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Black Panther Reading Order, The King of Wakanda

Created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby, Black Panther made his first comic book appearance in Fantastic Four #52 (July 1966). He was introduced as T’Challa, the ruler and protector of Wakanda, a fictional African nation that is the most technologically advanced country in the Marvel Comics Universe. This hidden nation owes much of its advancements to Vibranium, a nearly indestructible metal that crash-landed in Wakanda centuries ago, shaping its scientific and cultural evolution.

T’Challa is not only a formidable warrior but also one of the most intelligent minds in the Marvel Universe. He ranks among the top ten smartest characters, alongside Reed Richards, Tony Stark, and Amadeus Cho. His genius extends to physics, engineering, and political strategy, making him an exceptional leader. Beyond his intelligence, T’Challa possesses enhanced physical abilities granted by the Heart-Shaped Herb, which links him to the Panther God, Bast. This connection allows him to access the knowledge and experiences of every Black Panther who came before him. His combat skills, agility, superhuman strength, endurance, and heightened senses make him one of the most formidable heroes in Marvel Comics.

Initially introduced as a guest character in Fantastic Four, Black Panther soon became a recurring hero, later joining The Avengers. He starred in Jungle Action during the 1970s, a critically acclaimed series that explored themes of colonialism and racial identity. Over the years, he has played major roles in Marvel storylines, serving as a member of the Illuminati, The Ultimates, and various Avengers teams.

Black Panther made his live-action debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), portrayed by Chadwick Boseman. His first appearance in Captain America: Civil War (2016) was quickly followed by the solo film Black Panther (2018), which became a cultural and box office phenomenon. The film’s success cemented Black Panther as one of Marvel’s most iconic and influential characters.

Where to start reading Black Panther?

  • Black Panther by Don McGregor – Your classic Black Panther is still considered one of the best out there. Don McGregor wrote the first Black Panther series, delivering an adventure ranging across the savannah, into the deepest jungles, and up snow-topped mountains.
  • Black Panther By Christopher Priest – One of the most celebrated runs on the character, Christopher Priest’s Black Panther can also serve as an entry point. After all, numerous readers became familiar with the character with this run that helped define the character for years to come. Beware, Priest likes to write non-linear stories!
  • Rise Of The Black Panther – Written by Evan Narcisse, this limited series retraces the first years of T’Challa as Black Panther, making it a good story to become familiar with the character. You can continue with Black Panther By Ta-Nehisi Coates, as this origin story is part of this era/run.
  • Black Panther Legends – the last retelling of his origin by Tochi Onyebuchi targeting a younger audience.

Black Panther Reading Order

Black Panther Comics, from 1966 to 1998

Logo Avengers for the Jonathan Hickman's Avengers Reading OrderFollowing his debut, several appearances in the Fantastic Four comics, and a short arc in Tales of Suspense with Captain America, Black Panther came to New York City to join The Avengers in issue #52 (May 1968). He appeared in the comic book series for the next few years, leaving the team for the first time at issue #88. After that, the character rejoined and left the team several times. Roughly, those are the issues where you can find Black Panther: The Avengers #52-88, #99-100, #105-126, #137, #159-166, #173-181, #211, #239, #305-308, #333, #335-339, #356. For more T’Challa with The Avengers, see our Complete Avengers Reading Order.  Marvel Comics has collected some issues in a Black Panther Omnibus:

  • Black Panther: The Early Marvel Years Omnibus
    Collects Fantastic Four (vol. 1) #52-53, 56, 119, Captain America (vol. 1) #100, Avengers (vol. 1) #52, 62, 73–74, 77–79, 87, 112, 126, Daredevil (vol. 1) #52, 69, Daredevil Annual (vol. 1) #4, Marvel Team-Up #20, Jungle Action #6-24, material from Fantastic Four (vol. 1) #54, Tales of Suspense #97-99, Astonishing Tales #6-7.

The Epic Collection line is a numbered collection of sequential issues of one title (large, full-color trade paperback), sometimes including crossovers from related titles, starting from the beginning of a character–not released sequentially. In that collection, Marvel Comics has reprinted the first Black Panther’s solo adventures in the pages of Jungle Action, written by Don McGregor who pioneered the multi-issue story-arc; the first volume of Black Panther, mostly written by Jack Kirby, Black Panther, Vol. 2, Marvel Comics Presents, and Panther’s Prey– covering T’Challa’s stories from the 70s to the 90s.

After the conclusion of his first series, T’Challa made a few guest-starring appearances in other Marvel titles for the next nine years. Those issues are not collected here.

After Black Panther: Panther’s Prey, T’Challa was once again reduced to being a guest star or co-starring in other heroes’ comics and not his own for a few years, joining the Knights of Pendragon and working with Captain America and the Fantastic Four.

Black Panther Vol. 3 by Christopher Priest (1998-2003)

Christopher Priest wrote what is today the most celebrated comic book run on Black Panther. Launched as part of the Marvel Knights imprint, this story modernized the character by exploring and expanding the mythology, with a little bit of retcon for Wakanda. As the writer made references to the classic Panther’s Rage arc (from Jungle Action), we advise reading this story before, if it’s not already done, for a better experience (though it’s not obligatory).

Black Panther Comics By Christopher Priest collected in Omnibus:

Black Panther Comics By Christopher Priest are also available in “The Complete Collection”

At the end of Christopher Priest’s run, T’Challa went back to the Avengers to battle Scorpio (in Avengers Vol. 3 #66-70) before the team was disbanded in Avengers Disassembled.

Black Panther Vol.4 by Reginald Hudlin (2005-2008)

In 2005, Marvel began publishing new Black Panther comics, written this time by Reginald Hudlin. Like most Marvel superheroes, T’Challa had to deal with some massive events, though their impact stayed limited for him. More important is his relationship with Ororo Munroe, aka Storm from the X-Men, as the couple gets married in this run.

The Whole run in Omnibus:

  • Black Panther by Reginald Hudlin Omnibus
    Collects Black Panther (2005 ) #1-41, X-Men (1991 ) #175-176, Black Panther Annual (2008 ) #1, Black Panther (2009 ) #1-6, Captain America/Black Panther: Flags of Our Fathers (2010 ) #1-4, Black Panther Saga (2008), Black Panther Annual (2018 ) #1 (C story).

Also collected in:

Black Panther Vol.5: Shuri (2009-2010)

After the events of Secret Invasion, a regime change happened with Norman Osborn in power for Dark Reign. In Wakanda, it’s also time for Shuri, T’Challa’s younger sister, to take up the mantle after her brother came home with grave injuries and was comatose. Reginald Hudlin continued to write until issue #7, when Jonathan Maberry took over.

The Man Without Fear/The Most Dangerous Man Alive (2010-2012)

Following the events in Shadowland, Matt Murdock/Daredevil left New York to rebuild himself after years of depression and darkness. He didn’t leave without being sure that Hell’s Kitchen was in good hands, as he offered to T’Challa to take over the guardianship of the neighborhood. Facing his own doubts, T’Challa accepted and established himself as Mr. Okonkwo. Under writer David Liss and artist Francesco Francavilla, he became The Man Without Fear before the title was renamed The Most Dangerous Man Alive.

Avengers Vs X-Men Reading OrderAvengers vs. X-Men! The two Marvel teams go to war against each other in this event, where T’Challa and Storm find themselves on opposite sides. If Black Panther doesn’t appear in all the issues, it’s an important story for the evolution of his relationship with Ororo (and her place in Wakanda).

Black Panther and the Illuminati in Marvel Now (2012-2015)

Black Panther joined the Illuminati and became an active member of the New Avengers by Jonathan Hickman. This powerful and secretive team must stand against interdimensional incursions, as Marvel’s most parallel Earths are beginning to collide, destroying one or both worlds. When Black Panther, Iron Man, Dr. Strange, Black Bolt, Mr. Fantastic, Sub-Mariner, and Beast take on the task of preserving their planet, they soon realize that they must destroy countless others. For more (with other collections), check out our Jonathan Hickman’s Avengers Reading Order!

Alert Major Comic Book Event! It’s the end of Hickman’s Avengers comics run, but also of an era for Marvel Comics with the 2015 Secret Wars. The interdimensional Incursions have eliminated every alternate universe one by one. And now – despite the best efforts of scientists, sages, and superhumans – the Marvel Universe and Ultimate Universe have collided…and been destroyed! All that exists in the vast empty cosmos is a single, titanic patchwork planet made of the fragmented remains of hundreds of devastated dimensions: Battleworld! 

  • Secret Wars
    Collects Secret Wars #0,#1-9, Free Comic Book Day 2015.

Black Panther Vol.7: A Nation Under Our Feet by Ta-Nehisi Coates

As part of the All-New, All-Different Marvel relaunch, a new Black Panther era began with comics written by Ta-Nehisi Coates. T’Challa is confronted with a dramatic upheaval in Wakanda that will make leading the African nation tougher than ever before.

The following is just the strict minimum, as the whole period will be soon available in two omnibuses. For more (other collections), visit our Ta-Nehisi Coates’s Black Panther Reading Order. And if you want to discover this story for cheap, the first 12 issues of the run are now available in the Marvel Premier Collection.

  • Black Panther By Ta-Nehisi Coates Omnibus
    Collects Black Panther (vol. 6) #1-18, 166–172, Black Panther (vol. 7) #1-22, material from #23-2.
  • Wakanda: World of Black Panther Omnibus
    Collects Rise of the Black Panther #1-6, Black Panther: World of Wakanda #1-6, Black Panther & The Crew #1-6, Black Panther: Long Live the King #1-6, Black Panther Annual (vol. 7) #1, Amazing Spider-Man: Wakanda Forever, X-Men: Wakanda Forever, Avengers: Wakanda Forever, Black Panther vs. Deadpool #1-5, Shuri #1-10, Kilmonger #1-5, Black Panther and the Agents of Wakanda #1-8, King in Black: Black Panther, The Last Annihilation: Wakanda, material from Venomverse: War Stories, Marvel Comics #1000, Marvel’s Voices #1, Marvel’s Voices: Legacy, Black Panther (vol. 7) #23-25

The Ultimates Comics by Al Ewing

During this time, Black Panther is part of the Ultimates team in the comics written by Al Ewing. This ultimate super team has one mission: solving the biggest cosmic threats. The team also features Blue Marvel, Captain Marvel, Miss America, and Spectrum.

The Avengers Comics by Jason Aaron

The Black Panther comic book series was relaunched for Marvel Fresh Start, with Ta-Nehisi Coates still at the helm of Black Panther Vol. 7. At this point, Black Panther became the leader of The Avengers by Jason Aaron.

As the leader of The Avengers, Black Panther fought during the War of The Realms, though this is an optional read for the character.

Black Panther Comics by John Ridley

John Ridley is the new Black Panther writer, in charge of leading the character in a new direction. Secrets from the Panther’s past have come back to haunt him. Fresh from returning from his travels in space, T’Challa receives an unexpected and urgent message from a Wakandan secret agent. Now the Black Panther must race the clock not only to save his agent but also to keep his true agenda under wraps. Because if the truth comes out, it could cost T’Challa everything…

Black Panther Comics by Eve Ewing and Chris Allen

Written by Eve Ewing and illustrated by Chris Allen, this new volume of Black Panther takes the character in a new direction. Banished from the throne, a fugitive in his own homeland, T’Challa still can’t leave Wakanda without its sworn protector. With a new costume and fresh purpose to match, the Black Panther stalks the streets and shadows of the city that bears his father’s name, Birnin T’Chaka.

And once again, Black Panther is a member of the Avengers, the series is now written by Jed MacKay.

This short Black Panther comic book run stops here, but T’Challa has to survive new challenges during the Blood Hunt event, when the sky went dark and vampires took over the Marvel Comics Universe. To know when to read the 3-issue limited Black Panther: Blood Hunt series, follow our reading order for the event.

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