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Marvel’s King of Wakanda, an African nation with strong roots to their ancient traditions mixed with the most cutting edge technology on Earth. T’Challa isn’t just the political ruler of his people, he’s their protector, a fierce warrior, and an Avenger. Not only that, he’s one of the richest and most intelligent people in the Marvel U on top of being a complete badass. Black Panther was the first black superhero published at Marvel and has a long comic history. Though he has only been in a few solo titles since his creation, serving mainly in team books, I’m going to give you a few places to jump into his story! And check out the rest of the BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO MARVEL COMICS series.

What you need to know: T’Challa earned his position as Black Panther, the political ruler of Wakanda through his skills as a warrior and his vast intellect. He has a PhD in physics from Oxford and is considered one of the eight greatest geniuses on Earth. He’s dedicated to his role as an Avenger, but has put the needs of his people before some of the more questionable activities the Avengers have supported. He was at one time married to Storm from the X-Men, though the marriage has since been annulled. At one time, he stepped down from his role of king to allow his younger sister Shuri to rule Wakanda as the Black Panther while he focused on the Avengers, but with her recent death, has stepped back into his leadership responsibilities.

Powers: The title of Black Panther is closely tied to both traditional magical and spiritual beliefs of the Wakandan people and high tech weaponry. When T’Challa became the Black Panther, he was allowed to eat the “heart shaped herb” which granted him enhanced speed, senses, strength, healing, agility, and endurance along with a connection to the Wakandan Panther God. He also has a connection to the dead, control over spirits, and the combined knowledge of all past Black Panthers. His weapons include a suit (and claws) made out of Vibranium, which is only found in Wakanda.

Solo Titles

Black Panther vol 4 #1-41 (2005) - If you’re starting things around Civil War, this is a good point to pick up T’Challa’s solo title. This volume gives some backstory on Black Panther before picking up with his modern adventures and takes you up through Civil War and his relationship with Storm.

Black Panther vol 5 #1-12 (2008) - Set during Dark Reign, this story arc deals with T’Challa stepping down and his sister Shuri’s rise as the Black Panther.

Black Panther vol 6 #1-2 (2016-Current) - A brand new series that picks up after Shuri’s death in Secret War where T’Challa has to return to the throne of Wakanda. This is an ongoing series, so PLEASE BUY to keep it being published.

Additional Titles

Black Panther vol 1 #1-15 (1977), Black Panther vol 2 #1-4 (1988), and Black Panther vol 3 #1-62 (1998) - If you’re looking to do the deep dive on all the Black Panther solo titles, here’s the entire collection!

The New Avengers vol 3 #1-33 (2013) - This team is made up of the elite, the most powerful, richest, brightest superheroes who have to make some truly awful and morally ambiguous secret decisions to save the universe.

Avengers vs X-Men (Event) #0-12 (2012) - Black Panther features prominently in this event which pits him in his role as an Avenger against his X-Man wife Storm and results in the end of their marriage.

Secret Wars (Event) #1-8 (2015) - T’Challa has another major role in Secret War in his fight against Dr. Doom to restore order to the fractured multiverse.