The 7 Best Marvel Comics To Read To Get To Know Wakanda Better

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In 1966, Marvel Comics debuted the Black Panther in issue #52 of Fantastic Four, and by the 1970s, he rose to stardom with his own comic book series. This was also when readers started discovering more about his homeland, Wakanda, first introduced in the same Fantastic Four issue as Black Panther. Wakanda is an African nation where T’Challa reigns as king, and it tends to keep itself secluded from global affairs. The country guards its valuable resources like Vibranium vigilantly, and due to its advanced technology, it could attract unwanted attention from self-serving governments around the world, including the United States.

Black Panther has made appearances across various comic books such as The Avengers, Fantastic Four, and even his standalone series. However, the nation of Wakanda often becomes the focal point in numerous stories. Remarkable tales featuring Wakanda highlight reasons why it could be among the finest nations within the Marvel Universe.

7) “The Intergalactic Empire of Wakanda”

Remarkable tales featuring Black Panther, penned by renowned author Ta-Nehisi Coates, are considered among the finest ever published. Two of these exceptional stories on this list originate from Coates’ pen, and while they don’t quite reach the heights of “A Nation Under Our Feet,” their complex narrative structure is certainly a factor. In one such story, T’Challa dispatched a group of Alpha Flight explorers to uncover the origins of Mena Ngai (the meteorite that brought Vibranium to Earth eons ago). However, instead of finding their quarry on Earth, they inadvertently time-traveled to the Vega System where they established a new empire named after Wakanda, which subsequently expanded across five galaxies. This historical event served as the foundation for the intricate storyline that unfolded throughout the entire Black Panther Vol. 7 series (2018-2021).

The primary plot revolves around the Intergalactic Empire of Wakanda attempting to journey through time to subjugate the original Wakanda. It’s up to T’Challa and his companions to resist this invasion and safeguard their homeland. This storyline commenced when T’Challa embarked on a quest to find his comrades, only to be captured by the new empire. Later, he managed to break free and confronted the oppressive ruler, who bears the name Killmonger (also known as N’Jadaka). This narrative underscores the potential transformation of Wakanda under a more tyrannical leader, highlighting the fusion of past and present in the pursuit of building a superior kingdom.

6) “Enemy of the State II”

In the story titled “Enemy of the State II,” Black Panther finds himself torn between his duties as the King of Wakanda and his responsibilities as a superhero. This allegiance conflict places him at odds with some of his fellow heroes, such as Iron Man. First published in 1999, this storyline is actually the sequel to “Enemy of the State,” which spans from issues #41-45 in Black Panther’s Vol. 3 series. In this tale, an intriguing plot unfolds where Russia has secretly replaced both the U.S. President and Canadian Prime Minister with mind-controlled doppelgängers, giving them control over both nations.

In this rephrased version, Black Panther discovers the truth and embarks on a mission to safeguard both nations, only to find himself at odds with Iron Man, who has been brainwashed. This predicament poses a dilemma for T’Challa, as attacking the U.S. President could jeopardize Wakanda’s reputation, considering his role as its leader. The climax of the series left readers stunned when it was disclosed that T’Challa had been secretly monitoring Iron Man, all in an effort to shield Wakanda, but this revelation caused his friends to question his loyalty and trustworthiness.

5) “Who is the Black Panther?”

After Christopher Priest’s departure from the Black Panther title, Reginald Hudlin and John Romita Jr. took over, introducing a new direction for the character. Instead of focusing on global adventures, they decided to delve into T’Challa’s roots by bringing him back to Wakanda and weaving a political narrative within his homeland. Their tenure on the comic book began with an exploration of T’Challa’s origin story and the hidden past of Wakanda. What sets this period apart is that it unfolds as a man in prison shares the tale with the U.S. government.

The narrative traces its roots deep into history, commencing in the 5th Century A.D., within the borders of Wakanda. This detailed account delves into the transformation of this land into a thriving and technologically superior nation. It further unveils repeated attempts by foreign forces to seize control, all of which have met with failure. When Klaw’s invasion strikes Wakanda in the present timeline, a prominent American military leader sees this as an opportunity to offer aid, simultaneously plotting an invasion of their own. This could be the most compelling narrative that highlights Wakanda’s strength and invincibility, shedding light on why it has remained untouched by conquest.

4) “See Wakanda and Die”

In the comic series “Black Panther” Volume 4, issue #39, during the tenure of authors Jason Aaron and Jefte Palo, begins a short-lived storyline titled “See Wakanda and Die”. This story lasts for three issues and is connected to the larger crossover event known as “Secret Invasion”. The narrative unfolds as the Skrulls, extraterrestrial shapeshifters, attempt an invasion of Earth by targeting Wakanda. However, upon arrival, they discover that all their sleeper agents in Wakanda have been killed, with their heads displayed on spikes at the border, suggesting a formidable defense.

In an unexpected moment during their arrival, the Skrull commander blundered with his words: “How much havoc could such a small African nation truly cause?” This tale, brimming with the strength of Wakanda in the face of adversity and Black Panther’s strategic foresight, is another testament to their might. However, what sets this narrative apart is the unique perspective it offers – that of the Skrull general orchestrating the attack. He expresses his dislike for conflict, detestation of violence, and longing for a peaceful retirement. This unconventional storytelling approach underscores the humanity within the war, highlighting that even in an uneven battle, both sides suffer losses, despite Wakanda’s invincibility.

3) “A Nation Under Our Feet”

When Ta-Nehisi Coates assumed control over Black Panther, he crafted impressive narratives that highlighted T’Challa’s role as the monarch of Wakanda, as he bravely confronted the wider world. The title “A Nation Under Our Feet” is borrowed from Steve Hahn’s Pulitzer Prize-winning book, which documents the growth of African American political power since the Civil War. What sets this apart is the ongoing political tension that pervades the storyline, encompassing both T’Challa and the Wakandan citizens, who aim to ignite a civil war within their nation.

The narrative unfolds in Black Panther Volume 6, Issue 1, spanning over a dozen episodes. As tensions rise between those challenging T’Challa and the people of Wakanda, this tale becomes equally about the nation of Wakanda as it is about the Black Panther himself. With terrorists orchestrating a rebellion against the Black Panther, Wakanda must evolve to endure, yet this is an area where T’Challa has consistently struggled. The series showcases an intriguing plotline that revolves around his supposedly deceased sister Shuri, as she navigates the spiritual landscape of Wakanda’s past. Unlike some other Wakanda narratives, it lacks the relentless action but offers a thoughtful and introspective perspective on what sets the nation apart.

2) “Panther’s Rage”

In the world of Black Panther, not all the compelling tales set in Wakanda are fresh. One captivating narrative can be found in the early series of Black Panther, specifically Jungle Action, which provides a glimpse into Wakanda’s past and explains why it stands as such an extraordinary Marvel location. This extended storyline spans from issues #6 to 24 of Jungle Action, making it quite extensive for comic books from the 1970s. Unlike other series during that period, this one delved deeper into the life and culture of Wakanda, while also introducing villains who would eventually become iconic figures over time.

In this comic book saga that I’ve found myself deeply engrossed in, it’s where Killmonger first makes his entrance, stirring up challenges and conversations within the realm of Wakanda, aiming to seize the throne. It was from this epic run that Ryan Coogler drew a significant amount of inspiration for the narrative of the blockbuster movie, Black Panther, especially in shaping the enigmatic character of Killmonger. This storyline, known as “Panther’s Rage,” provided a captivating backdrop to his journey. Moreover, this comic book series served as a stark reminder that even with my superhero status in America, my homeland Wakanda needs my leadership and presence during times of unrest, as its stability could be at stake.

1) “Enemy of the State”

As a dedicated fan, I firmly believe that one of the most exceptional Black Panther narratives ever penned is the debut of “Enemy of the State,” which remarkably serves as one of the top Wakanda tales too. Many avid readers acclaim Christopher Priest as the greatest writer in the history of the Black Panther series, and this storyline showcases his finest work. Similar to the movies, Agent Ross is the face of the U.S. Government here, and the plot unfolds as a gripping and perilous tale when T’Challa uncovers the United States’ plans to destabilize and overthrow his current Wakandan administration, ultimately aiming to seize control of the country.

The narrative was captivating due to its twist where the U.S. government became the antagonists, orchestrating a secret coup of another nation’s government. Instead of focusing on a traditional villain like Doctor Doom from Latveria, they aimed to undermine Black Panther and seize Wakanda’s resources. When Black Panther alerted the Avengers about an attack on Wakanda by elements of the U.S. Government, he urged them not to intervene as it would ultimately cause harm. This demonstrated that Black Panther was willing to defend Wakanda, regardless of whether it meant standing against his friends and the entire United States government.

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2025-07-18 19:12