Let's see how much of a Black Panther Fan you are! Here are One Dozen Facts about Black Panther!
1. Stan Lee and Jack Kirby named this character "Black Panther" in reference to the black socialist group called The Black Panther Party that existed in the 1960's. Jack Kirby originally wanted to use the name "Coal Tiger" and for a brief time-to avoid controversial collaboration with The Black Panther Party-the name "Black Leopard" was also used until Stan Lee refused to use that name.
2. Jack Kirby's original design for Black Panther wore a yellow and grey leotard with a black and red cape. This costume was more accurate to traditional superheroes, but was ultimately discarded in favor for a simpler costume. In "Avengers #52" in 1968, Black Panther's costume had an opening for his mouth and nose. This too was left behind. First costume here: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a3/Coal_tiger.jpg
3. Black Panther first appeared in "Fantastic Four #52" in 1966 where he single-handily kidnapped each member of The Fantastic Four, studied their powers, and then let them go. The Fantastic Four could not fight back due to Black Panther being the King of another country.
4. T'Challa is the king of Wakanda, a fictional country in Africa that was kept hidden from the rest of the world until the 1960's. Wakanda has access to advanced technology and spiritual magic, it also houses a cave full of Vibranium. This rare metal is what Captain America's shield is made of and the metal lines T'Challa's suit and his weapons. Because of the technology, magic, and rare metal, Wakanda was kept hidden by it's kings to prevent other nations from gaining their resources.
5. "The Black Panther" is a mantle passed from King to King in Wakanda. To assume the mantle, one must pass a set of trails, be familiar with political, scientific, and spiritual studies, and eat a heart-shaped herb that enhances their natural strengths and senses. Along with T'Challa, his sister Shuri has used the Black Panther mantle.
6. The nation of Wakanda has gone to war with both Latvaria-ruled by Doctor Doom-and Atlantis-ruled by Namor The Sub-Mariner.
7. T'Challa has an on-and-off connection to a Panther God, just like past Black Panthers. Through his magical experiences he has also become "The King of The Dead". This title allows him to borrow the strength and knowledge of the dead Black Panthers before him as well as control the undead.
8. One of Black Panther's more obscure tools is called The Kimoyo Card. It is a card-shaped device that can do the work of a super-computer.
9. The feud during "Civil War" between Captain America and Iron Man was put on break when they attended the marriage of Black Panther and Storm of The X-Men. Panther and Storm ruled over Wakanda and took part in relations with other nations. Currently, the two are divorced.
10. After Daredevil was possessed by a demon in "Shadowland" he asked Black Panther to watch over Hell's Kitchen until he properly recovered. While Shuri ruled Wakanda, T'Challa was able to reconnect with American civilization and ease himself of his responsibilities.
11. Along with The Avengers, The Fantastic Four, The Ultimates, and The Defenders, Black Panther has been a member of The Illuminati; a collection of the smartest and most powerful heroes in the Marvel Universe. He had also built his own Hulkbuster armor, watched over an Infinity Gem, donned The Infinity Gauntlet, and fought Doctor Doom-who had the power of a God.
12. Black Panther is the first Black superhero. Created before any mainstream Black superhero. While he is technically not the first African-American superhero, he is the first African superhero due to his nationality. Then again, Wakanda is fictional.
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2. Jack Kirby's original design for Black Panther wore a yellow and grey leotard with a black and red cape. This costume was more accurate to traditional superheroes, but was ultimately discarded in favor for a simpler costume. In "Avengers #52" in 1968, Black Panther's costume had an opening for his mouth and nose. This too was left behind. First costume here: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a3/Coal_tiger.jpg
3. Black Panther first appeared in "Fantastic Four #52" in 1966 where he single-handily kidnapped each member of The Fantastic Four, studied their powers, and then let them go. The Fantastic Four could not fight back due to Black Panther being the King of another country.
4. T'Challa is the king of Wakanda, a fictional country in Africa that was kept hidden from the rest of the world until the 1960's. Wakanda has access to advanced technology and spiritual magic, it also houses a cave full of Vibranium. This rare metal is what Captain America's shield is made of and the metal lines T'Challa's suit and his weapons. Because of the technology, magic, and rare metal, Wakanda was kept hidden by it's kings to prevent other nations from gaining their resources.
5. "The Black Panther" is a mantle passed from King to King in Wakanda. To assume the mantle, one must pass a set of trails, be familiar with political, scientific, and spiritual studies, and eat a heart-shaped herb that enhances their natural strengths and senses. Along with T'Challa, his sister Shuri has used the Black Panther mantle.
6. The nation of Wakanda has gone to war with both Latvaria-ruled by Doctor Doom-and Atlantis-ruled by Namor The Sub-Mariner.
7. T'Challa has an on-and-off connection to a Panther God, just like past Black Panthers. Through his magical experiences he has also become "The King of The Dead". This title allows him to borrow the strength and knowledge of the dead Black Panthers before him as well as control the undead.
8. One of Black Panther's more obscure tools is called The Kimoyo Card. It is a card-shaped device that can do the work of a super-computer.
9. The feud during "Civil War" between Captain America and Iron Man was put on break when they attended the marriage of Black Panther and Storm of The X-Men. Panther and Storm ruled over Wakanda and took part in relations with other nations. Currently, the two are divorced.
10. After Daredevil was possessed by a demon in "Shadowland" he asked Black Panther to watch over Hell's Kitchen until he properly recovered. While Shuri ruled Wakanda, T'Challa was able to reconnect with American civilization and ease himself of his responsibilities.
11. Along with The Avengers, The Fantastic Four, The Ultimates, and The Defenders, Black Panther has been a member of The Illuminati; a collection of the smartest and most powerful heroes in the Marvel Universe. He had also built his own Hulkbuster armor, watched over an Infinity Gem, donned The Infinity Gauntlet, and fought Doctor Doom-who had the power of a God.
12. Black Panther is the first Black superhero. Created before any mainstream Black superhero. While he is technically not the first African-American superhero, he is the first African superhero due to his nationality. Then again, Wakanda is fictional.
Thanks for reading!
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