The best Black Panther comics carve a path through Marvel’s mythology. The character’s popularity has waxed and waned over the years, and it wasn’t until Black Panther’s prominence in the MCU that the hero was propelled to the same level as the likes of Captain America, Iron Man, and The Hulk. As such, you’ve likely missed out on many of their adventures over the years. Luckily, you can start catching up by checking out our list of favorites below.
Best Black Panther comics as of 2025
Many Black Panther comics contain allegories to the real world, which makes them some of Marvel’s more political publications. When the character was created in 1966, the United States was in turmoil as the battle for civil rights raged. Additionally, Apartheid was still in place in South Africa, and the comic tackled both topics in its own way. However, it wasn’t until the 1990s that Black Panther would see a surge in popularity and would eventually become a central crossover character. The comics we chose below come mainly from this era, which saw some of his best stories being published.
Enemy of the State
T’Challa becomes a fugitive when the U.S. government brands him a terrorist and enemy of the state. He must use all his skills as both king and strategist to clear his name while protecting Wakanda from political fallout.
Enemy of the State balances T’Challa’s dual nature as both a superhero and a king. The story shows T’Challa’s strategic brilliance and preparedness. He’s able to outmaneuver both the U.S. government and his enemies. We’re able to see how his intellect and political understanding set him apart from other Marvel superheroes.
What makes it particularly great is how it shows the tension between Wakanda’s purposeful isolation and T’Challa’s role as a global superhero. He has to be a diplomat, a spy, and a king all at once. The conspiracy elements tap into real-world anxieties about surveillance, government overreach, and how nations interact. T’Challa deals with systemic issues that require both his morality and his political sophistication.
Enemy of the State II
A Russian criminal organization successfully replaces the U.S. President and Canadian Prime Minister with brainwashed future versions, giving them control over both nations. When T’Challa uncovers the plot, he must battle a mind-controlled Iron Man (with Wolverine’s assistance) to save democracy. The situation becomes even more complicated when an alternate future version of Black Panther enters the fray. This arc was written by Christopher Priest and illustrated by Bob Almond and Sam Velluto.
Enemy of the State II is a five-issue arc in the Black Panther comics. The arc shows how T’Challa’s world extends far beyond Wakanda. A simple murder case becomes a catalyst for global political upheaval. This is very much in line with Priest’s approach to showing how T’Challa operates on multiple levels. Priest wove together different elements of Black Panther lore. Having Iron Man and Wolverine appear isn’t just for marketing. It shows how T’Challa’s problems have ramifications that affect other major Marvel heroes, emphasizing his importance in the broader Marvel Universe.
Who is the Black Panther?
Black Panther’s history gets retold. An imprisoned man and U.S. security officials learn about Wakanda’s unconquered history and advanced technology, struggling to believe it. Meanwhile, Klaw, who murdered T’Challa’s father years earlier, begins plotting his next move against the current Black Panther.
Who is the Black Panther? is one of the best Black Panther comics because it deconstructs and rebuilds Black Panther’s mythology. It’s an origin story, a political thriller, and a deep character study all at once. It uses the question in the title as both a literal plot device and a theme. The story doesn’t just ask who currently holds the title, but what it means to be the Black Panther.
Being Black Panther isn’t just about having enhanced abilities or wearing a costume. It’s about embodying the essence of Wakanda. It’s not just about who gets the powers, but who can truly represent Wakanda. The Black Panther succession affects not just individual characters but the entire nation’s standing in the world. T’Challa’s absence creates a void that can’t simply be filled by someone else putting on the costume.
A Nation Under Our Feet
T’Challa faces a revolution in Wakanda as citizens question the monarchy and his failures as a leader. He must confront legitimate criticisms while dealing with both internal uprising and external threats. A nation Under Our Feet is written by Ta-Nehisi Coates and illustrated by Brian Stelfreeze.
A Nation Under Our Feet challenges everything we think we know about T’Challa’s role as king and Wakanda’s political structure. Ta-Nehisi Coates brings political sophistication and real-world relevance that makes the story feel urgent and contemporary.
What makes it so powerful is how the story doesn’t present T’Challa as an unquestionably good king. It forces him to confront criticism about Wakanda’s political system and his own failures. Coates gives real weight to the revolutionaries’ grievances. When people question why Wakanda should be ruled by one person, even if that person is T’Challa, it’s a genuinely difficult question to answer. This makes T’Challa’s journey one of real growth and self-examination. His failures as a king affect his family, and his family affects his ability to lead.
See Wakanda and Die
The Skrull invasion of Wakanda seems like certain victory. They bring warships, numbers, advanced tech, and super-powered troops against a smaller force. But Wakanda has remained unconquered throughout history for good reason, and the alien invaders are about to discover exactly why in the most brutal way possible.
Wakanda isn’t just another target to be invaded. It shows T’Challa’s strategic thinking and sends a clear message: “We knew you were coming, we found your spies, and this is what happens when you threaten Wakanda.” It’s both a warning and a demonstration of Wakandan intelligence capabilities. This is one of the stories that treats Wakanda like a character.
What makes this story awesome is how Wakandan warrior culture really shines. Since both sides’ advanced tech gets disabled, it levels the playing field in a way that favors Wakanda. Remember, they’re not just technologically advanced, they’re also a warrior society. There’s tons of tension and suspense in this one! It’s a story that shows both Wakanda’s strengths and the genuine threat posed by the invasion.
How we chose the best Black Panther comics
The best Black Panther stories understand that T’Challa isn’t just a superhero. He’s a king, a strategist, and a spiritual leader. These stories show his growth in these roles and how they sometimes conflict with each other. It’s always great to see T’Challa’s political expertise, as well. And finally, the best comics treat Wakanda as more than just a backdrop: it’s a character in its own right with its own culture, politics, and internal tensions. What do you think are the best Black Panther comics?
