Marvel Masterworks – Black Panther Vol. 2 (2016)
Marvel Masterworks – Black Panther Vol. 2 (2016)
📚 Genre:
Superhero, Science Fiction, Fantasy Adventure
🦸 Main Characters:
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T’Challa / Black Panther – The noble and brilliant king of Wakanda.
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Princess Zanda – A royal adversary with ambitions of her own.
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King Solomon's Frog – A mysterious artifact that serves as a gateway to time and space.
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Mr. Little – A daring adventurer and T’Challa’s companion on interdimensional journeys.
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Samurai Warriors – Timeless enemies guarding ancient secrets.
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Storm (Cameo) – Appears in Marvel Team-Up #100, adding depth to T’Challa’s past.
✍️ Writer:
Jack Kirby – The legendary co-creator of Black Panther returns to script and plot this cosmic, otherworldly take on the Wakandan king.
🎨 Artist:
Jack Kirby – Known for his explosive panel layouts and surreal imagination, Kirby’s artwork bursts with energy and psychedelic visuals.
🧑💼 Editor Details:
Archie Goodwin and Jim Shooter played key editorial roles during the run, maintaining continuity and narrative flow across the stories.
🏢 Publisher and Brand:
Marvel Comics
Imprint: Marvel Masterworks
📅 Release Year:
2016 (Collected Edition)
Original Issues: 1977–1979
🧩 Brief Plot Summary:
This volume collects Jack Kirby’s complete 15-issue run on Black Panther (1977), alongside additional stories from Marvel Premiere and Marvel Team-Up. The story plunges T’Challa into a whirlwind of fantastical adventures beyond the borders of Wakanda. From discovering the bizarre powers of King Solomon’s Frog—a time-traveling, reality-bending artifact—to battling aliens and immortal samurai, T’Challa’s royal duties intertwine with mind-bending quests. The tale is rich in Wakandan mythology, shedding light on the mysterious Vibranium and the culture that protects it.
🔥 Notable Arcs or Storylines:
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King Solomon’s Frog Saga – The core storyline featuring a magical relic that distorts time and reality.
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Samurai vs. Panther – A saga steeped in eternal honor and ancient conflict.
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Marvel Premiere Crossover – T’Challa’s espionage-themed adventure in Marvel Premiere #51–53.
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Marvel Team-Up #100 – A backstory exploration including a young Storm and a deeply emotional glimpse into T’Challa’s past.
🧠 Fan Theories or Interpretations:
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Time Travel Symbolism: Many fans view King Solomon’s Frog not just as a device, but as a metaphor for T’Challa’s internal conflict—balancing tradition and futurism.
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Storm and T’Challa’s Bond: The flashback in Marvel Team-Up #100 is often seen as foundational, setting the stage for their later romantic involvement.
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Kirby’s “Fourth World” Influence: Some believe Kirby’s experience at DC on the Fourth World saga heavily inspired the cosmic tones in this series.
⭐ Review Summary:
Jack Kirby’s run on Black Panther is a visual explosion of imagination and ambition. 🎨 While the stories take a sharp detour from traditional political themes and lean heavily into fantasy and sci-fi, Kirby's signature style keeps readers spellbound. His art, filled with wild designs and kinetic energy, enhances a story that pushes boundaries. Though some arcs feel disjointed, the sheer creativity makes this collection a must-read for Marvel historians and Kirby aficionados. T’Challa is portrayed as an ever-curious, regal hero, braving the bizarre to protect both his kingdom and reality itself. 👑🛡️
🖤 Perfect for fans of cosmic Marvel, alternate timelines, and Jack Kirby’s unparalleled artistic vision.
Comic Resource / Read Online (External Source)
