7 Essential Comics for Black Panther Fans

Black Panther, Vol. 1, by Ta Nahesis Coates, Bryan Stelfreeze, Chris Sprouse, and Laura Martin
I can’t sing this book’s praises highly enough, but I’m gonna try. Previously known for powerful, highly political nonfiction, Coates’ comics debut delivers us a Wakanda on the verge of disruption. The once impenetrable nation has by now been conquered several times by all manner of foe, including the Atlanteans. The pride of Wakanda is broken, and the country is rebelling, as splinter groups for whose members want to distance themselves from the crown. For T’challa, the crown is heavier than it has ever been. While this book is more of an intellectual’s dream of a superhero comic, it’s not without its incredible fighting sequences, mesmerizing worldbuilding, and stunning art. Artist Brian Stelfreeze and colorist Laura Martin bring a complexity to the people of Wakanda that is truly unmatched—the shading, the facial features and physicality of every character—all are remarkably done. Lastly, it will introduce you to characters that you’ll most definitely see gracing the big screen in 2018, including T’Challa’s younger sister Shuri, a former Queen of Wakanda who inevitably took up the Black Panther mantel.

Black Panther & The Crew, by  Ta-Nehisi Coates, Yona Harvey, Butch Guice, and John Cassaday
One of the most thrilling bits of Black Panther is his rogue team of allies, whom he calls upon in dire circumstances. Luke Cake, Misty Knight, and his former wife Storm (of the X-Men) are just a few of T’Challa’s “crew.” They’re a fantasy draft of Marvel’s premiere black heroes, and their team dynamics are the best. (I mean, Misty throws the darkest shade in the game, and Storm is a literal goddess…) Heroics aside, the book doesn’t hold back; the first issue directly addresses police brutality as the team investigates the death of a political activist. The characters are stellar, it takes place in Harlem, and the lineup of talent behind-the-scenes is killer. What else do you need to know?

Who is the Black Panther?, by Reginald Hudlin and John Romita Jr.
Who is the Black Panther? is a personal favorite, for multiple reasons. Reginald Hudlin captured the character in a way no one before him had ever quite managed. John Romita Jr’s art adds a texture to the book that give it a larger than life, cinematic quality. And it’s a great entry point to the Black Panther universe, bringing both a sense of legacy and a twist of modernity to the classic Panther mythos.

Ultimates: Omniversal, Vol. 1: Start With the Impossible, by Al Ewing, and Kenneth Rocafort
Al Ewing and artist Kennith Rocafort—talk about cosmic-sized team ups! Black Panther, America Chavez, Captain Marvel, Spectrum, and Blue Marvel join up to solve galactic-scale problems as only they can. First up on the list? Stopping world-eater Galactus from…well, eating the world. The team offers an incredible balance of brain and brawn, positioning Black Panther and Blue Marvel (two heroes of color) as the scientific masterminds of the group, and Spectrum, America, and Captain Marvel as the heavy hitters—a beautiful subversion of the standard gender dynamic normally seen in superhero groups. Rocafort’s art is a culmination of grit and spectacular, blending perfectly with the strength of this team of ultimates among Ultimates.

World of Wakanda, by Ta-Nehisi Coates, Roxane Gay, Yona Harvey, Alitha Martinez, and Afua Richardson
One of the most fascinating aspects of Black Pather’s universe is the role the women play in Wakandan society—particularly the Dora Milaje, royal guard of the panther king himself. In Ta-Nehisi Coates’ run, we’re introduced to two rogue Dora Milaje, Ayo and Aneka, who are in love and on the run. I’ll steer clear of spoiler territory here, but suffice it to say, this is a queer love story with stakes, following two women of color, co-written by acclaimed novelist Roxane Gay and Yona Harvey—among the first black female talent to join the Marvel bullpen. The fruits of these combined forces is an introspective book about two warriors, lovers, and citizens of Wakanda. It’s a perfect read to whet your appetite for the movie, as the Dora Milaje look to be playing an active part.

Black Panther: The Complete Collection, Vol. 1, by Christopher Priest, Mark Texeira, Vince Evans, and Joe Jusko
I can’t treat you guys to a greatest hits list of Black Panther without including the OG run from Christopher Priest. Considered one of the gatekeepers for the Black Panther legacy, Priest’s run has influenced most or all of the creators mentioned on this list, including Ta-Nehisi Coates. The sophisticated cool factor now associated with the character is notably present here, and boy, is reveling in it a delight. Equal parts political satire, mystery, and superhero action come together in a narrative featuring T’Challa as a statesman of Wakanda, an Avenger, and a vigilante.

New Avengers: Vol. 1, by Jonathan Hickman, Steve Epting, Michael Deodato, Simone Bianchi
This one’s a slight curveball, and rightfully so. Yes, it features an ensemble cast of old and new Avengers, and no, Black Panther isn’t the spotlight, but bear with me: when T’Challa is featured here, it’s always in a remarkable light. In fact, some of my favorite Black Panther panels ever have come from this book. In one, he seeks council with all of the previous Panthers before him, and it’s simply astonishing. Here more than ever, T’Challa faces difficult choices about protecting Wakanda at the expense of the wider world. The New Avengers roster is really the Illuminati, including Doctor Strange, Reed Richards, Tony Stark, Black Bolt, Iron Man, Namor, and Beast. This is a group of some of the sharpest minds in the marvel Universe, putting T’Challa’s in both good and worrisome company.
Did we leave your essential Black Panther book off the list?