōba in the Japanese version and again by James C. Mathis III in the English version.^[212]
• Black Panther appears in Marvel Future Avengers, voiced again by Mahito Ōba in Japanese and James C. Mathis III in English.^[217]
• Black Panther appears in Spidey and His Amazing Friends, voiced by Tru Valentino.^[218][219]

Film

• The Black Panther appears in the Marvel Animated Features series of direct-to-DVD animated films. Like his father T'Chaka, this version has the ability to transform into an anthropomorphic black panther.
  • He first appears in Ultimate Avengers 2 (2006), voiced by Jeffrey D. Sams.
  • The Black Panther makes a non-speaking cameo appearance in Next Avengers: Heroes of Tomorrow (2008). He joined the Avengers to defeat Ultron and gave his life to do so, though his legacy is survived by his and Storm's son, Azari, who inherited his transformation ability.^[220]
• The Black Panther appears in Lego Marvel Super Heroes - Black Panther: Trouble in Wakanda, voiced again by James C. Mathis III.^[221][222]
• The Black Panther appears in Lego Marvel Avengers: Code Red, voiced again by James C. Mathis III.^[223]

Marvel Cinematic Universe

Chadwick Boseman portrayed T'Challa / Black Panther in media set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.^[224][225] This version displays enhanced speed, agility, strength, and durability, which he gains from ingesting the heart-shaped herb, as in the comics.^[226] Additionally, his suit has retractable claws and is made of a Vibranium weave, which can deflect heavy machine gun fire and withstand explosive attacks. T'Challa appears in the live-action films Captain America: Civil War (2016), Black Panther (2018),^[224][225] Avengers: Infinity War (2018),^[227] and Avengers: Endgame (2019).^[228] Following his death, Boseman posthumously voices three alternate timeline versions of T'Challa in the first season of the Disney+ animated series What If...?^[229][230] In Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022), T'Challa's sister Shuri (portrayed by Letitia Wright) takes over the mantle of the Black Panther.

Video games

• Black Panther appears as a playable character in Marvel: Ultimate Alliance, voiced by Phil LaMarr.^[231]
• Black Panther appears as a playable character in the Xbox 360, Xbox One, PS3, PS4, and PC versions of Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2, voiced by Tim Russ.^[232] Moreover, he was originally a downloadable character for the PS3 and Xbox 360.^[233]
• Black Panther appears in Storm's ending for Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds.
• Black Panther appears as a playable character in Marvel Super Hero Squad Online.
• Black Panther appears as a playable character in Marvel: Avengers Alliance.
• Black Panther appears as a playable character in Marvel Heroes,^[234] voiced again by James C. Mathis III.
• Black Panther appears as a playable character in Lego Marvel Super Heroes, voiced by John Eric Bentley.
• Black Panther appears as a playable character in Marvel Avengers Alliance Tactics.
• Black Panther appears as a playable character in Marvel Contest of Champions.^[235]
• Black Panther appears as a playable character in Marvel Mighty Heroes.^[236]
• Black Panther appears as a playable character in Marvel Future Fight.^[237]
• Black Panther appears as a playable character in Disney Infinity 3.0.^[238]
• The MCU incarnation of T'Challa / Black Panther appears as a downloadable playable character in Lego Marvel's Avengers via the "Civil War" DLC pack.^[239] Additionally, a DLC pack based on the Classic Black Panther was later released.^[240]
• Black Panther appears as a playable character in Lego Marvel Super Heroes 2.^[241]
• Black Panther appears as a downloadable character in Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite, voiced again by James C. Mathis III.^[242]
• Black Panther appears as a playable character in Marvel Strike Force.^[243]
• Black Panther appears as a playable character in Marvel Powers United VR, voiced again by James C. Mathis III.^[212]
• Black Panther appears as a playable character in Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order,^[244] voiced again by James C. Mathis III.^[212]
• Black Panther appears in Marvel Dimension of Heroes, voiced again by James C. Mathis III.^[212]
• Black Panther appears as a downloadable playable character in Marvel's Avengers, voiced and motion-captured by Christopher Judge. Square Enix originally planned to reveal the character's gameplay trailer instead of Kate Bishop's prior to the game's release, but they delayed and moved the trailer reveal schedule to a post-launch date out of respect for the late Chadwick Boseman (Black Panther's actor in the MCU) who died on August 28, 2020.^[245][246]
• Black Panther appears as a purchasable outfit in Fortnite Battle Royale.^[247]
• Black Panther appears in the digital collectible card game Marvel Snap.^[248]
• Black Panther will appear in a currently untitled video game developed by Skydance New Media.^[249]
• A single-player Black Panther game is being developed by Cliffhanger Studios.^[250]

Miscellaneous

• The Black Panther appears in the Marvel Super Heroes role-play game.^[251]
• The Black Panther appears in The Avengers: United They Stand tie-in comic book.^[252]
• The Black Panther appears in the Marvel Knights: Wolverine vs. Sabretooth motion comic, voiced by Omari Newton.^[212] When Wolverine winds up in Africa, the Black Panther and Storm assist him.^[253]
• The Black Panther appears in the "Black Panther in ... The Visitor" motion comic.^[254]
• The Black Panther will appear in the Serial Box Publishing audio serial Marvel's Black Panther: Sins of the King.^[255]

Books

Omnibus

Marvel Masterworks

Epic Collections

Volume 1

Miniseries

Volume 3

Volume 4

Volume 5

The Man Without Fear/The Most Dangerous Man Alive

Volume 6

Volume 7

Volume 8