Post by kareem on Oct 30, 2005 1:54:58 GMT -5
Black Panther
Real Name: T'Challa
Occupation: King of Wakanda, scientist
Legal Status: Citizen of Wakanda with no criminal record
Identity: Publicly known
Other Aliases: Luke Charles, Black Leopard
Place of Birth: Wakanda, Northern Africa
Marital Status: Single
Known Relatives: T'Chaka (father, deceased), N'Yami (mother, deceased), Khanata, Joshua Itobo, Ishanta, Zuni (cousins), Jakarra (half brother)
Group Affiliation: The Avengers (reservist), formerly Fantastic Force
Base of Operations: Wakanda, mobile
First Appearance: FANTASTIC FOUR Vol. 1 #52
History: T'Challa is the son of T'Chaka, late king of the African nation Wakanda. When lawless ivory hunter Ulysses Klaw murdered T'Chaka in an attempt to possess the country's rare Vibranium deposit, a grief-stricken T'Challa swore vengeance and succeeded in thwarting the butcher's raid. In the process, the young prince destroyed Klaw's hand.
Educated at the finest schools in Europe and America, T'Challa returned to his homeland bearing a degree in physics and ready to assume the mantle of leadership. To do so required he pass two tests: defeat six of Wakanda's greatest warriors in unarmed combat, and obtain the secret heart-shaped herb that grants the country's chieftains their powers. Successfully carrying out the dual challenge, T'Challa donned the ceremonial garb of the Black Panther, totem of the Wakandan people.
Under T'Challa, Wakanda has become one of the wealthiest and most technologically advanced nations on the planet. After meeting Captain America, the Panther was offered membership in the Avengers. Taking a leave of absence from his royal duties, he served among Earth's Mightiest Heroes for a lengthy interval, acquainting himself with American methods of crimefighting. During his time with the Avengers, he met the love of his life: social worker Monica Lynne. Inevitably, T'Challa returned to Wakanda, only to find the country in turmoil due to his prolonged absence. The Panther subdued an uprising led by Killmonger, a revolutionary intent on assuming the throne. After regaining his people's respect, the Panther worked to bring his country out of isolation from the rest of the world.
Height: 6 ft.
Weight: 185 lbs.
Eyes: Brown
Hair: Black, shaved bald
Strength Level: The Black Panther is near the pinnacle of human physical perfection, his natural strength and abilities having been heightened by unidentified heart-shaped herb administered only to Wakandan kings during a sacred ascension ritual. The herb is only in Wakanda. While not superhuman, he is nearly as strong as a human being can become. He can lift (press) a maximum of 750 pounds with supreme effort.
Known Superhuman Powers: None
Abilities: An accomplished gymnast and acrobat, T'Challa is also an expert tracker. In addition, he has mastered various African martial arts.
Weapons: T'Challa's Vibranium micro-weave bodysuit not only stops bullets, but saps their momentum. His boots' Vibranium soles absorb sound and impact -- enabling him to leap from structures up to eight stories tall and land without injury, and literally run up the sides of buildings. The Panther's retractable claws contain a new composite of the experimental "anti-metal" Vibranium that can break down other alloys. T'Challa wields an energy dagger that can be fired, thrown or handled like a knife. At its highest setting, the weapon easily can cut through forged steel.
I wouldn't go as far to say he was underrated, because he has a cult following. But he's one of Marvel's better characters, and does get ovelooked.
