The comics world was rocked by the recent revelation that the adopted son of Black Panther is white. This was not the first time the royal family of Wakanda adopted an outsider into their family in the comics. Still, comic readers were left wanting for an explanation. That explanation, and the birth father of the man called Ketema, are revealed in Marvel Knights: The World to Come #2.
The first issue of Marvel Knights: The World to Come found the Black Panther T’Challa fighting a duel for the crown of Wakanda. His opponent was revealed to be his adopted son, Ketema. However, the fact that Ketema was white was not revealed until the final page. This mystery prompted speculation as to who his birth parents were.
Who is Ketema’s birth father?
Ketema’s biological father is revealed to US State Department agent Everett Ross. Played by Martin Freeman in the MCU, Ross first encountered T’Challa in the classic Marvel Knights‘ Black Panther series. Though assigned to be a liaison between the United States and Wakanda, Ross eventually befriended the superhero king.
Unfortunately, Ross’ life afterward was not a happy one according to Marvel Knights: The World to Come #2. Trapped in a loveless marriage and an especially boring desk job, Ross jumped at the chance to take a deep-cover position with the FBI. He faked his death, not knowing that his wife was pregnant and that she would die shortly after he left. The baby was saved, however, and placed the custody of an uncaring maternal grandmother.
At the same time, T’Challa had remarried and was expecting a child with his new wife. Sadly, the child miscarried, and it was determined the new queen could not safely have children. This led Black Panther to seek out the child of his old friend, Everett Ross. He hoped to give the boy he called Ketema the home he deserved and honor the fallen hero who helped protect his kingdom.
Marvel Knights: The World to Come #2 is now available at comic shops everywhere.
