The Black Panther was one of the heroes that Marvel
announced will get his own movie in the next few years. He has been a member of
the Avengers on and off since the ‘60s, so he was one of the team members the
movies needed to introduce at some point. The concept art for the movie looks
exactly like he’s depicted in comics so it’s a promising sign that the movie
will be accurate.
Introduced in the pages of the Fantastic Four in 1966, the Black Panther was one of the earliest
members of the Avengers to join after the founding members started leaving and
is also the earliest black superhero in mainstream comics. Through a mystic
totem, he has powers including acute senses, enhanced speed and Olympic-level
athletic abilities. He is also a scientific genius, having invented the
Avengers’ Quinjets.
The Black Panther’s real name is T’Challa and he is the king
of the fictional African nation of Wakanda. This makes him a major player in
the politics of the Marvel Universe. Wakanda has advanced technology and is
rich with natural deposits of vibranium, the metal that pops up over and over
again in Marvel in Captain America’s shield and other weapons. Wakanda appears
to be a mostly isolationist nation.
T’Challa served the Avengers on and off for decades in real
time and also popped up in other series, including a solo book. As one of the
world leaders of the Marvel Universe, he is also a member of the world-shaping
Illuminati. His adventures have also brought him into recent conflict with
Namor, who attacked Wakanda while powered up by the Phoenix Force, drowning
many people.
T’Challa also married Storm but had the marriage annulled
for some reason. Can’t Ororo get a break in the love department? Aside from her
brief marriage and a dalliance with Forge (and the admiration of villains
including Loki, Doctor Doom and Dracula), she hasn’t had much going on. The woman
is strong, intelligent, a great leader, nurturing and very powerful. She’s a
catch.
No, the Black Panther has nothing to do with the Black
Panther party. The character debuted shortly before the group formed.
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