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Characters / Black Panther: Enemies

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Enemies

    Achebe 

Achebe

https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/ecb1667af1ac88860f2b3c66f677033a.jpg

Alter Ego: Reverend Doctor Michael Ibn al-hajj Achebe, PhD

First Appearance: Black Panther Vol. 3, #3

"...and after a national day of mourning, I am proclaiming Biscuit Day! Eat nothing but biscuits from dawn to dusk — and get a free car wash."

The man named Achebe is believed to have once been a simple farmer who offered asylum to rebels from a neighboring country. Betrayed by his guests and left for dead, Achebe sold his soul to Mephisto and begins a Roaring Rampage of Revenge. After destroying all traces of his former identity, Achebe began engineering complex plots of social unrest for profit or amusement.

  • Ax-Crazy: Much like the character he's based on, he's an unstable maniac.
  • Consulting Mister Puppet: Or is it consulting him?
  • Deal with the Devil: Made a deal with Mephisto for revenge.
  • Death Trap: particularly notable is the time he trapped T'Challa and Everett K. Ross in a giant skill tester filled with comically large explosives and acid.
  • From Nobody to Nightmare: Went from a poor African farmer to a lunatic on a mission from Mephisto.
  • Kick the Dog: He killed Killmonger's leopard Prey for fun.
  • Lean and Mean: Tends to be depicted as rather skinny in a universe where Heroic Build practically is the standard.
  • Manipulative Bastard: Was able to use Black Panther's stepmother as a stepping stone to the throne of Wakanda.
  • Multiple-Choice Past: His true origin story is shrouded in mystery, the office of naval intelligence suggest he's a Yale law graduate with degrees in psychology, political science, and divinity.
  • Non-Action Big Bad: Of the arc where he is the Big Bad, especially when compared to Klaw and Killmonger who are both a match for T'Challa physically.
  • Pet the Dog:
    • He took in an injured puppy, though it was probably just so he could mug to the media with it, evidenced by the fact that it disappears around the time he goes full loco and unleashes the Prowlers on Wakanda.
    • Triathlon had the misfortune of getting mixed up in one of his schemes, but Achebe was apparently feeling charitable that day, since he willingly let the young Avenger go without so much as laying a finger on him.
  • Practically Joker: A pretty clear attempt at creating a Joker to T'Challa's Batman. Christopher Priest even identifies him as such.
  • Sanity Slippage: He wasn't particularly stable to start with and only get worse from there.
  • Serial Killer: Tracked down and killed everybody associated with his wife.
  • Sinister Minister: Calls himself Reverend Achebe, though his credentials are certainly dubious.
  • Slasher Smile: Bears a permanent one.
  • Psycho Psychologist: If his U.S Government file is to be believed.
  • Trademark Favourite Food: Biscuits, one of the first things he does as Prime Minister of Wakanda is to to institute a national biscuit eating day, he's shown several times eating them and even offering Captain America biscuits while impersonating T'Challa.

    American Panther 

American Panther

https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/american_panther.jpg

Alter Ego: Unknown

First Appearance: Black Panther: The Man Without Fear #521 (July, 2011)

The man known only as the American Panther's early life was scarred by the death of his father at the hands of his mother's lover. Extradited to a Swedish court in order to face trial, his father's murderer walked free on a technicality, leading the Panther to blame the corruption of foreigners for the miscarriage of justice. In response the young man sought training and vengeance, eventually tracking down his father's murderer in Sweden before executing him. Following this the Panther also served as a police officer in New York; this occupation allowed him to give full vent to all his repressed rage by demonstrating an extreme antipathy towards foreigners and immigrants, a character trait that attracted the attention of the Hate-Monger. Sculpting the man into the champion of his twisted ideology, Hate-Monger set about wresting Hell's Kitchen from the watch of the Black Panther.

    The Colonialist 

The Colonialist

https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/colonialist.jpg

First Appearance: Black Panther Vol. 8, #9

"Your orb is of such bigness, I—of much foolishness—believed permission not needed for them to graze."

A galactic being who colonizes worlds.

  • Cool Chair: To compensate for his diminutive stature, the Colonialist sometimes sits in a floating chair to match the eye height of the people around him.
  • Demonic Dummy: The Colonialist has ventriloquist's dummy-like stature and features.
  • The Dog Was the Mastermind: The real Colonialist turned out to be the "puppet" that everyone assumed was just a Translator Buddy.
  • Exact Words: He refers to Black Panther as Negro Feline and Afro Cat. As an alien being he genuinely feels those terms are all alike.
  • Mister Big: The Colonialist has ventriloquist's dummy-like stature and features.
  • The Nicknamer: He refers to the members of the Avengers he encounters by racial, national or gendered nicknames - calling T'Challa "Negro Feline", Thor "Aryan King", Captain America "Jingo Commando" and Captain Marvel "Commander Hottie".
  • Paid Harem: Over the course of his travels, the Colonialist accrued a retinue of female servants from a variety of races, who he calls his Objectifications.
  • Politically Incorrect Villain: He displays shocking themes of outdated colonialism, having a pure white color, keeping dancing girls and riding exotic animals.
  • Translator Buddy: The Colonialist requires his "good colleague" Mister Interpreter to translate his speech into languages spoken on other worlds such as Earth.

    Baron Macabre 

Baron Macabre

https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/baronmac3.jpg

First Appearance: Jungle Action (Vol. 2) #9 (February, 1974)

"Ahhh...He lies so very still here. He is ours for the taking, my death regiments. It is too bad you can no longer hear me, my nocturnal adversary."

An ally of Erik Killmonger, Baron Macabre received some sort of mutation after being exposed to the Resurrection Altar. He gained the ability to revive the dead and turn humans into zombie-like creatures. He stole some technology from Wakanda to help stabilize these powers.

    Emperor N'Jadaka 
See Killmonger's folder.

    Erik Killmonger 

Erik Killmonger

https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/killmonger.jpeg

Alter Ego: N'Jadaka

First Appearance: Jungle Action Vol. 2, #6

"I will show the world Wakanda's true face... and they will kneel before us in fear. So swears Erik Killmonger."

N'Jadaka, better known by his alias Erik Killmonger, is a Marvel Comics character created by Don McGregor and Rich Buckler, first appearing in Jungle Action #6 (dated Sept. 1973).

One of the Black Panther's greatest foes, Killmonger is known for his treacherous persona and ruthless battle tactics. The son of an exiled Wakandan, Killmonger grew up with a deep-seated hatred of his native land, vowing to exact his revenge on them for their treatment of his father.

He would eventually make good on his promise, terrorizing the nation of Wakanda on a number of occasions in his adult life, even stealing the crown for himself at one point. He's often seen collaborating with the Black Panther's other nemesis, Ulysses Klaw, despite hating him nearly as much as Wakanda's rulers, since the man was partly responsible for his father's exile in the first place.

Killmonger notably appears as the main antagonist of 2018's Black Panther film, portrayed there by Michael B. Jordan. This version of the character largely resembles his original counterpart, with the exception of his new blood relation to T'Challa as first cousins. Many have cited this portrayal of the character as being one of the best superhero movie villains since Heath Ledger's Joker in The Dark Knight a decade earlier.

Not to be confused with Killraven or the Iron Monger, two similarly-named Marvel characters.

Erik Killmonger appears in:

Notable Comic Books

Film

Animation

Video Games

Erik Killmonger provides examples of:

  • Always Someone Better: He's T'Challa's intellectual equal and his physical superior, serving as one of the few people who can regularly best The Black Panther in hand-to-hand combat and sometimes tactical planning.
  • Applied Phlebotinum: He and his minions derive their physical powers from the mutating energies of the Resurrection Altar, which is actually some sort of alien device that landed in Wakanda millennia ago. It can also bring back the dead in limited ways.
  • Arch-Enemy: another enemy of T’challa
  • Back from the Dead: Repeatedly, thanks to the aforementioned Resurrection Altar.
  • Batman Gambit: Many of his schemes rely on knowing how T'Challa, the tribal elders of Wakanda, and others will react to his initial provocations.
  • Big Bad: Of multiple arcs, what with being one of Black Panther's greatest foes.
  • Comic-Book Fantasy Casting: The success of the movie led Killmonger to be redesigned to better resemble Michael B. Jordan, as seen above.
  • Demoted to Dragon: When resurrected by The Mandarin.
  • Empowered Badass Normal: Already a highly dangerous man, Killmonger was mutated into a killing machine by exposure to the resurrection altar, and then by consuming a synthetic version of T'Challa's heart-shaped herb.
  • Even Evil Has Loved Ones: He was genuinely grieved when Achebe killed his leopard Prey.
  • Evil Genius: You have to be to get the drop on T'Challa.
  • Faux Affably Evil: He's superficially quite courteous to people who seemingly aren't in the way of his vendetta against T'Challa, but as Ross points out, he's actually trying to manipulate people this way and knows full well that he's incredibly intimidating even when he's being polite.
  • Hoist by His Own Petard: When he finally deposes T'Challa in ritual personal combat and subsequently goes through the Panther ritual, his mutated physique — which allowed him to outmatch T'Challa — reacts very badly to the Panther's sacred herb and puts him in a Convenient Coma.
  • Hypocrite: A Wakanda traditionalist who grew up in America and graduated from MIT. Think about it.
  • Joker Immunity: Will never be Killed Off for Real. Justified by his access to the Resurrection Altar.
  • Large and in Charge: Stands at six foot six, towering over most normal people.
  • Laser-Guided Karma: His first defeat happened when, in his moment of triumph, he was shoved off a cliff by a child whose father had been one of the first victims of Killmonger's troops.
  • Majored in Western Hypocrisy: As much as he wishes to return Wakanda to Good Old Ways, he nonetheless spent most of his time outside of Wakanda and educated at MIT.
  • Manipulative Bastard: He's quite good at getting people and even governments to do exactly what he wants them to in furtherance of his schemes.
  • Names to Run Away from Really Fast: Killmonger isn't exactly the type of name that inspires trust. It's even the name he gave himself, to boot.
  • Non-Human Sidekick: Briefly had a pet leopard named Prey.
  • Our Zombies Are Different: Killmonger's Death Regiments are living humans mutated into zombie-like forms by the Resurrection Altar.
  • Quirky Miniboss Squad: He has a recurring group of bizarre minions empowered by the Resurrection Altar, including Baron Macabre, King Cadaver, Lord Karnaj, the Bronze Age version of Malice, Salamander K'Ruel, Sombre, Venomm (before his Heel–Face Turn), and Tayete and Kazibe.
  • Revenge: Hates both Klaw and T'Challa, blaming them for his exile from Wakanda.
  • Scary Black Man: He's the SBM that T'Challa isn't.
  • Teeth-Clenched Teamwork:
    • With Klaw, who he hates almost as much as T'Challa.
    • In Black Panther Vol 7 he ends up in this relationship with his namesake Emperor N'Jadaka, due to the latter having accidentally resurrected him while trying to take over his body.
  • Villainous Underdog: Killmonger, despite being a highly skilled intelligent fighter, worked his way up from the slums to eventually antagonize the crowned superhuman king of one of the most advanced and wealthiest civilizations on the planet. Despite that handicap and his overall lack of similar abundant resources or wealth, he still manages to prove to be a lethal threat to the King of Wakanda and even usurp him at one point.
  • Walking Shirtless Scene: When in his traditional garb.
  • Worthy Opponent: To T'Challa and Kasper.

N'Jadaka (Alternate)

https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/emperor_njadaka.jpg

Alter Ego: Emperor N'Jadka, Erik Killmonger

First Appearance: Black Panther Vol. 7 #2

"There will be no ferreting... only purging. And as for mercy counselor... every breath you take is a mercy from me."

Renowned as a hero by the people of the Intergalactic Empire of Wakanda, N'Jadaka was betrayed by the emperor he served and sent into an ambush - only surviving by bonding to a symbiote. Returning, he usurped control of the Empire and became a cruel tyrant - erasing T'Challa's memories and enslaving him when the Black Panther came to investigate the Empire. Despite draining the divine power of the Panther Goddess Bast to empower himself, he was killed by T'Challa... though his symbiote imprinted his consciousness into itself.

  • Animal-Themed Superbeing: His symbiote usually takes on the motif of a black panther, including sporting a feline mouth.
  • Even Evil Has Loved Ones: Iron-fisted tyrant and slaver he may be, N'Jadaka truly loves his daughter Zenzi, which Bast exploits by possessing her — thus making her a hostage for T'Challa — and uses to disrupt his symbiote's bond to Killmonger in the final issue of Black Panther Vol. 7, allowing T'Challa to get in a killing blow.
  • God-Emperor: He first usurped the throne of the Intergalactic Empire of Wakanda, and then attempted to kill the Panther Goddess Bast, draining a significant portion of her divine power into his symbiote.
  • Godhood Seeker: N'Jadaka used his symbiote to drain Bast's divine power into himself and would have done the same to the other Wakandan deities had T'Challa not stopped him.
  • Rage Against the Heavens: N'Jadaka tried to kill Bast due to her viewing him as a disposable pawn and placeholder for T'Challa, usurping her place as the Panther God for a time.
  • Sharing a Body: Emperor N'Jadaka — indwelling his former symbiote — intended to possess Erik Killmonger's resurrected body, but they wound up having to share control.
  • The Symbiote: In the middle of a false flag operation meant to kill him, N'Jadaka found a symbiote that bonded to him, granting him the power to not only slaughter his enemies but stage a coup against the Emperor. His bond to the symbiote was so strong that it enabled his codex to control it after his body was slain.
  • Teeth-Clenched Teamwork: After accidentally resurrecting Erik Killmonger while trying to take over his body, N'Jadaka presents a united front in front of their troops but in private he and Killmonger bicker with each other until forced into an Enemy Mine by Black Panther.

    Hatch- 22 

Hatch-22

https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/1119943_6m1.jpg

Alter Ego: The Six-Million Year Man

First Appearance: Black Panther Vol. 1, #1

"Mindless creatures! You have removed me from the hatch! I must return to the hatch!! I belong to the Sixth Era of Man! I cannot remain here!"

Hatch-22 hailed from an alternate future in which human beings have evolved into nearly unrecognizable forms and live beneath Earth's surface in numbered "hatches". In that future, the "Sixth Era of Man", Hatch-22 apparently battled and destroyed a massive creature with the power to ravage planets.

In the course of a struggle between Princess Zanda and Abner Little of the "Collectors", Hatch-22 was drawn to the present by one of the artifacts known as King Solomon's Frogs, where he did battle with the Black Panther.

  • Artificial Human: In his time, humanity is grown in tanks.
  • Evolutionary Levels: Is a member of the sixth race of men. The previous five all died out in preparation for his species. In another million years, his species too will have died out to make way for the next, more advanced species.
  • Humans Are Psychic in the Future: Has incredibly strong psychic abilities.
  • Homage: To Olaf Stapledon's Last and First Men, which Jack Kirby was a fan of. The character is even referred to as a member of the Sixth Race of Men.
  • People Jars: Is discovered in one labeled Hatch-22, which he is dubbed.
  • Stealth Crossover: With Last and First Men. Hatch-22, in all of his appearances, is pulled from his own time to the present and sent back to the moment he came from once he is defeated, rectifying any continuity errors that may have occurred otherwise.
  • Whole-Plot Reference: A borderline case. While his interactions with Black Panther are entirely original material, his origin, appearance and abilities are taken near wholesale from Stapledon's novel.

    Jakarra 

Jakarra

https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/jakarra_0.jpg

First Appearance: Black Panther Vol. 1, #4

"Quake, Wakandas! Tremble humans! The victories I yearned for as a man I shall win tenfold — in a misshapen form of Destiny's making!"

Jakarra is T'challa's half-brother, but his mother is from a tribe outside of Wakanda. Sent to study at foreign military colleges, for years he felt left out and developed a deep envy against T'challa, and while he was busy having adventures outside of Wakanda, Jakarra staged a coup and took over the government. Jakarra then exposed himself to raw Vibranium to make up for him lack of size and physical power. His body then transformed into a monstrous form by his hair falling out and his skin turning pink and he became monster made from raw Vibranium,

  • Cain and Abel: Jakarra hated T'Challa because he succeeded where Jakarra in becoming the Black Panther and being judged worthy by the Bast. Once while T'Challa was way, Jakarra and his soldiers staged a coup in Wakanda because Jakarra felt he should rule instead of T'Challa.
  • Energy Absorption: Since Jakarra's body is bound to Vibranium, he is capable of absorbing and weaponizing any kind of energy thrown at him
  • The Generalissimo: For a short time.
  • Super-Strength: In his mutated form, Jakarra became a powerful being capable of knocking back Black Panther with a simple slap.

    Kiber the Cruel 

Kiber the Cruel

https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/kiber_the_cruel_8.jpg

Alter Ego: Frederick Kiber

First Appearance: Black Panther #11 (June, 19780

Frederick Kiber was a scientist who disappeared from public view after announcing his plans to create a means of teleportation. He retreated to a mountain rising from the South Atlantic Ocean, there assisted by a large number of androids. In a terrible accident, the matter transmitter permanently bonded Kiber’s body with the molecular structure of his laboratory’s floor. Kiber was transformed into a misshapen semi-humanoid mass of protoplasm bonded to the floor, although he could project images of his former appearance. He gained an overwhelming appetite to consume food, and discovered that he could gain energy by absorbing the consciousnesses and life forces of other human beings, feeling that this would lead him to immortality. He ordered his androids to perfect the matter transmitter, and bring victims to him to absorb.

  • Alliterative Name: Kiber the Cruel.
  • Bald of Evil: Was bald even before becoming a misshapen semi-humanoid mass of protoplasm bonded to the floor.
  • Body Horror: Kiber was transformed into a misshapen semi-humanoid mass of protoplasm bonded to the floor.
  • Eye Beams: His 'air holgrams' can fire eye-blasts.
  • Freak Lab Accident: In a terrible accident, the matter transmitter permanently bonded Kiber’s body with the molecular structure of his laboratory’s floor.
  • Intangible Man: His 'air holograms' can become partially intangible and/or invisible.
  • Invisibility: His 'air holograms' can become partially intangible and/or invisible.
  • Life Drinker: He can absorb energy by absorbing the consciousnesses and life forces of other human beings.
  • Names to Run Away from Really Fast: Kiber the Cruel
  • Projected Man: Created solidified air images of himself, a type of advanced hologram he could conciously control as a proxy body.
  • Robot Master: Constructed a large number of androids.
  • Super-Strength: He could lift 1 ton in his mutated form at maximum mass, but his immobility from being bonded to the floor made this of little significance.
  • Teleportation: Kiber designed a teleportation device called a matter transmitter, through which he could cause people or his androids to pass through solid materials.

    King Cadaver 

King Cadaver

https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/king_cadaver.jpg

First Appearance: Jungle Action Vol. 2 #10 (April, 1974)

The man who would become King Cadaver joined N'Jadaka's insurrection against T'Challa. He accompanied N'Jadaka to the Resurrection Altar which mutated him intohis current form.

    Kivuma 

Kivuma

First Appearance: Black Panther #6 (Nov 2023)

A former War Dog of Wakanda, N'Dozi, who became overzealous and turned to dark magic to protect Wakanda from anyone he deemed a threat, which was anyone outside his beloved land.
  • The Dreaded: He takes on the status of a boogeyman in Birnin Zana, where his name is spoken as little as possible.
  • Savage Wolves: He takes on the spirit of a wolf.
  • Sealed Evilina Can: He was banished to the Djalia by his former friend, the Black Panther M'Teli.
  • Well-Intentioned Extremist: N'Dozi only wished to protect Wakanda, as was his duty and wish. But he took to extreme measures and was eventually deemed a criminal and outcast of Wakanda.

    Kraven the Hunter 

Kraven the Hunter

https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/kraven_the_hunter.png

Alter Ego: Sergei Nikolaevich Kravinoff

Notable Aliases: Grim Hunter, The Hunter, The Unhuntable Sergei

First Appearance: Amazing Spider-Man #15 (May, 1964)

" I have found dignity, not in the cities, but in the jungle. I have found honor, not in the civilized, but in the primal. I have found morality, I have found meaning — in the hunt."

A famous big game hunter, who became a mercenary and later, developed an intense obsession with restoring honor to his name. While most famously a foe of Spider-Man, he has also clashed with Black Panther on multiple occassions.

See Kraven the Hunter

    K'vvr 

K'vvr

https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/556423_0003.jpg

First Appearance: Black Panther Vol. 4, #39

Skrull commander in charge of the invasion of Wakanda.

  • A Million Is a Statistic: Will kill as many people as he has to, including his own men, to capture Wakanda and it's advanced technology.
  • Cold-Blooded Torture: Subjects the royal family to torture unless they concede to his demands.
  • Off with His Head!: The cover to Black Panther #41 has T'Challa presenting his decapitated head to a crowd of cheering Wakandans in victory. Considering all of the things he had done, the reader can't help but cheer along with them.
  • Shapeshifter: Like all members of the Skrull race, he is able to change his appearance at will. The Skrull forces use this ability to plant hundreds of their agents within Wakanda in order to destroy it's defenses and infrastructure before starting the main invasion.
  • We Have Reserves: Leads an army that outnumbers the Wakandan defenders at least 5-to-1, so he is more than willing to waste troops if it means a quicker victory. That is, until the Wakandans kill all of their reserves.

    Madam Slay 

Madam Slay

https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/3630857_1425839_mu7050.jpg

First Appearance: Jungle Action Vol. 2, #18

"Before this day is over, you'll be buried T'Challa."

A ferocious and deadly warrior, Madam Slay was a frequent ally and lover to Eric Killmonger and a recurring antagonist to Black Panther.

    Man-Ape 

Man-Ape

https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/d6605fcedb42f3aed0e6d0a60fd2193e.png

Alter Ego: M'Baku

First Appearance: The Avengers Vol. 1, #62

"You have no need to know my true name, fool! For those who speak it do so only in whispers — fearful whispers, lest they reach the ears of... the Man-Ape!"

A disgruntled officer in the Wakandan Royal Militia, M'Baku became dissatisfied with T'Challa's rule and sought to overthrow him. After eating one of Wakanda's mystical white gorillas, and fashioning a suit of armor out of its hide, M'Baku gained the creature's legendary abilities, and proceeded to challenge the Black Panther and his allies.

  • Always Second Best: The second greatest warrior of Wakanda, always falling just behind T'Challa.
  • Animal Motifs: Gorilla
  • Desecrating the Dead: In Black Panther (2016), The Midnight Angels and their Dora Milaje allies carve "No one man" on Mandla's dead body. This conveyed the message that they would protect Wakanda from evildoers, since the king could not.
  • Dirty Coward: Despite his considerable physical advantages over T'Challa, he repeatedly resorts to poison and sneak attacks and has never used Wakanda's tribal challenge to try and legitimately oust his rival.
  • Even Evil Has Loved Ones: Does seem to genuinely care about his cultists.
  • Evil Counterpart: T'Challa's first one, channeling a far more evil totem spirit to much darker ends.
  • Evil Former Friend: At one point, he and T'Challa actually were friends.
  • Evil Poacher
  • Evil Reactionary: Rejects various elements of modernity that conflict with his Religion of Evil.
  • The Fundamentalist: Of a Religion of Evil.
  • Killer Gorilla: Invokes the imagery of one.
  • Lampshade Hanging: The fact that M'Baku's costume and super-heroic identity are... rather unfortunate choices for an African man has been brought up at several points in the comics prior to his death.
  • Large and in Charge
  • Legacy Character: M'Baku's brother, Mandla, took up the mantle of Man-Ape after M'Baku's death.
  • Nemean Skinning: Wears the hide of the sacred white gorilla he killed and ate as armour, with the head of the gorilla acting as a hood.
  • Religion of Evil: Heads the White Gorilla Cult, which aims to return Wakanda to a state of primitive traditionalism that includes human sacrifice.
  • Scary Black Man: Huge, angry, and very dark skinned.
  • The Starscream: Subverted. He was planning to get the Masters Of Evil leadership, but he was defeated by the Thunderbolts before he could make his move.
  • Super-Strength: Far moreso than T'Challa, being capable of hefting ten tonnes according to his official statistics.
  • Villain Team-Up: Frequently joins up with other villainous organisations, including the Masters of Evil and the Lethal Legion.
  • Well-Intentioned Extremist: Honestly does want what's best for his people, within a certain definition of "best."

    Mephisto 

Mephisto

https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/112553_16580_mephisto.jpg

First Appearance: Silver Surfer Vol.1, #3

Mephisto is a Marvel Universe character created by writer Stan Lee and artist John Buscema. He first appeared in The Silver Surfer #3 (Dec. 1968). Based on Mephistopheles – a demon character from the Faust legend, who often went by Mephisto as a nickname.

An embodiment of ultimate evil, a powerful Hell Lord and Marvel's most common stand in for Satan. He has antagonized just about every hero (from Ghost Rider to Doctor Strange), but tends to single out those who are especially noble like the Silver Surfer and Thor. As can be expected, many of the traditional tropes associated with Satan are part of him.

Mephisto has come into conflict with the Panther king on a number of occasions. After his initial defeat at the hands of the Panther, Mephisto set himself on destroying all that T'Challa loves and cares for, tearing it down piece by piece (often through the handiwork of his agents on Earth). He has also taken an interest in T'Challa's friend Everett K. Ross, tormenting him both to further his machinations as well as for his own petty amusement.

See Mephisto

    Mister Little 

Mister Little

https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/mr_little.jpg

Alter Ego: Abner Little

First Appearance: Black Panther #1 (October, 1976)

"There is *nothing* that Mister Little is not prepared for! We need speed for this job! And I’ve got it! Behind this steel door is the one vehicle that can get us to the area where the time-unit we seek is buried! Behold, my fellow adventurers — the Multi-Plane! A supersonic wonder!"

Mister Little is a soldier of fortune and a member of a loose-knit society of like-minded individuals known as the Collectors.

  • Badass in a Nice Suit: Mister Little hates not being dressed up. He'll always wear a suit, a tie, a monocle and a hat.
  • Bulletproof Vest: Wears concealed armoured vest. Though any serious impact will knock the diminutive Little out, this thing seems impenetrable.
  • Collector of the Strange: Little is a member of the Collectors, a group of ruthless collectors who dealt in obscure and powerful artifacts.
  • Goggles Do Something Unusual: Has a special eyepiece to examine exotic tech with.
  • High-Class Glass: Wears a monocle.
  • Man of Wealth and Taste: Abner Little is immensely wealthy. This allows him to procure sophisticated bases and vehicles. Mister Little only works with the best, most advanced equipment money can buy. He hates not being dressed up. He'll always wear a suit, a tie, a monocle and a hat.
  • Meaningful Name: A dwarf named Abner Little.
  • Mister Big: Mister Little would like to believe he is a responsible, high-minded adventurer. However, like all of the other Collectors, he is obsessed with possessing rare artifacts of power. Little is well known for his cuthroat tactics, and is not above murder to satisfy his greed.
  • Shout-Out: Abner Little's name is a shout out to Li'l Abner.
  • Teeth-Clenched Teamwork: was forced by Princess Zanda to work with her and Black Panther in an attempt to obtain a water skin that granted eternal life; a situation that none of them enjoyed.
  • Volcano Lair: Little has a hidden volcano base where he maintain his private museum.

    Princess Zanda 

Princess Zanda

https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/zanda_black_panther_marvel_comics_h6_big.jpg

Alter Ego: Zanda

First Appearance: Black Panther #1 (October, 1976)

"Servile buffoon! You're fortunate that I didn’t turn my nerve waves on the lot of you!"

Princess Zanda is the latest of rulers of the African nation of Narobia. Unlike previous rulers however she has turned to crime to finance many of her unconventional activities. After many travels she became known as a worthy thief while her antics throughout Europe landed her the title of Paris Hilton of Africa.

  • Amazonian Beauty: Zanda is every bit as tall as Storm, and has slightly broader shoulders.
  • Collector of the Strange: Zanda first came to prominence as a member of the Collectors, a group of ruthless collectors who dealt in obscure and powerful artifacts.
  • God Save Us from the Queen!: Princess Zanda came to rule after the death of her father, Emir Zander. Her reign seems to have been a disaster. She used Narobia's enormous resources to assuage her passion for collecting rare artifacts.This also seemingly led to significant corruption issues.
  • Jet Pack: Her forces include a 'jet pack squad' who wear high-altitude. possibly armoured, suits and jet packs.
  • Psychopathic Womanchild: Zanda is nuts, power-mad,high on privilege, and has the emotional maturity of a spoiled 11-year old.
  • Ray Gun: Zanda sometimes wields a large pistol, the "nerve waves emitter". It shoots "droning waves of force".
  • Statuesque Stunner: Stands 5'11" and has supermodel looks.
  • Teeth-Clenched Teamwork: Forced Black Panther and Mister Little to work with her in an attempt to obtain a water skin that granted eternal life; a situation that none of them enjoyed.
  • Woman Scorned: Upon learning that King T’Challa was to marry Storm, the unhinged Zanda flew to the US. She conducted a shopping rampage in Manhattan, announcing to everyone that she was going to marry T'Challa. In her bizarre worldview, the Panther would no doubt marry her rather than a mutant street urchin.

    Salamander K’Ruel 

Salamander K’Ruel

https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/salamander_kruel.jpg

First Appearance: Jungle Action Vol. 2 #15 (February, 1975)

"That's a title you should savor. You won't have it much longer. After a coup the magnitude of your death...I wonder what title Killmonger will bestow upon me."

Salamander K'Ruel was one of the Wakandan agents working for Erik Killmonger during his original attempt to overthrow the Black Panther. He was an archer with explosive arrows. He was mutated by the Resurrection Altar; so his body now grew thorns out of giant blisters.

    Solomon Prey 

Solomon Prey

https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/rsz_panthers_prey.jpg

First Appearance: Black Panther: Panther's Prey #1

A Wakandan ambassador and criminal kingpin, Solomon Prey used his political connections to form a powerful drug trafficking ring with it's headquarters located right in the heart of Wakanda. After traveling to the Valley of the Serpent, he became obsessed with the power present there, as well as it's prehistoric creatures and looked for a means to bend them to his whims. In his obsession, he had his DNA spliced with that of a pterodactyl, increasing his strength and speed and gifting him with a pair of wings and talons, making him a formidable match for Black Panther.

  • Absurdly Sharp Claws: Given to him after splicing his DNA with a pterodactyl.
  • Arc Villain: Of Black Panther: Panther's Prey.
  • Bald of Evil: He's bald and quite evil.
  • Beard of Evil: Fitting for a villain that he has a goatee.
  • Body Horror: The process that gave him his wings and claws caused his body to grow and tear open, resealing itself as the new limbs formed. The sequence it played very graphically, and his body is covered in blood and raw flesh after the wings grow.
  • Eye Poke: In a Three Stooges Shout-Out, he asks one of his failed henchmen to "pick two fingers." As his fingers are talon'd, this proves to be deadly.
  • Faux Affably Evil: Claims to have written a thesis on The Three Stooges and is a big fan of their work. That he references their trademark slapstick while killing his employees makes him this.
  • Genetic Engineering Is the New Nuke: Solomon had Dr. Kaza implant cells into his back and hands, which grew into wings and claws.
  • Killed Off for Real: At the end of his introductory miniseries. Due to his appearance being so memorable, some have asked for him to be brought back.
  • Majored in Western Hypocrisy: Received his P.H.D. from Harvard University.
  • Manipulative Bastard: Manipulates several rival groups into supporting him under the pretense of overthrowing the Wakandan government.
  • Winged Humanoid: Was given a pair of wings by Dr. Kaza, splicing his DNA with that of a pterodactyl.
  • Wolverine Claws: He has razor sharp claws able to rend flesh and even score bone.

    Soul Strangler 

Soul Strangler

https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/soul_strangler.jpg

First Appearance: Jungle Action Vol. 2 #22 (April, 1976)

"Hear me, men of the Invisible Empire, heed the words of your master! I have come in your hour of need to lead you into sacred battle!"

The nature and history of the Soul Strangler is, for the most part, unknown. In 1867, the original Soul Strangler appeared alongside the Ku Klux Klan in order to enforce its sentence of Caleb Lynne. He duped Lynne into believing him to be a demon, shot him in the shoulder, drug him with a noose, and hung him unto his death as the Klansmen restrained Caleb's wife, Ella. In the modern era, the spectral Soul Strangler appeared at a KKK rally in Manhattan. The Strangler revealed the presence of the Black Panther, who had been observing the rally in secret.

    The Supremacists 

The Supremacists

https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/307674_160267_supremacists.jpg

First Appearance: Black Panther Vol. 2, #1

The Supremacist are a group of six superhuman enforcers that reside in the country of Azania that follow an apartheid policy. This group consist of Captain Blaze, Barricade, White Avenger, Voortrekker, Hungyr and Harrier where they are trained at a strictly classified secret Special Weapons Research Facility in Azania. They use their powers to torture and subjugate the black majority, especially the neighboring kingdom of Wakanda.

  • All Your Powers Combined: Hungyr unwittingly absorbed the White Avenger's and Barricade's powers when the Panther tossed him into them. He suffered from Power Incontinence until he finally learned to control them.
  • Barrier Warrior: Barricade's power allowed him to generate powerful force shields to protect himself. He could also use the shields for other tasks like digging.
  • Distaff Counterpart: Some of the Supremacists made a second appearance when they tried to kill the American ambassador to Azania. The team included a new female Harrier, who was no better than her predecessor.
  • Flying Brick: The White Avenger could fly and had superhuman strength. He even has a cape, making him almost an Evil Knockoff of Superman.
  • Glass Cannon: Both versions of Harrier could fly and shoot various types of projectiles and energy blasts, but their Powered Armor didn't offer any head protection and was easy to disable. The Panther knocked the first one out with a rock, and he tore out the cables powering the second one's armor.
  • Politically Incorrect Villain: They're superhumans who serve an Apartheid country, so it comes with the territory.
  • Powered Armor: Both Harriers wore suits of armor that allowed them to fly and fire various types of energy blasts and projectiles.
  • Power Parasite: Hungyr could drain the powers out of anyone he touched. The Panther exploited this in his first encounter with the Supremacists by throwing him into Barricade and the White Avenger. When the Panther and Night Thrasher fought to stop the Supremacists from killing the U.S. ambassador to Azania, Hungyr learned the hard way that Thrasher had no powers for him to absorb.
  • Playing with Fire: Captain Blaze could control and shoot deadly fire blasts.
  • Scarily Competent Tracker: As implied by his codename (which means "Pioneer" in Afrikaans) Voortrekker was very good at tracking his prey. He'd already gained a reputation for hunting down criminals, which made the Panther wonder why he was working with a bunch of "racist thugs."
  • Token Good Teammate: The Panther was surprised that Voortrekker joined the Supremacists, since Voortrekker was apparently known more for catching criminals. Notably, Voortrekker also tried to discourage his teammates from harassing the Wakandan citizens.

    Tetu 

Tetu

https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/tetu_earth_616_from_black_panther_vol_6_4_001.jpg

First Appearance: Black Panther Vol. 6, #1

"I am a shaman of the deep wood, bearer of the Emi-Iku. I am a builder. The seed is my plank. The root is my nail. I am an apostle of the life cycle, and you have reached the end of it."

A former student of Changamire at Hekima Shule. Seeking knowledge beyond the physical realm, Tetu abandoned his schooling and ventured into the wilderness. He returned as a shaman, with the ability to manipulate the forces of nature. Seeking to use his newfound abilities to bring an end to the strong exploiting the weak and to create a "Wakanda for Wakandans", Tetu founded The People in a bid to bring about "the end of kings." With financial and technological backing from Zeke Stane, Zenzi initiates a campaign to overthrow the Wakandan monarchy.

  • Anti-Villain: Like Zenzi, Tetu believes that he is acting in the best interest of Wakanda by undermining its king.
  • Be Careful What You Wish For: Iron Monger gives Tetu this warning about the revolution he and Zenzi are seeking:
    Tetu: It is not fear of my death that brings us together, Ezekiel Stane. It is fear of losing. Fear of tyranny extending itself, unchallenged, even one more day.
    Stane: Have you ever actually seen someone drawn and quartered? (Pauses) Okay, here's the thing, you say you want a revolution, but are you ready for the future, friend? Let me tell you what is coming. Panic in the streets. Fire in the sky. Casualties. Agony.
  • Gaia's Vengeance: He revers nature and believes that humans must learn to respect it again. His time in the wilderness taught him how to summon the forces of nature.
  • Green Thumb: Tetu displayed the ability to control the forces of nature, specifically plants.
  • Impaled with Extreme Prejudice: He's killed when T'Challa spears him with a ghost spear.
  • Nature Anti-Hero: After abandoning his studies at the university, he spend time in the wilderness learning to understand and command the powers of nature.
  • Nature Lover
  • Pet the Dog: In one issue, he summons rainfall over a parched landscape, much to the delight of a nearby man and his daughter.
  • "The Reason You Suck" Speech: Gives an epic one to T'Challa.
    Tetu: You dare accuse us of treachery? You, who plotted with those who drowned our people? You, who schemed while men murdered your uncle and ransomed your mother? Who fled while Wakanda burned? Who left your Queen, your own sister, to die alone? Some of us remember the old ways, Haramu-Fal. Some of us are more than our birthright. But know that a day is coming when Wakanda will be ruled by Wakandans, and the worms of the earth shall devour all wolves, lions, and leopards, and the era of kings shall end.
  • Shout-Out:
    • Tetu's monologue draws from Henry Dumas' poem, "Rootsong".
    • Tetu warns Black Panther that "worms of the earth" will devour him. This may be a reference to the 1939 short story "Worms of the Earth", in which a Pictish king summons evil chthonic beings to defeat the Roman governor oppressing his people. Like Bran Mak Morn in "Worms of the Earth", Zenzi and Tetu have called upon evil forces (Stane, the Von Strucker twins, terrorists) to aid their revolution.
  • Teleportation: Tetu learned how to open portals from the past to the present in order to transport others to as well as from across time and space.
  • Time Travel: Tetu learned how to open portals from the past to the present in order to transport others to as well as from across time and space.
  • Well-Intentioned Extremist: He works alongside Zenzi to undermine the king because he genuinely wants Wakanda to be a just, egalitarian nation.
    Tetu: I wanted a new country, a country that respected all of us equally, and respected the earth from which we all hail, and the earth to which we all shall return.

    Ulysses Klaw 

Ulysses Klaw

https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/7f3f9feb7ca8f27f0c276ce508d22f95.jpg

First Appearance: Fantastic Four Vol. 1, #53

"Morality is the first step toward cowardice. Your cowardice has doomed your whole world. I will hunt down and kill everyone and everything you have ever loved. Listen for it... soon you will hear everyone you love scream."

A physicist working in the field of applied sonics, Professor Ulysses Klaue (Anglicized as Klaw) sought to create a sound transducer that could convert sound waves into physical mass. Needing vibranium to power this invention, Klaw ventured into Wakanda in an attempt to steal the mineral, killing King T'Chaka, but losing his right hand in the process. Replacing his lost limb with a weaponized version of his transducer, Klaw also converted himself into pure sonic energy, making him indestructible.

  • Arch-Enemy: Of T'Challa.
  • Arm Cannon: Has a sonar gun mounted on the end of his hand.
  • Artifact of Power: His sonic weapon can create solid constructs.
  • Ax-Crazy: Although the amount of sanity he had to begin with is debatable, having to spend several months in the vacuum of space, unable to reconstitute his solid form, pushed him over the edge.
  • Back from the Dead: Repeatedly. His being composed of pure sound helps with this, of course.
  • Big Bad: Well, he did kill T'Challa's father and caused him to take the mantle in the first place and remains a major player in the Black Panther's life.
  • David Versus Goliath: Klaw has T'Challa completely outclassed in terms of raw power. Fortunately, T'Challa is a Genius Bruiser and Emperor Scientist who can come up with ways to counter most of Klaw's attacks. It doesn't hurt that T'Challa has access to as much vibranium as he'll ever need, which can disrupt and block sound attacks.
    • Klaw outclasses most of his enemies in terms of power, but they've usually won by figuring out ways to exploit his Logical Weakness.
  • Does This Remind You of Anything?: His origin story is that he's a white European who invades an African country and tries to force its people to hand over a precious mineral resource.
    • Not just that, but he is Belgian, and has a severed hand. Yes.
  • The Dragon: To both Crimson Cowls note  during his stints in the Masters of Evil, and to Doctor Doom in Secret Wars (1984).
  • Doppelgänger Gets Same Sentiment: Klaw at some point died off-panel after being last seen in prison in Thunderbolts #103. The Klaw in all subsequent appearances is a clone who was created by the Wizard using a sample of the original's frequency that was preserved online on BitTorrent. The cloning is treated like an outright resurrection, though, as the clone has Klaw's exact personality and all of his memories and everyone (including the Wizard) treats him as if he were the real Klaw.
  • Dragon Ascendant: He briefly led the Masters of Evil after Ultron's first demise.
  • Energy Being: He was human at first, but an accident with his own machines turned him into a being of pure sound.
  • Even Evil Has Loved Ones: While the two of them did occasionally butt heads early on, modern comics like Dwayne McDuffie's Fantastic Four, the Fall of the Hulks storyline, and the Superior Carnage miniseries have shown that Klaw is genuinely grateful for all of the times that his longtime collaborator, the Wizard, has helped and resurrected him, to the point that Klaw went along with the Wizard's harebrained scheme in the aforementioned Superior Carnage simply out of a combination of Undying Loyalty and pity over the Wizard's deteriorating mind and obsessive desire to impress his estranged son, Bentley-23. Notably, when Doctor Karl Malus tried to talk him into turning on the Wizard after realizing just how insane the Wizard truly was, Klaw punched Malus out while telling him, "I am his [the Wizard's] family."
  • Evil Genius: Holds a Ph.D. in physics.
  • Evil Is Petty: He has a long-standing grudge against T'Challa for the latter not letting him steal Wakanda's vibranium. He also picked a fight with Daredevil for no better reason than he considered Daredevil "small time" and thought he'd be an easy target.
  • Fun with Acronyms: Sometimes refers to himself as the Kinetic Living Audio Wave.
  • Gale-Force Sound
  • The Heavy: played role in many arcs to whoever was the villain in most teams.
  • Immune to Bullets: After becoming a being composed entirely of sound.
  • Joker Immunity: Though his being made of sound helps.
  • Logical Weakness: He's generally immune to a lot of direct attacks, but he's vulnerable to anything that can affect sound or vibrations. T'Challa can usually even the odds with his equipment, since it's made of the energy-absorbing vibranium. He's also had his power drained by everyone from the Dazzler to Carol Danvers, and Daredevil defeated him by using his Super-Senses to determine Klaw's exact frequency and then using a tone generator to disrupt it.
  • Mad Scientist
  • Make Some Noise: He is a being made of sound energy and can fire sonic blasts from his arm cannon.
  • Mutually Unequal Relation: Klaw thinks that the Wizard is his best friend and he considers him to be his Family of Choice. Meanwhile, the Wizard does not seem to see Klaw as much more than a good business colleague, which is weirdly sad, as Klaw's only real humanizing quality is this one-sided Villainous Friendship.
  • Moral Myopia: He hates T'Challa for destroying his hand and keeping him from Wakanda's Vibranium, while ignoring the fact that he tried to enslave the Wakandans and casually killed T'Challa's father in front of him.
  • Psycho for Hire: Generally has no problem working for other villains higher up on the food chain, especially if he can get some upgrades out of the deal. That said, his tolerance for Bad Boss type behavior is usually pretty low.
  • Those Wacky Nazis: Klaw's father was allied with the Nazis in World War II, and Klaw inherited many of his attitudes.
  • Villain Team-Up: Has probably joined every Evil Counterpart to the Avengers at least twice.
  • You Killed My Father: Why T'Challa wants his head on a pike.

    Venomm 

Venomm

https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/venomm.jpg

Alter Ego: Horatio Walters

Notable Aliases: Horatio Venomm

First Appearance: Jungle Action Vol. 2 #6 (June, 1973)

"I'm gonna get outta here ... an' when I make my break ... don't get in my way... I don't wanna hafta kill ya — but that won't stop me from doin' it!"

Horatio Walters grew up a loner. As a cruel prank, a school bully threw a vial of acid in Horatio's face causing it to look like a zombie's face. Having become a recluse, Horatio befriended some snakes which were shunned like he was. While studying them, Horatio developed an immunity to their venom. While taking some night classes, Horatio was saved by Erik Killmonger who recruited him in his plans to invade Wakanda.

  • Acquired Poison Immunity: Venomm has built up within himself an immunity to all but the most venomous snake venom.
  • Ambiguously Gay: Writer Don McGregor has stated he created Venomm with the intention from the beginning of showing him with Taku as lovers, but due to censorship at the time he could not show it explicitly. The relationship became canon in Marvel's Voices: Pride (Vol. 2) #1.
  • Animal Assassin: In combat, Venomm would command scores of snakes to attack his foes, either through venomous bites or by constriction.
  • Bald of Evil: Lost his hair after being scarred by thhe acid, adding to hhis zombie like appearance.
  • The Beastmaster: Venomm can control the behavior of snakes through training, chemicals, and apparently some form of psionic influence.
  • Facial Horror: Venomm's face was scarred by acid so that it looks corpse-like.
  • Feather Boa Constrictor: Often has live snakes twined around his arms.
  • Hard Gay: Venomm has exceptional reflexes and speed, and it extremely proficent with the bullship. He is also homosexual.
  • Heel–Face Turn: Years after Killmonger's initial attempt at revolution, Venomm was pictured fighting alongside Wakandan forces during an internal conflict against Man-Ape's tribe. This showed that Venomm stayed in Wakanda and became a citizen of the nation, allying himself with the Black Panther.
  • Ignored Enamored Underling: In Marvel's Voices: Pride (Vol. 2) #1 it was revealed that Venomm was previously in love with Killmonger.
  • One-Steve Limit: Venomm's codename is nearly identical (and pronounced the same) as the more famous Spider-Man foe Venom, although Walters predates Eddie Brock by 15 years.
  • Snake Charmer: Venomm is a skilled snake charmer.
  • Snakes Are Sinister: Venomm is built around this trope.
  • Walking Shirtless Scene: Dresses in an open vest.
  • Xtreme Kool Letterz: Venomm is spelled with a double 'm'.

    Vlad the Impaler 

Vlad the Impaler

https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/vladtheimpaler.jpg

Alter Ego: Vladimir Dinu

First Appearance: Black Panther: The Man Without Fear #513 (December, 2010)

Vlad Dinu was born in Romania, where he was raised in an orphanage, until he was taken by the government. The Romanian dictator, Ceausescu, attempted to recreate the super solider serum by having scientist use orphans as test subjects. Vlad was the only child to survive the procedure and managed to escape. From there, he worked himself up in the criminal world and eventually traveled to America. He saw an opportunity to take over Hells Kitchen, after Daredevil had gone away due to the events of Shadowland. However, Daredevil made a deal with the Black Panther, to protect Hell's Kitchen while he was gone. Vlad crossed paths with Panther multiple times before he was eventually defeated and captured.

  • Badass in a Nice Suit: Vlad is typically dressed in an elegant designer suit.
  • Energy Weapons: Has the ability to convert matter to energy for a short while. He utilizes this ability by turning blades into energy and impaling his targets.
  • Having a Blast: Typically, Vlad uses this power on his signature spear. He can detonate this energy with a violent explosion, using said spear as a missile.
  • Impaled with Extreme Prejudice: His signature is to impale his victims with rods to let others know it was him who killed them.
  • Javelin Thrower: Vlad's signature weapon is a spear.
  • Ruthless Foreign Gangsters: After the fall of the Kingpin and The Hood, Vlad took control of New York City's organized crime, making Hell's Kitchen his focal point of business.
  • Shock and Awe: Vlad can charge his own body with energy, frying opponents who attempt to fight him up close. He can also release this energy as short-ranged bursts.
  • Super Serum: Vlad gained his poers from Ceausescu's attempt to recreate the super solider serum.
  • Super-Soldier: Vlad is the only survivor of Ceausescu's attempt to recreate the super solider project.
  • Weapon Specialization: Vlad's signature weapon is a spear.

    White Wolf 

White Wolf

https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/white_wolf_hunter_earth_616_from_official_handbook_of_the_marvel_universe_a_z_update_vol_1_5_0001.jpg

Alter Ego: Hunter

First Appearance: Black Panther Vol. 3, #4

"It's time for a reckoning between brothers."

As a boy, Hunter was adopted by King T'Chaka when his biological parents were killed in a plane crash. As an adult, Hunter became the director of Hatut Zeraze, the Wakandan Secret Service, earning the moniker White Wolf. Exiled when his agency's brutal methods were brought to light, the White Wolf became a mercenary, harboring a considerable grudge against his adoptive brother.

  • Animal Motifs: White wolves, of course.
  • Badass Boast: "I rarely move suddenly, but when I do, it's a sight to behold."
  • Badass in a Nice Suit: His costume can transform into a business suit.
  • Badass Normal: Under his suit, Hunter's just a normal, if exceptionally well-trained man.
  • Bulletproof Vest: His costume, like T'Challa's, is laced with vibranium, making it a lot more than bullet proof.
  • Cain and Abel: Hunter cannot stand T'Challa and resents him for becoming king instead of him. He's so antagonistic to his adopted brother he's often been compared to being the "Loki" to T'Challa's "Thor". This is tempered, however, by his own loyalty to Wakanda.
  • Clothes Make the Superman: His uniform is made of the same vibranium weave as T'Challa's, carries a cloaking device, and energy dampening boots.
  • Color Animal Codename: To symbolize his opposition towards T'Challa, his codename is White Wolf.
  • Commonality Connection: He and Ramonda. Both were hated by Wakandans due to not being Wakandans themselves, and they bonded over this. However, Ramonda could at least blend in while Hunter couldn't.
  • Cool Mask: His White Wolf mask which is very similar to that of the Black Panther.
  • Enemy Mine: Given his and T'Challa's mutual goal of making Wakanda great, this has happened.
  • Evil Counterpart: To T'Challa, deliberately designing his White Wolf persona to mirror the Black Panther, and sharing his desire for Wakandan greatness, but not his methods or sense of morality.
  • Evil Mentor: Tries to play this role with Kasper. It doesn't work.
  • Former Regime Personnel: He and the Hatut Zeraze are leftover from T'Chaka's secret police.
  • Happily Adopted: Toyed with. White Wolf clearly cared for his adoptive father, T'Chaka, and is head over heels in love with his adopted culture. However, he was never able to overcome the institutionalized xenophobia that characterizes Wakanda, was relegated to a behind-the-scenes job by T'Chaka, and is jealous and resentful of his full brother, T'Challa, who does not have to deal with any of these problems.
  • Hired Guns: Became a mercenary after getting run out of Wakanda.
  • Invisibility Cloak: In his suit.
  • Knight Templar: Played straight and Deconstructed hard. He will kill anybody who threatens Wakanda and claims all the brutality he commits is for the greater good of Wakanda. However, his extremism is completely the product of his own cruelty, self-loathing over his different status, and his own desire to be accepted by Wakanda and his adopted family. All of this despite the fact his status as a foreigner in an incredibly xenophobic country and Knight Templar brutal behaviors only serve to shun and further alienate him from Wakanda and his adopted family.
  • Knight Templar Big Brother: Despite his dislike of T'Challa, he still manages to be this.
  • Mighty Whitey: Subverted and in fact, a Deconstructed Character Archetype. Hunter is certainly an exceptional man and one of the few who could match T'Challa due to his training and would often do the things no one else could. He's a fervant Wakandan nationalist and does everything for the nation he loves. Despite this, the xenophobic nature of where he lives means that most of the people still haven't accepted him and probably never will, which has taken a toll on his sanity.
  • My Country, Right or Wrong: His defining trait is that he's a nationalist.
  • Only One Name: His full name has never been revealed, so he's simply known as Hunter.
  • Patriotic Fervor: Hunter's love for Wakanda is his distinguishing feature.
  • Police Brutality: Was exiled from Wakanda for this and his overzealous viciousness.
  • Rage Breaking Point: Hunter reached this in the "True Sons" story arc, where his rage over T'Challa destroying the Vibranium mines and abdicating the Wakandan Throne to become the protector of Hell's Kitchen caused Hunter to become a Serial Killer of women there in order to draw out T'Challa, kill him, and finally become the Black Panther.
  • The Resenter: Of T'Challa, whom he does not view as strong enough for the role of King of Wakanda.
  • Secret Police: Headed the Hatut Zeraze, the Wakandan secret police under their father, T'Chaka. Most of his mercenaries are made up of former secret policemen.
  • Token Evil Teammate: When acting as an ally to T'Challa.
  • Villain in a White Suit: His uniform is pristine white, and can turn into a business suit of the same colour.
  • "Well Done, Son" Guy: With the father in question being not only the late T'Chaka, but all of Wakanda.

    Zenzi 

Zenzi

https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/zenzi_earth_616_from_black_panther_vol_6_1_001.png

First Appearance: Black Panther Vol. 6, #1

"Hope be the hilt, and rage be the blade. Now they are joined. Behold, Tetu...the sword of the people, unsheathed."

A mystic from Wakanda's neighboring country of Niganda, Zenzi is a member of a populist rebel movement known as the People.

  • Anti-Villain: She believes that she is acting in the best interest of Wakanda by undermining its king. Her hideout also provides shelter to her followers, many of whom are women, children, and elders.
  • The Dragon: To Tetu.
  • The Empath: Her psychic powers allow her to read and amplify the emotions of others (although they need to already be there). In one scene, she brings the anger of frustrated miners to the surface, triggering a riot. In another scene, she brings T'Challa's self-doubt and grief to the surface, weakening him.
    T'Challa: My enemy is not a beguiler, but a revealer. She brings out of us all the awful feelings that we have hidden away, and makes them manifest.
  • Hypocrite: She claims to have the best interest of Wakandans in mind, but she has no problem with tactics that kills innocent Wakandans, such as inciting a miner's riot and sending suicide bombers into the capital. And she's also promised a share of the new Wakanda to any supervillain who is able to kill T'Challa. Which has attracted the attention of the Von Strucker twins.
  • Iconic Outfit: She is always wearing bright green clothes.
  • Pet the Dog:
    • She provides for numerous women, children, and elders at her hideout.
    • When Wakandan forces attack Jabari lands that the Midnight Angels and their Dora Milaje allies have occupied, Zenzi uses her empathic abilities to stop the siege. She brings to the surface the soldiers' sorrow and guilt over attacking their Wakandan sisters, stopping them in their tracks and saving the lives of the Midnight Angels.
  • The Revolution Will Not Be Civilized: Zenzi is not above using terrorism to achieve her ends.
  • Well-Intentioned Extremist: She genuinely believes that she is acting in the best interest of the Wakandan people, but her means cause suffering and bloodshed. Riots, suicide bombers, and unsavory alliances are the means by which she seeks to bring about revolution.

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