BLACK HISTORY MONTH IN COMICS: T’challa (Black Panther)
The Black Panther is the first black superhero in mainstream comics. Before July of 1966, there were no costumed superheroes who happened to be of African descent, certainly none with superpowers. In the past, most black characters in comics were depicted as caricatures, stereotypes or savages living in the jungle. There were some exceptions, like Jackie Ormes’ Patty-Jo ‘n’ Ginger and Gabriel Jones of Sgt. Fury and His Howling Commandos fame. For the most part however blacks were either a joke or didn’t appear in comics at all.
Then Marvel, more out of a need to look hip than start any sociopolitical statement, started to add more black faces in their crowd scenes. Some characters, like the aforementioned Gabe Jones and Daily Bugle editor Robbie Robertson, played larger roles. Still they were in the background.
Fantastic Four #52 introduced The Black Panther. He wasn’t a savage, he wasn’t a joke. He’s the prince of the most technologically advanced civilisations on Earth. T’Challa ruler of Wakanda also posses the Panther Power and access to extraordinary technology to protect his nation, their vibranium and eventually the world. He’s fought Klaw, the KKK, Skrulls, african warlords and Ultron.
The Black Panther predates the organization of the same name but not the Panther symbol the Black Panther Party use which was used by it’s predecessor, Lowndes County Freedom Organization. It was also the symbol for the WW II tank battalion which was made up of African-American soldiers who were not permitted to serve along white soldiers under federal law.
T’Challa The Black Panther is definitely one of the most important superheroes in comics. He paved the way for not just black superheroes but heroes of all colors, nationalities, creeds and sexual orientation. He still maintains a large fanbase from old and new comic readers alike.
FANTASTIC FOUR #52 (July 1966) “The Black Panther!” Art by Jack Kirby & Joe Sinnott Words by Stan Lee
Tchalla
