June 2017 Sales Report

Black Panther #15

25,466

Black Panther used to be one of the highest selling solo titles at Marvel, only being bested consistently by Amazing Spider-Man and in contention with Deadpool and Old Man Logan.

Now? It isn't even close. He isn't even the highest selling colored hero. The following solo's beat him this month (not including rather new titles):

Old Man Logan, Amazing Spider-Man, Venom, Mighty Thor, Deadpool, All New Wolverine, Dr. Strange, Invincible Iron Man, Punisher, Daredevil, Spider-Man, Spider-Gwen, Infamous Iron Man, Thanos

Wowza. Good thing for Coates he started at such a high point sales wise.


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

For funsies...

Priest #15: 30,053

Hudlin #15: 28,361

Coates #15: 25,466



Ultimates² #8

16,801

Bye-Bye Ultimates. You simply wasted too much time on stupid shit. So much potential too.



Black Panther and the Crew #3

14,634

Sales reflect quality in this case. Garbage. Don't even need a spreadsheet for this mess.

Throw Back Feats: Suit Changes in an Instant

Priest #1

Priest #2

Ultimates² #1

BP Sighting: Ultimates² #9

Black Panther Trade Reading Order

Here is the list, in order, of all the trades and collected editions for reading the saga of T'challa, the Black Panther. Luckily for newcomers, a lot of these collections are brand new, or they are coming in the next 6 months, thanks to the Black Panther's appearance in the movie universe.

Black Panther Epic Collection: Panther's Rage

• Fantastic Four #52-53
• Panther's Rage (Jungle Action #6-18)
• Panther vs the KKK (Jungle Action #19-24)

- The F4 story is T'challa first appearance in the comics and a general must read for any hardcore BP fan as it shows you Lee and Kirby's original idea for the character. 

McGregor's Black Panther stuff is either praised or dismissed by the BP fandom. It is a much different T'challa from the modern version but there is a lot of world building which is generally appreciated. Panther's Rage is his best story by far and features the introduction of Killmonger. Readers used to older style comics will likely enjoy Panther's Rage. Panther vs the KKK is generally not seen as a good story. 

Marvel Masterworks: The Black Panther Volume 2

• Black Panther, vol 1,  #1-15 
• Marvel Premier #51-53
• Marvel Team-Up #100

- Kirby's run (vol 1) on the character is a complete hit or miss. If you like Kirby and his style, you might enjoy it. Otherwise, I would skip it altogether. It is not essential reading and this is difficult to find compared to the other trades. 

The Marvel Premier story is a story connecting to the Panther vs the KKK story line. The Marvel Team Up story is the first appearance of Storm and BP in the same book. Neither are essential readings. 

Black Panther by Christopher Priest: The Complete Collection Volume 1

• The Client (Black Panther, vol 3, #1-5)
• Enemy of the State (Black Panther, vol 3, #6-12)
• The End (Black Panther, vol 3, #13-15)
• Uptown (Black Panther, vol 3, #16-17)

- Priest is credited for molding T'challa into a household name. Many of the things you see in today's Black Panther and Wakanda are because of Priest. 

The Client and Enemy of the State are considered two of the best BP stories ever. 

Even people are are not pure Black Panther fans will likely enjoy Priest's story just due to how well Priest can tell a story. His run ends up on many "classic run" comic lists. 

Black Panther by Christopher Priest: The Complete Collection Volume 2

• Killmonger's Rage (Black Panther, vol 3, #18-20)
• Killmonger's Reign (Black Panther, vol 3, #21-25)
• Sturm Und Drang (Black Panther, vol 3, #26-30)
• Seduction of the Innocent (Black Panther, vol 3, #31-33)
• Gorilla Warfare (Black Panther, vol 3, #34-35)
• Deadpool #44

- This continues Priest's epic run. This volume brings in classic Black Panther rogues such is Killmonger and M'baku while also continuing MCU certified Nakia's story. Sturm Und Drang is on many peoples "best BP story ever" list. 

The Deadpool issue connects to the Killmonger part of the story. 

Black Panther by Christopher Priest: The Complete Collection Volume 3

• The Once and Future King (Black Panther, vol 3, #36-37)
• Return of the Dragon (Black Panther, vol 3, #38-40)
• Enemy of the State II (Black Panther, vol 3, #41-45)
• Saddles Ablaze (Black Panther, vol 3, #46-47)
• The King is Dead (Black Panther, vol 3, #48-49)
• Coming to America (Black Panther, vol 3, #57-58)
• Incredible Hulk, vol 2, #33
• Thor #370
• Marvel Double Shot #2

- Enemy of the State II is considered one of the best BP stories ever by many people. The three random stories at the end were stories written by Priest. The Hulk story involves Queen Divine Justice and Wakanda, but is not connected to Black Panther.

Avengers: Red Zone

• Avengers, vol 3, #65-70

- This is likely the best Avenger's story that Black Panther has been involved in. It is one of the few times that Priest's version of the character crossed over to other books. It involves the much linked and iconic fight between T'challa and the Red Skull. I highly recommend the story but it is not essential reading. 

Black Panther by Christopher Priest: The Complete Collection Volume 4

• Black and White (Black Panther, vol 3, #50-56)
• Ascension (Black Panther, vol 3, #59-62)
• The Crew #1-7

- This is actually the story of Kasper Cole. T'challa does make his presence known in this book, but it is NOT a Black Panther story. In my opinion, it is not essential reading for T'challa. Kasper was recently reintroduced to the mythos in World of Wakanda #6, so if you want a background of that character, then knock yourself out with this volume. 

The Crew book has nothing to do with Black Panther. 

Black Panther by Reginald Hudlin: The Complete Collection Volume 1

• Black Panther: Who is the Black Panther (Black Panther, vol 4, #1-6)
• X-Men/Black Panther: Wild Kingdom (X-Men #175-176, Black Panther, vol 4, #8-9)
• Black Panther: Bad Mutha (Black Panther, vol 4, #10-13)
• Black Panther: The Bride (Black Panther, vol 4, #14-18)

- This complete collection will be available November 2017. If you do not want to wait for the complete collection, you can find each of these arcs as individual trades. 

Hudlin's run on the character is completely different from Priest. No one but Priest can write like Priest and Hudlin didn't try to copy. It is much more straight forward and action packed and some would say it is "Saturday cartoon" like. 

Who is the Black Panther is one of the best and most widely read BP stories, even so far to be adapted into a cartoon. The canon WILL NOT mesh well with Priest's or any other previous run as it was envisioned as a stand alone "other" story that was so successful it got adopted as the new canon. Ignore the continuity aspects and focus on the book and enjoy yourself. It is a great story for people new to the Black Panther mythos as well. 

From the remaining stories, Bad Mutha is considered a fan favorite. The Bride starts the road to the Wedding of the Century. 

Black Panther by Reginald Hudlin: The Complete Collection Volume 2

• Black Panther: Civil War (Black Panther, vol 4, #19-25)
• Black Panther: Four the Hard Way (Black Panther, vol 4, #26-30)
• Black Panther: Little Green Men (Black Panther, vol 4, #31-34)
• Black Panther Annual #1

- This complete collection will be available January 2018. If you do not want to wait for the complete collection, you can find each of these arcs as individual trades. The only exception is the Black Panther Annual, which is found in the Back to Africa trade. 

This volume has a ton of guest appearances. T'challa and Storm end up joining the Fantastic Four with Ben and Johnny following the aftermath of Civil War. The two stories after Civil War actually take part off world/dimension. 

The annual is a non-canon, future story about Wakanda. 

The New Fantastic Four 

• Fantastic Four #544-550

- Following the events of Civil War, Black Panther and Storm join the Fantastic Four while Reed and Sue take a break/second honeymoon. 

Black Panther by Reginald Hudlin: The Complete Collection Volume 3

• Black Panther: Back To Africa (Black Panther, vol 4, #35-38)
• Secret Invasion: Black Panther (Black Panther, vol 4, #39-41)
• Black Panther: The Deadliest of the Species (Black Panther, vol 5, #1-6)

- This complete collection will be available February 2018. However, the Amazon information is wrong (it is using information from volume 2). Judging by what has already been released, it will likely cover the trades listed above. Either way, you can get those stories as individual trades if that is how you prefer. I will update when the information becomes available. 

Back to Africa features the last appearance of Killmonger. Secret Invasion is generally known as See Wakanda and Die and is literally my favorite story in all of comics ever. Deadliest of the Species chronicles Shuri's rise to power as she becomes the Black Panther. 

Black Panther: Doomwar

• Black Panther: Power (Black Panther, vol 5, #7-11)
• Doom War #1-6 
• Klaws of the Panther #1-4
• Age of Heroes #4

- Power and Doom War heavily involve Shuri is the Black Panther, however T'challa is present throughout. Doom War is a terrible story for any Black Panther fan but it is integral to future stories. 

Klaws of the Panther and Age of Heroes are 100% Shuri focused and have no bearing on T'challa.

Black Panther: The Man Without Fear - The Complete Collection

• Black Panther: The Man Without Fear (Black Panther: The Man Without Fear #513-518)
• Black Panther: The Man Without Fear: Fear Itself (Black Panther: The Man Without Fear #519-523, Black Panther: The Most Dangerous Man Alive #524)
• Black Panther - The Most Dangerous Man Alive: The Kingpin of Wakanda (Black Panther: The Most Dangerous Man Alive #523.1, 525-529)

- This complete collection will be available January 2018. If you do not want to wait for the complete collection, you can find each of these arcs as individual trades.

Following the events of Doom War and Shadowland, T'challa takes over defense of Hell's Kitchen for Daredevil in order to "prove himself." Honestly, the premise of the story is stupid as hell... but Liss really made it work. It is a street level Black Panther with no vibranium, tech, or his Black Panther powers. The Kingpin of Wakanda arc is an especially great story. 

Fantastic Four, Vol. 6

• Fantastic Four #605.1, 605-611

- This is one here only for issues #607-608, which take place in Wakanda. They are rather essential issues that give T'challa back his powers while also foreshadowing future events but you can always just read a synopsis if you do not want to purchase an unrealted trade for two issues. 

Avengers vs. X-Men 

• Avengers vs. X-Men #0-12, Point One

- Wakanda, Black Panther, and Storm got stuck right in the middle of this event. While the story doesn't centralize around Black Panther, the events that take place in Wakanda are essential to understanding much of the drama of the Hickman's New Avengers. 

New Avengers Vol. 1: Everything Dies (New Avengers, vol 3, #1-6)

Infinity (Infinity #1-6, New Avengers, vol 3, #7-12, Avengers, vol 5, #14-23)

New Avengers Vol. 3: Other Worlds (New Avengers, vol 3, #13-17)

New Avengers Vol. 4: A Perfect World (New Avengers, vol 3, #18-23)

Avengers: Time Runs Out Vol 1 (Avengers, vol 5, #35-37; New Avengers, vol 3, #24-25)

Avengers: Time Runs Out Vol 2 (Avengers, vol 5, #38-39; New Avengers, vol 3, #26-28)

Avengers: Time Runs Out Vol 3 (Avengers, vol 5, #40-42; New Avengers, vol 3, #29-30)

Avengers: Time Runs Out Vol 4 (Avengers, vol 5, #43-44; New Avengers, vol 3, #31-33)

Secret Wars (Secret Wars #1-9, Free Comic Book Day 2015 Secret Wars #0)


- Hickman's Avengers/New Avengers Incursion saga gravitates around Black Panther, who starts and ends 4 years worth of books. 

Ultimates: Omniversal (#1-6)

Ultimates: Omniversal Vol 2- Civil War II (#7-12)


- T'challa formed/joined the Ultimates following Secret Wars. Chronologically, these events happen before his solo book so that is why it is listed first. T'challa has a couple cool moments, but I would not call this essential reading at all. He isn't in the book too much as it has a high concept science-fiction focus instead of a "team members" focus. 

A Nation Under Our Feet Book 1 (Black Panther, vol 6, #1-4)

A Nation Under Our Feet Book 2 (Black Panther, vol 6, #5-8)

A Nation Under Our Feet Book 3 (Black Panther, vol 6, #9-12)


- Ta-Nehisi Coates run starts here. You need to go all-in though... you have to buy all three trades or buy nothing at all. The one story spans all three trades, there are no mini arcs here.


Last update: 07-18-2017

Avengers #62 Retro-Review

Issue: Avengers #62
Date: March 1969
Writer: Roy Thomas

General Black Panther Spoilers

- The Avengers are stranded and T'challa calls upon his remote piloted air craft to pick them up and take them to Wakanda. They land in Wakanda and are attacked for Wakandan soldiers lead by W'kabi.

- They stop once they realize it is T'challa. T'challa is pissed at the aggression and the soldiers say it was ordered by M'baku, who T'challa left in charge.

- M'baku is told T'challa has returned. He plans something bad with N'gamo.

- M'baku drugs the wine and knocks out all the Avengers. When T'challa awakens, M'baku is in the forbidden White Gorilla garb and calls himself Man-Ape.

- They fight. You can find the fight HERE.

- After M'baku crushes himself (lol), T'challa laments that M'baku could not understand this new Wakanda and wanted to go back to the old days.

Importance to the Mythos

- First appearance of M'baku

- First appearance of W'kabi

- First appearance of N'gamo

- First time the Avengers were in Wakanda


Other Thoughts

- Who knew that this goofy ass character would end up in a movie?


Should You Read It?

- Absolutely.

Meet... Asha

Name: Asha

First Appearance: Infinity: The Hunt #1

Last Appearance: Infinity: The Hunt #4

All Appearances: Infinity: The Hunt #1-4

Powers and Abilities: 

- Able to reflect or absorb light and may virtually appear or disappear at will. However, her powers have never actually been demonstrated on panel so we do not know the extent of her abilities.

Infinity: The Hunt #1

Other Information:

- Asha was one of three students named that were part of the Wakandan School of Alternative Studies along with Block and Bull

- Quientin Quire thought she was hot.

Infinity: The Hunt #1

- She participated in stopping part of the Invasion of the Black Order along with the other meta students from other schools. I use the term participate really loosely, as she literally did nothing combat related on panel. She never used her powers in any shape, way, or form.

Infinity: The Hunt #4

- She apparently has/had a crush on another student Striker, unfortunately for her he is seemingly gay.

Infinity: The Hunt #4

- This Asha should NOT be confused with the Asha that made an appearance in World of Wakanda #3. This Asha is not a member of the Dora Milajae, does not have the tribal markings, and her hair is much longer and completely different.

Different Asha,
World of Wakanda #3

- Asha is set to appear in Black Panther, vol 6, #16 and this article will be updated accordingly.

- A few other panels she actually speaks in...

Infinity: The Hunt #3

Infinity: The Hunt #3

Infinity: The Hunt #4

Current Status: Limbo

Black Panther #15 Quick Thoughts and Spoilers

- Judging TNC's issues one by one is becoming an impossible chore due to how slow moving and meandering his floppies read. His run has to be read in graphic novel form to get anything out of it. But alas...

- This issue was just a redo of #13. Portals open, monsters come out, punching, sorcerers used to close them with consequences, chat with Shuri about history, and then pouting around Storm. We learned no new information other than these clouds that magically appeared towards the end so Coates can force Storm down our throats.

- And let's just go right to the biggest problem of this book: Storm. She is the worst. I was really hoping TNC put a bow on the whole relationship during the Crew guest appearance but nope... let's just have the same conversation over and over again. A completely one sided conversation where T'challa waxes poetically about all his mistakes blah blah blah and Storm just goes "ok." It is pathetic, I am sick of it. Coates continuing to force her down our throats while she goes around kissing Gambit and whatever and its pathetic. She doesn't belong in the mythos anymore. It was a good idea, maybe a great one, that simply didn't work. Let the Black Panther mythos move on and give T'challa his damn balls back.

- Shuri is magically Queen of the Dead. Many of us lamented the fact that T'challa's big King of the Dead power up amounted to commanding zombies which is completely impractical in the main universe... then fucking Shuri goes and raises zombie soldiers. What the fuckity fuck? So she has ancient knowledge that T'challa and his force ghosts don't have, can raise dead warriors... why the hell did Coates take BP's king of the dead stuff and just give it to Shuri through some mystery means (WHO THE FUCK IS MOTHER?)?

- This issue kinda just broke me a bit. I liked 13, thought 14 was ok.. and then this garbage just brought back all my hatred for what Coates is doing. Black Panther isn't even recognizable anymore.

- The new artist that finished the issue is dope though. Yay, positives.

- This is probably one of the shittiest and worst written reviews I have done on here, but it is basically getting to the point that Coates lovers just love everything (world building! humanizing! realism!) and Coates haters just hate everything. I am generally right in the middle but after seeing T'challa have his balls back in his short appearances in Secret Empire, the Black Panther movie trailer, and even the Avengers Assemble cartoon appearance... I just want someone write the book who actually likes the title character and wants to push the title character and actually write him like he has been written since Priest (aka the dude that made him popular).