Black Panther Movie Comic Book Investment Ideas

Published: Mon, 06/01/15

Continuing in our series of ways to profit from upcoming Marvel movies, here is the lowdown on the Black Panther movie.

Coming from a long line of Wakandan kings, T'Challa is the heir of the Black Panther mantle.

Donning his ancestor’s sacred garb – the vibranium infused panther costume, Black Panther must find the delicate balance between leading the people of Wakanda, fighting alongside the Avengers, and keeping his love life in check.

T'Challa / Black Panther, who made his first appearance in Fantastic Four #52 (1966) is making his Hollywood debut in 2016’s Captain America: Civil War and later in his own solo film, slated for a 2017 release.

Fantastic Four #52 is the first appearance of Black Panther

Super-hot book right now! Get yours on eBay.

Vibranium – The Pride of Wakanda

Thousands of years ago, a vibranium-rich meteorite crashed on Wakanda. During T'Challa’s time, the meteorite is found and its vibranium is used for technological advancements.

Throughout the Black Panther series, Ulysses Klaw is the main enemy, invading Wakanda and killing King T'Chaka (Black Panther’s father), all in his crazed search for Vibranium.

While you have probably missed the boat on affordable FF 52s, Klaw's first outing is a different story.

Klaw first appeared in Fantastic Four #53 (1966). Klaw made an appearance in Avengers: Age of Ultron, possibly setting up the events for Black Panther’s movie.

Fantastic Four #53: first Ulysses Klaw

A much lesser-known first appearance book and well worth snapping up
while it's still affordable.

Vibranium has had a long history in the Marvel Universe, and is specifically used for Captain America’s Shield and Ultron’s armor (in the movie).

Because this metal is solely found in Wakanda, Black Panther’s country, vibranium could serve as a catalyst for Black Panther’s solo film.

Black Panther’s Friends and Enemies

Besides Klaw, the other most likely Black Panther enemy is Erik Killmonger, a native Wakandan who was exiled after helping Klaw invade the country.

Killmonger’s first appearance was in Jungle Action #6 (1973).

(If you're following Black Panther, then you will already know that Jungle Action #5 is a classic cover and shooting up in value.)

Black Panther #6: first Erik Killmonger

Another more obscure opportunity for Black Panther fans.

Black Panther has had a few romantic relationships over the years, eventually marrying Storm / Ororo Munroe of the X-Men in Black Panther #18 (2006).

Storm’s first appearance was in Giant-Size X-Men #1 (1975), which also happens to be a MASSIVE Wolverine milestone issue and long established as one of the key comic books of the Bronze Age.

Giant Size X-Men #1, first Storm appearance

If Storm makes an appearance in the Black Panther movie, then this book will get even huger in importance than it already is!

Storm and T'Challa have a son together named Azari.

It’s highly unlikely Black Panther (the film) will feature Storm, because she and the rest of the X-Men are owned by 21st Century Fox. (Though recently Fox did a deal with Marvel and this may no longer be an issue.)

After Doctor Doom overthrows the Wakandan government during Doomwar (2010), T'Challa’s sister, Shuri, becomes the new Black Panther.

Shuri’s first appearance was in Black Panther #2 (2005). Like X-Men, Fantastic Four is also owned by Fox, so Doctor Doom’s appearance in Black Panther probably won’t happen. However, we think Shuri will have some role in the film.