BP Sighting: Secret Empire #5

Short but glorious

Black Panther Myth: T'challa Staggered The Hulk

The Myth

During the massive fight between multiple Avenger's teams in Hickman's Time Runs Out saga, Black Panther staggered an alternate reality Hulk with a slash/slap/punch. 

You may have seen this fact on internet forums, Facebook, and Instagram. Even on forums with "hardcore" fans, they use this fact to justify that T'challa was "super powered" due to his King of the Dead upgrade. Or you will see this on various "Black Panther feats" posts or threads who never post sources (even if they straight up steal my shit).

And then this image is posted:

And yeah... it does like T'challa have the Hulk one of his pimp hand specials.

The Facts

T'challa did not stagger the Hulk. Sunspot did. 

Here is the full, un-cropped scan from New Avengers, vol 3, #28 (Hickman's run):

Let us zoom in for the people who want to be really dense about this:

This is why all feats should have SOURCES! All feats should have SCANS! This is CLEARLY Sunspot decking alternate reality Hulk. Not T'challa. I don't even know what T'challa is doing here, but if I had to guess by his arm position and what he was doing in the previous panels, he is likely throwing an energy dagger at someone.

One thing he ain't doing is staggering the Hulk.


Got any other myths you want me to look into? Let me know in the comments.

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Black Panther Appreciation on Instagram

I created an instagram account for those who aren't blogger types:

@black_panther_blog


I post more art and stuff there than here. Prefer this to be more of an "encyclopedia" of Black Panther Knowledge.

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Captain America: Steve Rogers #18 Thoughts and Spoilers (BP Appearance)

Spoilers...

- HydraCap addresses the world at the UN. Basically tells them all Hydra is done being int he shadows, that HydraUSA doesn't need them, and they will do what they are told when they are told. Basically, a villain monologue.

- At the same time, we see various international super hero teams dealing with Hydra forces.

- And at the same time, we see Namor. Who holds a cosmic cube shard and is refusing to give it up to Steve.

- In the middle of the villain monologue, T'challa hacks into the UN as the representative of Wakanda. And starts going off.

- He explains three times Hydra forces have invaded Wakanda and three times Wakanda has slaughtered them.

- The last time, T'challa got especially annoyed and joined the fray, culminating in ripping Zola apart.

- He then straight up threatens Steve. He tells Steve to stop sending his lackies to kill and to bring himself to Wakanda instead.

- Steve is pissed, leaves, and runs into a defiant Namor and Atlantis.

- Flash forward to last SE issue and we see Atlantis church destroyed and Namor giving up the cube fragment.


Thoughts...

- Well, I didn't see this coming. Didn't see the T'challa I know and dedicate a blog to suddenly grow back his balls and not only act defiant but telling HydraCap to come finish this man-to-man. I mean... shiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiit. This is the first person to stand up to Cap to his face.

- And at the same time, it was a nice (and sad) comparison to see Namor, the always defiant proud king.... bend his knee. He had Steve right there in front of him... and walked away. While T'challa told Steve to catch him outside.

- I do not plan on getting my hopes up too much. Wakanda has been destroyed too often in events (Doom War, AvX, Time Runs Out) lately for me to think this will be another See Wakanda and Die situation. Let's cross our fingers and hope Wakanda and T'challa put up a good fight when the forces of Hydra eventually turn that way.

- What I would like is for T'challa to lead an international force against Hydra. There had to be a reason Spencer showed all those super heroes fighting Hydra forces, culminating in T'challa's outright defiance and threatening tone. A team of T'challa, Captain Britain, Namor, ect would be really fun and really powerful.


Scans of T'challa's appearance below (click to enlarge)...

May 2017 Sales Report

Black Panther #14, featuring the return of some old characters...

27,287

We still haven't found that stabilizing line yet. Which is weird. Another 3K drop is... ruh roh. Book still does well digitally as far as people like me can tell but there needs to be a steady line eventually.


Here is the complete publication history of T'challa's solos...

Ultimates² #7, featuring the plot getting interrupted for the 100th time and meandering...

18,490

Don't get excited Ultimates fans... this was just a Secret Empire tie in little boost.



Black Panther and the Crew #2, featuring the ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

18,183

Oh lawd, no wonder they cancelled this after one issue. Holy moly.

Feats: Black Panther Using Reality Gem Confirmed

I do not know if Coates realized what he said but he just on panel confirmed what Infinity Gem T'challa used at the end of Secret Wars.

This has actually been a huge debate in many Black Panther threads due to the nature of Coates story. Many people claimed it was the Time Gem while other contended the Reality Gem made more sense.

Well, until it is stated on panel differently, we can confirm that T'challa did use the Reality Gem and he did remake all of reality at the end of Secret Wars.

Black Panther and the Crew #3 Thoughts and Spoilers

- Well, at least T'challa was actual in the book. And we finally figured out who the bad guys are... although I am not sure if Coates is using certain elements on accident (Faustus and now Hydra) or if he planned ot use these people right at the same time a big event is going on with these people but not tie in? Kind of bizarre honestly.

- There is some really baffling things in this issue. We get confirmation that T'challa DID re-write reality with the Reality Gem. Which, until some other writer says otherwise, is about as close as a confirmation we are going to get in regards to the end of Secret Wars.

At the same time though, he acts as if he could have restored the marriage and decided not to. So... that is what he is going to mope about? Not the fact he didn't revive his whole damn family, including the sister he moped for 12 issues about in the main book?

This just stinks of Coates trying anyway possible to put Storm and T'challa back together. No, annulled the marriage (in story anyway) because she chose the wrong side in AvX and HER side drowned what was supposed to be HER country. Not because he was afraid. Maybe BP/Storm lovers just eat this stuff up but I want T'challa to move on.

It is this kind of low key shade throwing that you could ignore in isolation but continues a disturbing pattern from Coates. But, this book is set in the middle of the solo book (why don't this books have editor notes?) so at least it kinda "fits" continuity wise.

- I also find it cringe worthy when writers force America race politics onto T'challa. I mean, I get it, he is the most popular black superhero in existence. But... it just really doesn't fit an African king of a xenophobic fictional nation really. The old lady giving him the identity speech... ugh. I wanted T'challa to bring out his back hand once again.

- I haven't touched much on the plot because it is literally the same as the previous issue. Hints about Ezra's mysterious pass + a character narrating the entire time + two characters hanging out the entire time + an explosion + splash page. We have gotten three pages of action total in three issues. Plot is moving at a snail pace. We don't read team books to spend a whole trade waiting for the team to get together.

Should You Read It?

- No. This book is a pure disappointment.

Black Panther Teaser Trailer Thoughts...

- What a time to be alive! This trailer definitely teased so many different elements without giving anything away at all. And hell, the main characters didn't even speak!

- Let's get the superficial stuff out of the way from the get go. Despite the CGI obviously not being completed, this movie simply looks beautiful. From the various costumes and costume designs of the Doras, Shuri, Black Panther, tribal elders, and to Wakanda itself... it is just awesome. I loved different looks of the different tribes. Very visually distinctive. And the soundtrack was just plain dope.

- The trailer was almost an introduction to Wakanda as much as it was an introduction to Black Panther. Neat to tie it to the legend of El Dorado and to use Klaw as the narrator.

- First thing that struck me was the iconic Black Panther in a tree pose followed by some goons getting absolutely obliterated. This is an MCU, peak human tradition... when they hit regular dudes, regular dudes go flying (see Captain America on the carrier for instance). Good to see the MCU continue to nail power levels. And Panther seems to have an extra dose of speed and agility as well.

- And, this Black Panther seems "basic" as hell, which I love. My favorite iterations of the character are See Wakanda and Die, Earth's Mightiest Heroe's, and MCU Civil War versions. These versions were defined by their ability to kick ass and take names with no fancy gadgets. This teaser showed a T'challa that relied on his strength, speed, agility, and fighting skills... not on energy gauntlets, camo, and other stupid "extra" stuff he doesn't need. Now we just need to see that strategic, brilliant brain of his....

- I do still have to warm up to MJB as Killmonger. Just not quite as... physical as I would imagine due to his height. The blades look cool as hell and I am lovin' the hair. Dude can act for sure, so when he gets to speak in any upcoming trailers, it should put my fears to rest.

- Didn't get a good look at many of the Doras, other than their costumes are dope and it seems they all use different weapons which is cool.

- Shuri looks GREAT. The tech thing... we will get to that at a later time lol. But I love the face markings and the tech gauntlet things could be cool. Panther Gauntlet Guns! What a time to be alive!!

- Zuri... well, that ain't muh Zuri, who is one of my favorite supporting characters ever (RIP). But, Forrest can act so I will roll with it.

- Klaw looks and sounds menacing.. a far cry from his comic book joke status. Apparently, he is getting his sonic arm via Wakandan mining equipment so that could be cool.

- Yo, is the tribal elder in green Achebe? Please say yes lol.

- And like we all expected, M'baku ain't dressed as a fucking monkey. And good lord, dude looked huge. It was interesting that M'baku and Killmonger were fighting... I assumed M'baku would be an early movie sub boss for T'challa to beat on but maybe not.

All in all... this teaser exceeded my expectations big time. Man, I wish this movie didn't get pushed back to February. DAMN YOU SPIDER-MAN 86!

Black Panther Movie: First Poster, Trailer Tonight, EDIT: New Synopsis

I don't do breaking news, but this is too huge to pass up!

The first teaser trailer for Black Panther is tonight! Expect my trailer thoughts first thing in the morning!


EDIT:

And here is the updated synopsis

Marvel Studios’ “Black Panther” follows T’Challa who, after the death of his father, the King of Wakanda, returns home to the isolated, technologically advanced African nation to succeed to the throne and take his rightful place as king. But when a powerful old enemy reappears, T’Challa’s mettle as king—and Black Panther—is tested when he is drawn into a formidable conflict that puts the fate of Wakanda and the entire world at risk. Faced with treachery and danger, the young king must rally his allies and release the full power of Black Panther to defeat his foes and secure the safety of his people and their way of life

Venomverse T'challa

First bit of concept art for Black Panther "Venomized"

I actually haven't been paying too much attention to what Venomverse is, as I feel like it has been teased for years now lol. Not sure if there are going to be a bunch of heroes running around in symbiotes or what.

But, I actually find this design to be, well, slightly unimaginative and boring. It is his regular suite plus some what accents and longer claws lol. Should have given him more Panther monster like qualities instead. Like this variant that came out earlier this year...

Which Venom suite do you prefer?

BP Sighting: Secret Empire #3

Can we get a tie in to see all that though?

My Disney Shirt