With Civil War opening in EU/Australia this week and next week in the US, I'm sure that many lapsed readers/new fans will have taken interest in the true king of Wakanda, T'Challa, The Black Panther. Considered to be one of the most prominent African superheroes in comics, Black Panther is a character that has played a pivotal role in the Marvel Universe since his inception, and has quite a bit of required reading for those who are interested in fun stories involving the character. For those who have seen Civil War, let this thread serve as the jumping point for your foray into the comic world.
What to know
Comic reading can be an expensive hobby, but there are options available for you to keep your costs down. Marvel Unlimited is a wonderful gateway into this hobby, and for $9.99 you can read over 17,000 back issues of old marvel comics, with the newest material dropping on the site after 6 months or so.
If you are a collector, you can drive the cost down of physical editions by shopping at Instocktrades which sells trade paperbacks and hardcover collections at $45-50% off. US only unfortunately, but Amazon.com will net you some halfway decent discounts as well. Also, check your local library for any books they may have in their collection.
Now, onto the essential reading list:
T'Challa's First Appearance (Fantastic 4 #52-53)
This is it! The big one! Fantastic Four #52-53, the introduction of Stan Lee & Jack Kirby's new superhero: The Black Panther. The art in this story is gorgeous, and I still feel as if Jack drew him the best. It's Fantasfic Four vs. The King of Wakanda, who will win, and who will pay the ultimate sacrifice? (Nobody, because it's comic books.)
Available in: Fantastic Four Omnibus vol 2, Marvel Unlimited.
T'Challa Joins The Avengers (Avengers #52)
Not much to say really. Buy today's standards this story is kind of stupid (I look forward to the posts telling me I'm wrong), but this is it, this is when he joins the avengers for the first time, garbage tier ballerina outfit and all. For all intents it's good for what it is, but it's not my favorite issue.
Available in: Avengers Omnibus 2, Marvel Unlimited
Who Is The Black Panther?
Another stunning look at the character adapted by Reginal Huldin and drawn by JRJ. Essential for anyone getting into the character
Available in: Black Panther: Who Is The Black Panther (Marvel Unlimited, Amazon, Comixology, IST)
Based God Chris Priest Run
This is it! This shit is legitttttt omfg you have no idea. Chris Priest basically definited the modern day take on this character, and I love this run to death.
There's some big moments here, and T'Challa is as sassy as ever. This is really what I would consider to be the required reading for the character. It can be picked up and read just about anywhere.
Available in: Black Panther The Christopher Priest Collection 1-4, Marvel Unilimted, Comixology
Black Panther is A Dick (New Avengers #1-Onward)
Setting forth the events of Secret Wars, T'Challa is a member of a secret subset of The Avengers, and he's the biggest prick in the universe. With this being so fresh I won't say much more, but his dynamic with Namor is lovely, and the tension between them is one of the best in comics, and leads to one of the biggest moments I can think of. He plays a pivotal role in the event moving forward, and I consider this to be one of his most important roles in the Marvel Universe. Use your new love of this character to read one of the best Marvel runs ever created (Hickman's New Avengers/Avengers-Secret Wars)
Available in: New Avengers vol 1-onward, Marvel Unlimited, Comixology
All New, All Different Black Panter
Just released this past month, Marvel was making waves when they announced that extraordinary writer Ta-Nehisi Coates (Between The World And Me) would be telling his story for T'Challa in the post Secret War timeline. There is a ton of nuanced storytelling to this book so far, and I honestly felt like it delivered. One part Game of Thrones, one part street level comic, I feel like this is a book to stick around for, and I can't wait for the next issue.
Hope this shortlist helps you in your search for Black Panther books, and begins your love for the character and comics in general. If you have any additional questions about Black Panther, or the 70s run, we can discuss that below. Enjoy!
PS- Civil War is a shit event, please don't read it.
