Debuting in 1966, the road of the Black Panther through the comics has been a bit of a convoluted one. His comic book history isn't as confusing or addled as the X-Men's, mainly because there isn't an overwhelming backlog of time traveling and alternate future shenanigans to sort through.
What has remained true about Black Panther is his heroism and the leadership he offers Wakanda. Even when he doubts himself, he remains one of the most steadfast heroes Marvel has. But that doesn't mean that he hasn't evolved over the years, fulfilling his various roles in greater capacities.
10 His Relationship With The Fantastic Four
Many comic book fans associated the Black Panther with the Avengers, and rightfully so. He has served as a member of the team on many occasions and has helped them out even when he wasn't an active member. But on a personal level, his connection to the Fantastic Four is much stronger.
That wasn't always case. Their first meeting was when Black Panther invited them to Wakanda, then attacked them. As it turned out, his goal was to test himself against the Fantastic Four. Their relationship has grown by leaps and bounds since then, with Black Panther even subbing in as a member of their team at times.
9 Wakanda's Relationship With The Outside World
A secretive African nation, Wakanda hid the reality of its wealth and technology from the world for many years. They did this as an extra layer of protection from those who would covet their vast amounts of vibranium.
But underneath the leadership of T'Challa, the Black Panther, that has changed. Wakanda still isn't an open book but they have become a larger part of the world around them, and that has only made the planet a better place to live.
8 Everett K. Ross Became His Biggest Ally
While he might be the leader of an entire nation and a member of a variety of superhero teams, Black Panther is generally a solo operator in most cases. He's not against working with others but he often seems to get more done by himself.
That changed when one of the biggest allies in his life came along. Everett K. Ross, a U.S. State Department employee, was assigned to Black Panther when he was visiting America. That began a friendship that has benefited Ross, T'Challa and Wakanda greatly.
7 Other People Have Taken On The Mantle Of The Black Panther
One of the biggest changes over the years has been other people taking on the mantle of the Black Panther. It always seems to return to T'Challa but there have been times that he hasn't been able to fill his role. On those occasions, someone else has stepped up.
A police officer named Kasper Cole was Black Panther for a time when illness pushed T'Challa out of the game. Another hiatus saw T'Challa's younger sister Shuri take on the role of Black Panther for a surprising amount of time.
6 Defender Of Hell's Kitchen
Black Panther also hasn't been afraid to take on new roles when the time is right. After a period of transition that saw Shuri become the Black Panther, T'Challa was lost and somewhat directionless. Fortunately, an answer presented itself in the form of the Man Without Fear.
The events of "Shadowland" caused Daredevil to need his own reflection time. While away, he asked T'Challa to assume the role as guardian of Hell's Kitchen. Under a new identity and hero name, T'Challa protected Matt Murdock's home until he could return. The experience also helped T'Challa find his way back to Wakanda.
5 Black Panther Marries Storm
The connection between T'Challa and Ororo Monroe goes back much longer than their superhero lives. As a young man, T'Challa was on a walkabout away from Wakanda. It was during that time that he met Ororo on the streets of Cairo. They fell in love, but could not pursue their feelings.
As adults, they reconnected and ended up getting married. Black Panther and Storm became the most powerful couple in the Marvel Universe, defending Wakanda with incredible ferocity from anyone who would have harmed their country.
4 Black Panther Divorces Storm
In the comics, few relationships stand the test of time. Unfortunately, Black Panther and Storm were no exception to this as their marriage hit the rocks after six years together as king and queen.
Their marriage ended as part of the fallout from Avengers vs X-Men. Upset that Storm had chosen to side with the X-Men, Black Panther used his role as High Priest of the Panther Clan to annul their marriage without her knowing. He then unceremoniously kicked her out of the country. It wasn't his finest moment.
3 His Black Panther Costume
The role of Black Panther in Wakanda is a multi-faceted one. Carrying that mantle makes him a king, a high priest, and a superhero, though that last one probably wasn't what his ancestors intended as it developed over the years.
Being Black Panther means wearing the Black Panther costume. Throughout his time behind that mask, it has continued to evolve. In many ways, it looks the same as it did in 1966 but Wakanda's access to vibranium and advanced technologies have allowed for incredible upgrades to the costume.
2 Combined His Technical Expertise & Mystical Knowledge To Create Shadow Physics
Black Panther is well known for his genius-level intellect, which puts him on par with the likes of Iron Man, Mr. Fantastic, and Doctor Doom. But what fewer people know about him is how deep into the mystical side of the Marvel Universe he is.
He went so far as to combine his technical expertise and mystical knowledge to create something he calls Shadow Physics. Among other things, this allows him to summon mystical Shadow weapons that simultaneously exist and don't exist.
1 A New Panther God Is In Town
As Chieftain and High Priest of the Panther Clan, T'Challa was entitled to consume the heart-shaped herb which granted superhuman powers as well as a shamanistic connection to the Panther God known as Bast. The problem became that connection can only be spoken about in the past tense.
When Black Panther lost his connection to Bast, he established a connection with a new Panther God which gave him similar powers. It also made him the King of the Dead. This allowed him to access the knowledge of the collective experience of previous Panthers and summon the Undead.