New Killmonger Emerges: Is She Friend or Foe in the Marvel Universe?

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In the unfamiliar ranks of Doctor Doom’s Avengers, a fresh character is stepping into the shoes of Killmonger, a role made iconic by Michael B. Jordan in the 2018 blockbuster Black Panther. Jordan’s portrayal of this complex villain earned him much praise, transforming him from an adversary into a somewhat relatable figure as Black Panther concluded. However, the Killmonger appearing in the pages of Superior Avengers is not the same character we grew accustomed to. The enigmatic newcomer takes center stage in the first issue, but already leaves us questioning her loyalties and true identity, mysteries that will surely unravel as the story unfolds.

Note: Spoilers for Superior Avengers #1 ahead.

Issue #1 of the superior Avengers team is penned by Steve Foxe, Luca Maresca, Kyle Hotz, Mattia Iacono, and VC’s Cory Petit. In a twist of events, Doctor Doom usurped the title of Sorcerer Supreme and crowned himself Emperor Doom, managing to persuade global leaders to submit to his rule. As heroes such as the Avengers and Fantastic Four challenge him, Doctor Doom aims not only to thwart them but also to steer and govern Earth, which he calls United Latveria. To achieve this goal, Emperor Doom seeks a team of his own Avengers.

Killmonger and the Superior Avengers come from the future

The Superior Avengers make an appearance amidst a fight, with Annihilus and his insect horde assailing the Capitol in Washington D.C. First to emerge is Killmonger, who swiftly rescues a woman from Annihilus’ grasp. Although her identity beneath the Black Panther mask remains a mystery, it quickly becomes clear that Killmonger is an experienced, no-nonsense fighter, taking charge of the Avengers. Her interactions with her teammates are concise and to the point. She’s focused on completing their mission, even instructing Ghost to pursue a secret objective that Doctor Doom’s adopted son, Kristoff Vernard, isn’t aware of.

The day after, Kristoff presents the Superior Avengers to the media, disclosing that they hail from more than a century ahead, serving as evidence of the tranquility and prosperity under Doctor Doom’s governance. Meanwhile, in Doomstadt, Killmonger expresses affection towards Kristoff, unveiling her visage for the first time. In a blend of past and future events, Killmonger and Doctor Octopus are featured in a scene hinting at a catastrophe known as “the Final Incursion,” which Killmonger alludes to.

The combined efforts of the Avengers lead them to transport Ghost’s stolen artifact to Prison 42, also known as the Negative Zone. This secretive location has served as a hiding place for the Avengers, given its lack of surveillance. They are concealing something from Doctor Doom, but if he were to discover their actions, Killmonger implies that they would eliminate him, much like they did in their timeline.

The Superior Avengers hail from a future where Doctor Doom maintained control without apparent interruption, but their loyalty isn’t absolute. Killmonger, for instance, doesn’t hesitate to kill Doom, as they have previously done so. For now, the motives of Killmonger and the Superior Avengers remain unclear, but they are destined to clash with Kristoff and Doom, leading to a decisive confrontation.

It’s intriguing that the character known as Killmonger adorns the Black Panther’s helmet, but it’s curious what led her to do so. Could it be possible she hails from Wakanda, a land renowned for its warriors and leaders? After all, she exhibits extraordinary fighting skills and command, tearing an alien insect in half effortlessly and leaping great distances into the air. The effects of Wakanda’s heart-shaped herb might account for her superhuman abilities. It would be fascinating to delve deeper into Killmonger’s backstory in future issues of Superior Avengers.

Recent representations of Killmonger by Marvel have depicted her as a freedom fighter, joining forces with Storm in the series Ultimate Black Panther.

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2025-04-17 17:11