Black Panther Comics Marvel: 10 Best Comic Stories

For decades, Black Panther has been a staple of the Marvel Universe. Wakana, the African nature’s king, is a member of several superhero teams. This is a list of the 10 Best Black Panther Comics Marvel Stories.

Black Panther Comics Marvel
Black Panther Comics Marvel

For decades, Black Panther has been a staple of the Marvel Universe. He has many exciting and intriguing stories as the king of the African nature Wakana and a member of multiple superhero teams.

However, with so many different types of stories available, it’s difficult to know which ones are worth your time.

With a selection of the best Black Panther comic book stories ever told, this list will point you in the right direction. It spans the character’s long publishing history, from his early stories to his most recent epics, and includes action-packed adventures as well as thought-provoking stories.

Don’t forget to check out the Black Panther Review if you’re looking for more stories or want to know what to read next.

10. The Black Panther!

Black Panther Comics Marvel
Black Panther Comics Marvel

Written by Stan Lee. Art by Jack Kirby.

By the midpoint of their 102-issue run on Fantastic Four, Jack Kirby and Stan Lee were firing on all cylinders. There were many classic stories during this time period, with the pair introducing many memorable characters, including Black Panther.

On the king’s invitation, the Fantastic Four travel to the mysterious Wakanda. However, they are ambushed upon arrival and spend the majority of their time fighting the country’s leader, Black Panther. However, in true superhero fashion, they put their differences aside to face the true threat. Ulysses Klaw, in this case.

This first appearance lays the groundwork for future creators to flesh out Black Panther over the years.

Readers discover his origins, get a glimpse of Wakanda and witness an excellent demonstration of the hero’s skill set, which fits perfectly into Kirby’s dynamic and bombastic style.

Buy: Amazon/Kindle

9. Death Calls for the Arch-Heroes

Black Panther Comics Marvel
Black Panther Comics Marvel – Death Calls for the Arch-Heroes

Written by Roy Thomas. Art by John Buscema.

On Captain America’s recommendation, Black Panther travels to the Avengers Mansion to join the team. When he arrives, he discovers that members of the Avengers have died! Worse, Black Panther has been falsely accused of the crime. He’s now on the run from police and S.H.I.E.L.D. as he searches for the true “killer.”

This story, along with the introduction of classic Avengers villain Grim Reaper, solidifies Black Panther as a regular on the Avengers team. Death Calls for the Arch-Heroes gave the Wakandan hero a home in the pages of Avengers at a time when he had been bouncing around various team-ups.

Buy: Amazon/Kindle

8. Panther’s Rage

Black Panther Comics Marvel
Black Panther Comics Marvel – Panther’s Rage

Written by Don McGregor. Art by Rich Buckler, Gil Kane, and Billy Graham.

Until 1973, Black Panther had never had its own series. He’d appeared as a guest or as a regular in other titles, including The Avengers. It wasn’t until Don McGregor, a proofreader on Marvel’s reprint series Jungle Action, demanded that Marvel publish something less dated that the situation changed. He was given free rein to write a Black Panther series with the only restriction that it be set in Africa. Panther’s Rage, a 12-part epic, was the first offering.

After spending time in the United States as a member of the Avengers, Black Panther returns to Wakanda to find the country in turmoil.

This is due to Erik Killmonger’s army, which has been attacking villages in order to seize T’Challa’s throne. To put an end to the revolution, Black Panther will clash with many of Killmonger’s lieutenants.

Panther’s Rage is a story ahead of its time in many ways. McGregor wasn’t afraid to ask the characters probing questions. As a result, the comic delves into the consequences of violence, culture shock, and mortality.

These themes also allow for strong characterization, with fully developed motivations and needs. It’s also a comic that looks nothing like anything else out at the time, thanks to exciting page layout experiments that result in slick title pages and dynamic action.

Buy: Amazon/Kindle

7. Black Panther Vs. The Klan

Black Panther Comics Marvel
Black Panther Comics Marvel – Black Panther Vs. The Klan

Written by Don McGregor and Ed Hannigan. Art by Billy Graham and Jerry Bingham.

The villains that superheroes face tend to be fantastical, acting as proxies for real-world villains. The threat in this case is all too real in the form of the Ku Klux Klan. In the course of investigating a murder, Black Panther and his friends become entangled in a dangerous triangle involving the Klan and a splinter cult.

The KKK is used in Black Panther Vs. The Klan for more than just shock value, as it contrasts the ideologies of the two sides. The story examines the power of lies, hate-fueled fear, and indoctrination in this way.

It’s also firm in its beliefs, employing powerful imagery such as Black Panther tied to a burning cross to emphasize these points.

The first half of the story is the most moving and memorable. It was unfortunately cut short when Jack Kirby returned from a stint at DC Comics and began a series for the character. Another creative team would later finish the story. Having said that, the entire story is highly recommended.

Buy: Amazon/Kindle

6. The Client

Black Panther Comics Marvel
Black Panther Comics Marvel – The Client

Written by Christopher Priest. Art by Mark Texeira.

The 1990s were a quiet period for Black Panther. Aside from the occasional appearance, he didn’t appear in many comics and even less in his own title. However, during Marvel’s post-bankruptcy creative renaissance in 1998, he was given a brand new series directed by Christopher Priest.

This story is a one-of-a-kind mash-up of elements that could be described as Coming to America meets street-level action with a dash of the supernatural.

When a Wakandan-backed charity organization is blamed for the death of a child, Black Panther is forced to flee to the United States. The investigation triggers a chain reaction that results in a leadership struggle and a visit from the devil himself.

The Client is presented out of order and is narrated by Everett K Ross, a secondary character. Ross is introduced in this arc and serves as a bridge between familiar Western elements and Wakandian culture throughout Priest’s long run. He’s also comic relief, injecting levity into a series marked by T’Challa’s sternness and seriousness.

Buy: Amazon/Kindle

5. Sturm Und Drang

Black Panther Comics Marvel
Black Panther Comics Marvel – Sturm Und Drang

Written by Christopher Priest. Art by Sal Velluto.

When tensions between the underwater nation of Lemuria rise, Black Panther finds himself on the verge of World War III. Klaw, who is working in the background to bring other nations into the fray unnecessarily, raises tensions.

At every step, the Black Panthers are advocating for peace. At the same time, he refuses to back down or display any signs of weakness.

Sturm und Drang is a film about wartime leadership. This is evident not only in Black Panther’s actions as Wakandan leader, but also in the other leaders he must contend with, such as Namor, Magneto, and Doctor Doom.

Buy: Amazon/Kindle

4. See Wakanda And Die

Black Panther Comics Marvel
Black Panther Comics Marvel – See Wakanda And Die

Written by Jason Aaron. Art by Jefte Palo.

See Wakanda And Die is an action-packed addition to the Black Panther library that serves as both a standalone story and a tie-in for Marvel’s 2008 event Secret Invasion. An army of Skrulls has arrived in Wakanda to claim the vibranium. The Wakana, on the other hand, will not go down without a fight.

Readers notice two opposing sides to Black Panther. The first is as a leader, as evidenced by his tactical decisions and dedication to his people. The other is that of the hero, who places himself at the forefront of the conflict and is generally badass. The combination of the two results in a satisfying, steady-paced read.

Buy: Amazon/Kindle

3. A Nation Under Our Feet: Black Panther Comics Marvel

 A Nation Under Our Feet
Black Panther Comics Marvel – A Nation Under Our Feet

Written by Ta-Nehisi Coates. Art by Brian Stelfreeze and Chris Sprouse.

Wakanda is in a state of flux. The people of the advanced African nation have lost faith in Black Panther as their king after being ravaged by recent invasion attempts.

From all sides, a revolution is brewing. While he must prevent the country from tearing itself apart, Black Panther is questioning his leadership abilities and the constant tug of war that comes with being a hero.

The most philosophical of the stories on this list is A Nation Under Our Feet. It delves into Wakanda’s identity, tensions, and traditions, as well as where they fit in the future. This includes considering the role of leadership and whether a monarchy is still required.

Stelfreeze and Sprouse create a stunning depiction of Wakanda. There’s a science fiction quality to it, but it’s informed stylistically by African art and culture. As a result, you can get lost in the comic as you travel across the country.

Buy: Amazon/Kindle

2. The Black Out: Black Panther Comics Marvel

 The Black Out
Black Panther Comics Marvel – The Black Out

Written by Nnedi Okorafor. Art by Andre Lima Araujo.

A massive monster is wreaking havoc on Wakanda, causing earthquakes and sinkholes. However, it vanishes as quickly as it appears. What’s the story behind the creature and its link to vibranium?

This premise is used by SFF author Nnedi Okorafor to explore the conflict between being a king and a hero. She investigates where Black Panther’s priorities lie and which role Wakanda most requires.

Andre Lima Araujo’s depiction of Wakanda is a lovely blend of the futuristic and the natural. The architecture appears slick and technologically advanced, but the depiction of nature is where this comic shines visually. Everything is so lush and full of wildlife.

This makes this story one of the most visually appealing on the list, and Andre Lima Araujo is an artist to watch.

Buy: Amazon/Kindle

1. The Intergalactic Empire Of Wakanda: Black Panther Comics Marvel

The Intergalactic Empire Of Wakanda
Black Panther Comics Marvel – The Intergalactic Empire Of Wakanda

Written by Ta-Nehisi Coates. Art by Daniel Acuna, Jen Bartel, Kev Walker, and Chris Sprouse.

A detachment of Wakanda established a hostile empire spanning five galaxies two thousand years ago. Readers are thrown into the story and follow T’Challa, who has lost his memories and is now a slave and rebel fighting against the empire.

For its soap opera scale, cool spaceship dog fights, and hard-hitting action, The Intergalactic Empire Of Wakanda is a must-read. There is no other Black Panther story like it, and it is a thrilling ride.

Buy: Amazon/Kindle

Leave your vote

2.3k Points
Upvote Downvote

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings

    Log In

    Or with username:

    Forgot password?

    Forgot password?

    Enter your account data and we will send you a link to reset your password.

    Your password reset link appears to be invalid or expired.

    Log in

    Privacy Policy

    Add to Collection

    No Collections

    Here you'll find all collections you've created before.