Although it's linked to the wider Marvel Universe, the Ultimate Universe is an Alternate Universe within the same continuity, where the meddling of the supervillain known as the Maker has ensured that the world, and its superheroes, take a very different path.
In this universe (identified as Earth-6160 by some of Marvel's other comics), the technologically-advanced African nation of Wakanda has remained isolated, seemingly untouched by the Maker's manipulations.
When the armies of Khonshu and Ra try to conquer Africa, the hidden nation of Wakanda watches and plans the best way to stop them. But when Wakanda is directly drawn into the conflict, the nation's champion, the Black Panther, is sent to defend it.
The first issue was released February 7, 2024.
Ultimate Black Panther provides examples of the following tropes:
- Abdicate the Throne: T'Chaka stepped down as king and left it to T'Challa at some point prior to the story.
- Adaptational Villainy: This version of Moon Knight is the combined force of Ra and Khonshu, and is trying to take over Africa.
- All in the Manual: The previous Ultimate Invasion series established that T'Challa's world is designated Earth-6160 and part of an Alternate Universe connected to the main Marvel Universe setting ('Earth-616'). None of this is actually mentioned in the Ultimate Black Panther series itself yet, though.
- Big Bad Duumvirate: Ra and Konshu are trying to take over Africa in the Maker's stead.
- Big Damn Heroes: Killmonger and Storm's introduction have them arrive and swiftly take down a group of Moon Knights about to destroy an African village.
- Greater-Scope Villain: Coming off the heels of Ultimate Invasion, the Maker is responsible for altering the history of Earth-6160 and thus putting Ra and Khonshu in a position to terrorize Africa.
- Heroic Sacrifice: T'Chaka pushes T'Challa clear from a pair of suicide bombers sent by Ra and Khonshu, leaving himself in range of the blast.
- In Spite of a Nail: Despite the world being under the control of the Maker and his various unions, Wakanda is still hidden and independent.
- Let's Get Dangerous!: T'Challa begins the story reluctant to take action against Ra and Khonshu, not wanting to risk his people’s safety. After the attempt on his life and death of his father, he declares Wakanda is now at war.
- Mythology Gag: Wakanda's throne room is an exact replica of the one from the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
- Plot-Triggering Death: Suicide bombers killing T'Chaka is what convinces T'Challa to declare war on Khonshu and Ra.
- Real Time: Each issue takes place in the same month they were published, so there's a month-long Time Skip between issues #1 and #2.
- Sleeping Single: T'Challa and Okoye are married but sleep in separate beds.
- The Voiceless: Supposedly, either Khonshu can speak or Ra can, but not both at the same time. This is untrue; both can speak whenever they feel like it.
