Why it's Hot:
- Origin of Black Panther, providing an in-depth look into T'Challa's past and the legacy of Wakanda.
- Written by Roy Thomas with art by John Buscema.
- White Pages
Synopsis:
During a quiet evening at Avengers Mansion, the team notices that their fellow Avenger, Black Panther (T'Challa), is troubled. Encouraging him to share his story, T'Challa recounts his origins:
He is the son of Wakandan chief T'Chaka, who was killed by the explorer Klaw during an attempt to exploit Wakanda's Vibranium resources. Vowing to avenge his father, T'Challa was taken in by N'Baza, the father of his childhood friend B'Tumba. Both were sent to America for education, where T'Challa often overshadowed B'Tumba.
Upon returning to Wakanda, T'Challa underwent trials to become the Black Panther, including combat against Wakanda's finest warriors and a quest to retrieve a heart-shaped herb that would grant him enhanced abilities. During this quest, he discovered A.I.M. agents attempting to steal Vibranium. Captured, T'Challa learned that B'Tumba had allied with A.I.M. However, unable to harm his friend, B'Tumba freed T'Challa, and together they thwarted A.I.M.'s plans, though B'Tumba was mortally wounded in the process.
Concluding his tale, T'Challa reveals that N'Baza has recently died, leaving him torn between his duties as an Avenger and his responsibilities to Wakanda.
