The History of Marvel Comics: Black Panther

It’s 2021 and the Black Panther has become a lot more popular than he’s ever been. In fact, Black Panther has done something that no other Marvel hero or team has done before: expand beyond the one man behind the mantle, beyond T’Challa, and has created a world of its own: Wakanda-- a land, a people, and a cultural phenomenon. It’s here that we’ll explore John Ridley’s take on the character, as we look back at the seeds that Stan and Jack planted all those years ago, a present that’s grown and branched out beyond its own roots, and finally a blossoming future of endless possibilities.

It’s 2005, and Marvel has tapped film screenwriter, director, and President of Entertainment of BET, Reginald Hudlin, to write a new Black Panther book. Excitedly, Reggie shares this news with his friends and family. Their reaction? “Who is the Black Panther?” Written by Reginald Hudlin, “Who Is The Black Panther” was Reggie’s definitive response to that reaction— building off of previous Panther stories, and reintroducing T’Challa to the world by over-satisfying his community and his own desires for a black Super Hero.

1973 saw Black Panther return to Wakanda, after a brief stint in the US with the Avengers, only to find his kingdom riven by infighting and sedition. Written by Don McGregor with art by Rich Buckler and Billy Graham, Panther's Rage picked up right where Stan Lee and Jack Kirby left off by presenting a counter to T’Challa’s crusade in America by establishing Wakanda, and the responsibilities that come with being a king, and the how those two worlds not only differ, but also struggle to coexist.

Coming 2/14, An exploration into the comic book origins of Black Panther via conversations with the creators who have shaped T’Challa’s journey, a celebration of the Afro-Futurism of Wakanda, and the worldwide social impact of the character. Hosted by author Nic Stone. Learn more at Marvel.com/BlackPantherPodcast