One of Marvel’s top martial artists, the Black Panther, has achieved renown through his intellect, nobility, and combat prowess. The powers of the Heart-Shaped Herb only augment what the bearer of the Black Panther mantle already possesses, allowing the ruler of Wakanda to fight on the country’s front lines.
In the tumultuous world of the Marvel Universe, T’Challa has had to defend his nation plenty of times. Not only has he had to battle an extensive list of personal enemies, but T’Challa has also fought a myriad of foes ranging from enemies of the state to those of super-groups he’s joined to defend against cosmic beings.
Updated on July 4th, 2023 by Anthony Jeanetta: This list has been updated to include more of Black Panther's greatest battles in Marvel Comics.
15 Black Panther Vs. Wolverine
Marvel Super Heroes Contest of Champions #3: Written by Mark Gruenwald, pencils by John Romita Sr., inks by Pablo Marcos, colors by Don Warfield and Carl Gafford, and letters by Joe Rosen
Marvel Super Heroes Contest of Champions in 1982 was the company’s first-ever miniseries. This run saw the Elder of the Universe, the Grandmaster, wager against the cosmic embodiment of Death. Rather than physically fight, the two grand beings compelled the multinational superheroes of Earth to battle each other for the fate of their Universe.
The relatively straightforward series had three issues, the third of which had Black Panther and Wolverine meet for the first time. Ironically, though the pair was on the same team, Wolverine immediately attacked Black Panther. The fight had no true winner (due to a timely interruption by the Thing), but it was an exciting first meeting for the two iconic heroes.
14 Young T’Challa Vs. Klaw
Rise of the Black Panther #1: Written by Evan Narcisse, pencils and inks by Paul Renaud, colors by Stéphane Paitreau, and letters by Joe Sabino
Ulysses Klaw is one of Black Panther’s greatest villains, a colonialist arms dealer who has sought conquest of Wakanda and ownership of the nation’s vibranium time and time again. Klaw’s grasping at Wakanda is tied intricately to his relationship with T’Challa — which began during his first attack upon the country.
After T’Challa’s father, T’Chaka, refused to sell Klaw any vibranium, Klaw and his mercenaries opened fire on the assembled Wakandans. Though T’Chaka lost his life in the attack, the young T’Challa took down Klaw with his sonic weapon, starting a rivalry that persisted for years.
13 Captain America Vs. T’Challa’s Grandfather
Black Panther/Captain America: Flags of Our Fathers #1: Written by Reginald Hudlin, pencils by Denys Cowan, inks by Klaus Janson, colors by Pete Pantazis, and letters by Joe Sabino
Though the modern era has seen Captain America and the Black Panther become close allies, T’Challa’s grandfather, Azzuri, didn't warm up to Steve Rodgers at first. In The Black Panther/Captain America: Flags of Our Fathers, the two met for the first time in World War II when both the Allies and Axis sought the power of vibranium.
Captain America’s insistence and Azzuri’s protectiveness led them to battle each other as the Howling Commandos watched. The skirmish was close, and Cap won Azzuri’s respect. Together, Captain America and the Black Panther fought off a group of invading Nazis led by Baron Strucker.
12 Black Panther Vs. The Grim Reaper
The Avengers #52: Written by Roy Thomas, pencils by John Buscema, inks by Vince Colletta, and letters by Sam Rosen
While Black Panther may be synonymous with the Avengers brand today, this standing wasn’t always true. The Warrior of Wakanda didn't join the team until Avengers #52 when the scythe-wielding Grim Reaper captured then-current members Wasp, Hawkeye, and Goliath.
Furious about the Avengers’ responsibility for the death of his brother, Grim Reaper put Wasp, Hawkeye, and Goliath in comas. Luckily, Black Panther broke into Avengers mansion and took out the villain, saving the other heroes and prompting them to offer him a membership.
11 Black Panther & Shuri Vs. An Army Of Supervillains
Black Panther Vol. 4 #6: Written by Reginald Hudlin, pencils by John Romita Jr, inks by Klaus Janson, colors by Dean White, and letters by Randy Gentile
Ulysses Klaw’s fascination with Wakanda had never faded (except maybe when he became made of sound), leading the supervillain to assault the country. The closest Klaw ever came to a complete takeover was spearheading a joint group of supervillains, Nigandan soldiers, and U.S. special forces.
The resulting battle for Wakanda was heated. T’Challa and his sister, Shuri, took down major characters like Batroc, the Rhino, and even a Vatican Version of the Black Knight, before besting Klaw. This bloody assault was notable not only for its size but also for T’Challa’s tactical prowess during it. Overall, it's one of Black Panther's strongest feats in the comics.
10 Black Panther Vs. Doctor Doom
Astonishing Tales #7: Written by Gerry Conway, pencils by Gene Colan, inks by Mike Esposito, and letters by Jean Izzo
Black Panther is arguably Marvel’s most heroic monarch, whereas Doctor Doom is their most devious one. The ruler of Latveria has grasped for ever-more power in the Marvel Universe since his debut in Astonishing Tales #7, where Doom made his play for the fabled vibranium mound of Wakanda.
Doctor Doom played on T’Challa’s honor by pretending he was unarmed and used the element of surprise to take Black Panther down. After escaping his shackles, T’Challa got between Doom and the vibranium mound and pointed an energy weapon at it, preferring to destroy his country than see it become enslaved by Doom. Realizing he was defeated, Doctor Doom conceded and left the country.
9 Black Panther Vs. The Fantastic Four
Fantastic Four #52: Written by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, pencils by Jack Kirby, inks by Joe Sinnott, colors by Stan Goldberg, and letters by Stan Rosen
Stan Lee and Jack Kirby’s original run on Fantastic Four was one of the greatest comic book arcs, introducing multiple new characters and creating the MU as readers know it today. When Stan and Jack introduced the Black Panther as the antagonist of issue #52, they broke ground by creating the world’s first major Black superhero.
T’Challa lured the Four to Wakanda and sprung a trap on them, testing himself in combat against Marvel’s First Family. Though the Fantastic Four eventually prevailed, the battle gave readers an exciting introduction to Black Panther, who would become one of comics’ most notable characters and capable kings.
8 Black Panther Vs. M’Baku
The Avengers #62: Written by Roy Thomas, pencils by John Buscema, inks by George Klein, and letters by Artie Simek
The Man-Ape and leader of the White Gorilla tribe, M’Baku has long been one of T’Challa’s chief rivals. Despite this extensive history of conflict, the Black Panther felt his rival would be a good stand-in for himself while he was a member of the Avengers. Unfortunately — and somewhat predictably — M’Baku betrayed T’Challa.
After drugging the Avengers, M’Baku tried to crush T’Challa by toppling the Panther Idol on top of him. Following this attack, Black Panther and the Avengers came back to defeat M’Baku. Following this incident, M’Baku and T’Challa’s relationship took a decidedly antagonistic turn, and the leader of the White Gorilla tribe became a bona fide supervillain.
7 Black Panther Vs. The Klan
Jungle Action Vol. 2 #19-22,24: Written by Don McGregor; pencils by Billy Graham, Rich Buckler, and Keith Pollard; inks by Bob McLeod, Jim Mooney, and Keith Pollard; colors and inks by various
As one of the breakout stars from Fantastic Four and The Avengers, Black Panther received his own book in the early 70s, entitled Jungle Action. Though the series was popular with college students, some Marvel editors wanted the Black Panther-centric book to incorporate more white people to appeal to a broader base. Writer Don McGregor’s solution was to have T’Challa take on the KKK.
In “Panther Vs. the Klan,” the King of Wakanda ventured to the American South to investigate the murder of his partner’s sister. The multiple-issue arc contained a variety of thrilling fights as Black Panther fought the KKK. Moreover, clarity and tightness of its writing profoundly impacted creators like Dwayne McDuffie and Grant Morrison and further increased Black Panther's influence.
6 T’Challa Vs. Klaw (Rematch)
Fantastic Four #53: Written by Stan Lee, pencils by Jack Kirby, inks by Joe Sinnott, and letters by Artie Simek
T’Challa has made an extensive list of enemies while operating as the Black Panther. Still, Ulysses Klaw remains the most determined of all his foes. After becoming friends with the Fantastic Four in issue #52 of their self-titled series, T’Challa related his past woes with Klaw to the team.
Klaw attacked shortly after that, using his mastery of sound to surprise the Fantastic Four, Black Panther, and their friend Wyatt Wingfoot. T’Challa tracked Klaw to his hideout and collapsed it upon him, seizing a decisive victory over Klaw and cementing himself as a worthy hero.
5 Black Panther Vs. Kraven The Hunter (Alyosha Kravinov)
Black Panther (1998) #6: Written by Christopher Priest, pencils and inks by Joe Jusko, colors by Avalon Studios, and letters by Richard Starkings.
Black Panther (1998) #6 features King T'Challa visiting America for the first time in an official dignitary capacity. During a ball the president throws for Wakanda's protector, Alyosha Kravinov — aka Kraven the Hunter — ambushes the Black Panther. Using a surprise attack, Kraven engaged in a prolonged knife fight with Black Panther before ultimately capturing him.
T'Challa only needed to wait one issue for his rematch. In issue #7, Black Panther and Kraven once again squared off. This time, T'Challa was more prepared and made quick work of Kraven. In the middle of slicing Kravinov up, the Avengers interceded and stop Black Panther from killing Kraven.
4 Black Panther Vs. Killmonger
Black Panther (1998) #20: Written by Christopher Priest, pencils by Sal Velluto, inks by Bob Almond, colors by Steve Oliff, and letters by Sharpe Font.
Later on in the 1998 Black Panther run (Issue #20), T'Challa engages in one-on-one combat with Killmonger — portrayed by Michael B. Jordan in the MCU. Their battle took place at Warrior Falls, much like the battle in the first Black Panther movie. However, the comic version of this duel stretches across several days.
At the end of this epic melee, Killmonger uses an untimely distraction to gain the upper hand and seemingly kill T'Challa. Readers learn in the next issue that T'Challa is still alive but in a coma. His allies eventually bring him back to life, but it takes multiple issues to do so.
3 Black Panther Vs. Namor
New Avengers (2013) #22: Written by Jonathan Hickman, art by Kev Walker, colors by Frank Martin, and letters by VC’s Joe Caramagna.
Like any archnemesis, Namor has been a recurring thorn in the side of the Wakandans since he revealed his presence in the country. Namor has often switched his allegiance, sometimes fighting alongside T'Challa before reversing and battling against him. It's no surprise Namor and Black Panther have had several all-out scraps. In 2013's New Avengers, T'Challa gives Namor two back-to-back beatdowns in a particularly savage manner.
After Namor detonates a planet-destroying bomb to stop an incursion of two universes, Black Panther attacks him for making a decision he feels no person should have the power to make. As he mercilessly beats Namor, it seems T'Challa won't stop until the King of Atlantis is dead. Fortunately for Namor, the Hulk stops Black Panther from killing the Sub-Mariner.
2 Black Panther Vs. A Super Skrull
Black Panther (2005) #40: Written by Jason Aaron, art by Jefte Palo, colors by Lee Loughridge, and letters by VC’s Cory Petit.
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The Secret Invasion — now a TV show on Disney+ — is one of Marvel's most significant events because of the large-scale damage the Skrulls inflicted on Earth. At the height of the invasion, a battalion of Skrulls led by a group of elite Super Skrulls invades Wakanda but quickly realizes they've bitten off more than they can chew.
Despite having the abilities of several superheroes combined, T'Challa uses his quick wit and skills to hit the Super Skrull in his weak points. In rapid succession, Black Panther breaks the Super Skull's right arm and left leg and plucks out one of his eyes. By the time T'Challa finishes, the Super Skrull can only beg the Panther for death.
1 Black Panther Vs. Deadpool
Black Panther vs. Deadpool #1: Written by Daniel Kibblesmith, art by Ricardo Lopez Ortiz, colors by Felipe Sobreiro, and letters by VC’s Joe Sabino.
In 2018, Marvel published the first issue of the crossover event, Black Panther vs. Deadpool. Across the five-issue run, T'Challa and Wade Wilson engage in several all-out brawls. The first showdown of the series might be the best.
In issue #1, Deadpool arrives in Wakanda searching for a sliver of vibranium to help save his friend's life in America. After T'Challa refuses this request — believing Wilson plans to use it for nefarious reasons — he and Deadpool have at it. This fight ends when Black Panther severs Deadpool's arm with a new weapon that halts Wilson's healing powers, much to the shock of the Merc with a Mouth.