Best Black Panther Comics

Black Panther first burst onto the comic book scene in an issue of Fantastic Four back in 1966, then guest starred in various other series before his own self-titled comic book series began in 1977.

The hero gained mainstream popularity when he was introduced to the MCU in Captain America: Civil War (2016) before starring in his own Black Panther movie in 2018, gathering a whole new set of fans from across the world.

So whether you’re a recent fan searching for the best Black Panther comics to start your reading journey, or you’re a lifelong enthusiast looking to revisit some of the classics, you can’t go wrong with the Quality Comix list of top Black Panther issues!

Let’s dive in.

 

1. Fantastic Four Vol. 1 #52

 

Key Comic Facts
Issue #52 of Fantastic Four Vol. 1 is called "The Black Panther!". It has a cover date of July 1966. It was written and edited by Stan Lee, with pencil by Jack Kirby and ink by Joe Sinnott.

This issue marks the first appearance of the superhero in the Fantastic Four comics, and even though it fits better as a FF story than a BP story, it’s crucial to understand the origins of the hero and his appearance in later series and comics.

What’s the story?
The nation of Wakanda invites the Fantastic Four for a visit. After a short fight against the Black Panther, he reveals himself to be Wakanda’s King T’Challa, and confesses that he was just fighting them as a test to see if they were worthy of entering Wakanda. They pass and get to enter the city.

What’s it worth?
The top quality book of Fantastic Four #52 is a 9.8 graded copy, sold in November 2016 for $65,725. However, in 2018 it was valued at $83,650. A 5.0 rated book had a July 2022 price of $1,325 and a 1.0 graded copy was sold in June 2022 for $512. These last two books have only been sold once.

 

2. Marvel Comics Presents Vol. 1 #13-#37

Key Comic Facts
Issue #13 of Marvel Comics Presents Vol. 1 has many stories, but the one following BP is called "Panther's Quest (Part I of XXV) - A Rumor of Life". It has a cover date of February 1989. It was written by Ann Nocenti, with pencils by Rick Leonardi and ink by P. Craig Russell. It was edited by Terry Kavanagh.

The story follows Black Panther as he returns to South Africa. Not everything in this story has aged well, but the story presents the hero in a vulnerable spot and facing an existential crisis. A terrific story for BP fans.

What’s the story?
T’Challa battles wth himself, thinking how can he present himself as a hero of Africa while an apartheid state exists next door to Wakanda. But after he finds out that his mother might be alive, he battles mercenaries and the military in a quest to rescue her and free Africa.

What’s it worth?
From the 14-issue series, the top price recorded is $45 for a 9.8 copy of the second issue in the series. The lowest sale price recorded for an issue in this series is $10 for a 9.8 copy of issue #1.

 

3. Black Panther Vol. 4 #39

 

Key Comic Facts
Issue #39 of Black Panther Vol. 4 is called "See Wakanda and Die”. It has a cover date of
September 2008. It was written by Jason Aaron, with pencils and ink by Jefte Palo. It was edited by Joe Quesada.

The last three issues of Vol. 4 of the comic aren’t hugely well known, but these final issues function as an amazing standalone story of Black Panther and Wakanda repelling a Skrull invasion.

What’s the story?
The Skrulls are preparing an invasion on Wakanda but find out that all of their sleeper agents were captured and beheaded. They decide to launch the invasion anyway, and Black Panther and Storm repel them in a story that will make you think twice before visiting Wakanda without an invitation from the King.

What’s it worth?
Only two copies of this issue have been sold at auction: one is a 9.8 graded book with a value of $40 as of March 2022. The other is a 9.4 rated copy, which held a price of $21 when it was sold in January 2021.

4. Black Panther Vol. 3 #41

 

Key Comic Facts
Issue #41 of Black Panther Vol. 3 is called "Book One: Mirror”. It has a cover date of April 2002. It was written by Christopher Priest, with pencils by Sal Velluto and ink by Bob Almond. It was edited by Mike Marts.

This issue marks the beginning of the “Enemy of the State II” story arc in the comics, which ended four issues later on Black Panther #45.

What’s the story?
We get to see King T’Challa matching wits with Tony Stark in the midst of an international incident. But Black Panther is still able to save the day and make his own luck. This is one of the greatest Black Panther stories and it shows why he’s one of the biggest Marvel superheroes.

What’s it worth?
The highest price for this issue at an auction is $35, paid in December 2020 for a 9.8 rated copy. It’s followed by a 9.6 graded book, which was sold in November 2020 for $20. The lowest price for this issue is $16, when a 7.5 rated book was sold back in July 2019.

 

5. Black Panther Vol. 3 #26

 

Key Comic Facts
Issue #26 of Black Panther Vol. 3 is called "Stürm und Drang: A Story of Love & War, Book 1: Echoes”. It has a cover date of January 2001. It was written by Christopher Priest, with pencils by Sal Velluto and ink by Bob Almond. It was edited by Tom Brevoort. This issue marks the beginning of the "Sturm und Drang" story arc in the comics, which ended three issues later in Black Panther #29.

What’s the story?
The main storyline developed in the arc follows Black Panther and Storm searching for a missing deviant Lemurian child. But the writer provides context for T’Challa’s role as a whole, not just Black Panther, using other Marvel characters like Namor, Doctor Doom, and Magneto. He is a politician, a ruler, a symbol and perhaps even more. The story goes deep into the King’s struggles and problems, both as a ruler and a superhero.

What’s it worth?
The highest quality copy of this issue sold at auction is a 9.8 graded book, valued at $21 as of August 2018. However, the top price belongs to a 9.6 copy, valued at $25 in February 2021. Those are the only two copies of this issue that have been sold at auction.

 

6. Black Panther Vol. 3 #16

Key Comic Facts
Issue #16 of Black Panther Vol. 3 is called "Local Hero”. It has a cover date of March 2000. It was written by Christopher Priest, with pencils by Sal Velluto and ink by Bob Almond. It was edited by Tom Brevoort.This issue features the resurrection of Killmonger in one of the coolest Black Panther stories ever written. The writers managed to revive the villain and also reinvent him.

What’s the story?
We discover Killmonger has been resurrected and wants to go bowling with Agent Everett Ross. He has constructed a city similar to New York to contrast T’Challa’s dignity and selflessness, and he’s also taken his birth name: N’Jadaka.

What’s it worth?
The only copy of this issue that has been sold at auction is a 9.6 graded book, valued at $46 as of April 2021. It was valued at $38 back in 2020.

 

7. Black Panther Vol. 3 #1-#5

 

Key Comic Facts
Issue #1 of Black Panther Vol. 3 is called “The Client”. It has a cover date of November 1998. It was written by Christopher Priest, with pencils by Sal Velluto and ink by Bob Almond. It was edited by Tom Brevoort.These were the first issues for Volume 3 of the comic which revitalized it, introducing a swath of new characters and concepts, and infusing the stories with a touch of humor.

What’s the story?
The story follows a report from Agent Everett Ross after he’s been assigned to Wakanda’s King, T’Challa. We discover that Agent Ross has seen better days and that his life has changed after finding out about Wakanda, his King and how he beats up criminals in a vibranium suit.

What’s it worth?
The highest price for this issue is $1,750, paid for a 9.8 graded copy sold in February 2022. The lowest price belongs to a 7.0 rated book, valued at $27 as of April 2022

 

8. Black Panther Vol. 6 #1

Key Comic Facts
Issue #1 of Black Panther Vol. 6 is called “A Nation Under Our Feet: Part 1”. It has a cover date of June 2016. It was written by Ta-Nehisi Coates, with pencils and ink by Brian Stelfreeze. It was edited by Wil Moss. This is the first issue for Volume 6 of the series, which introduced a bunch of new characters and is considered one of the smartest stories involving Black Panther and Wakanda.

What’s the story?
A superhuman terrorist group known as the People has sparked an aggressive uprising amongst the Wakandians, and Black Panther knows a change is needed in the country to evolve and survive it.

What’s it worth?
A 9.8 graded copy of this issue was sold in June 2022 for $225. Since the issue was only released a few years ago, the lowest quality copy ever sold at auction is an 8.0 rated book, valued at $34 when it was sold in September 2020.

 

9. Rise of the Black Panther Vol. 1 #1

Key Comic Facts
Issue #1 of Rise of the Black Panther Vol. 1 is called “The King at the End of Everything”. It has a cover date of March 2018. It was written by Evan Narcisse, with pencils and ink by Paul Renaud. It was edited by Wil Moss. Released shortly before Marvel's 2018 movie, we see stories from T’Challa’s past and his path to become King.

What’s the story?
We discover how a young T’Challa had to take up the mantle of King and Black Panther after his father was killed by outsiders, and we learn about the mother T’Challa never knew. Also, we get to see Wakanda as it’s being presented to the outside world.

What’s it worth?
Only high rating copies of the issue have been sold at auction, with the highest of all being a 9.8 graded book with the Movie Variant Cover, that sold for $120 for May 2022. The lowest price and quality belong to a 9.2 rated copy, valued at $25 as of June 2022.

 

10. Doomwar Vol. 1 #1

Key Comic Facts
Issue #1 of Doomwar Vol.1 is simply called “Part 1”. It has a cover date of April 2010. It was written by Jonathan Maberry, with pencils by Scot Eaton and ink by Andy Lanning. It was edited by Axel Alonso. After T’Challa was attacked by Dr. Doom, this issue stars Shuri as the Black Panther, and the story follows her.

What’s the story?
As the heiress of Wakanda, Shuri struggles to maintain peace. But eventually, her actions spark a fight between Dr. Doom and the X-Men, Deadpool, the Fantastic Four and not one, but two Black Panthers.

What’s it worth?
Only a handful of copies of this issue have been sold at auction, all of them top quality issues. The top price and rating belong to a 9.8 rated issue, valued at $80 as of March 2020. In 2015, it was valued at $25. The lowest rating and price belong to a 9.0 graded book, sold for $4 in February 2022, after decreasing its 2021 value of $30.

 

11. Black Panther: The Man Without Fear Vol. 1 #515

Key Comic Facts
Issue #1 of Black Panther: The Man Without Fear Vol.1 is simply called “First Story”. It has a cover date of April 2011. It was written by David Liss, with pencils and ink by Francesco Francavilla. It was edited by Joe Quesada.The aesthetics of the series highly resembles the ones from Batman: The Animated Series, and it features a lot of similarities throughout the pages.

What’s the story?
In the series, we follow T’Challa but without his powers. He works at a diner to get by while still trying to be a vigilante in his own time. The writers present a new side of King T’Challa that is rarely seen by the fans, and that’s why the series is highly regarded.

What’s it worth?
The only copy of this issue to ever sell at auction is a 9.8 graded book, valued at $35 as of December 2020.

 

12. Black Panther Vol. 4 #14

Key Comic Facts
Issue #14 of Black Panther Vol. 4 is called "Bride of the Panther, Part One”. It has a cover date of May 2006. It was written by Reginald Hudlin, with pencils by Scot Eaton and ink by Klaus Janson. It was edited by Axel Alonso. This issue features the first part of the event where Black Panther married Storm from the X-Men.

What’s the story?
In the middle of war - Marvel’s first Civil War, to be exact - there’s always time for love. The writers explore the meeting and relationship between Black Panther and Storm, before its abrupt end after Namor floods Wakanda and Storm chooses her mutant family over T’Challa’s royal one. Still, the impact of the match was one of the biggest Marvel events from the comics.

What’s it worth?
The top price for this issue is $125, for a 9.8 rated copy sold in January 2022. In 2020, its price was $20. The lowest rating copy ever sold is a 9.0, valued at $30 in February 2022.

 

13. Black Panther Vol. 3 #9

Key Comic Facts
Issue #9 of Black Panther Vol. 3 is called "Enemy of the State”. It has a cover date of July 1999. It was written by Christopher Priest, with pencils and ink by Mike Manley. It was edited by Joe Quesada. “Enemy of the State'' is considered the crown jewel of Volume 3 of the Black Panther series.

What’s the story?
Using Agent Everett Ross to start the story, we follow T’Challa as he discovers a plot by the United States - they’re planning to invade Wakanda and use their resources. This arc is one of the finest stories ever written and got Christopher Priest the title of the unofficial Black Panther writer - the person all fans think about when it comes to the Black Panther comics.

What’s it worth?
Only a 9.8 graded copy of this issue has been auctioned, with a price of $27 as of March 2021.

 

14. Black Panther Vol. 4 #1

Key Comic Facts
Issue #1 of Black Panther Vol. 4 is called "Who is the Black Panther?”. It has a cover date of April 2005. It was written by Reginald Hudlin, with pencils by John Romita Jr and ink by Klaus Janson. It was edited by Joe Quesada. This is the first issue of the Reginald Hudlin run as a writer of the series, where they presented King T’Challa in a more superhero-esque manner, with costumed characters and guest appearances by the X-Men and Namor.

What’s the story?
The issue presents the story which is now considered canon for the origins of the Black Panther. The story of T’Challa is told to a few members of the US government, and they all wonder how they’ve never been conquered before if they’re years behind the rest of the world regarding technology (or so they think). We discover that, in fact, Wakanda has the means to defend themselves and they’re guarded by the King himself, the Black Panther.

What’s it worth?
The top rating copy for this issue is a 9.8 book that held a price of $59 as of June 2022. The lowest quality book is a 6.0 graded issue, which sold for $40 in November 2021.

 

15. New Avengers Vol. 3 #1

Key Comic Facts
Issue #1 of New Avengers Vol. 3 is called “Memento Mori”. It has a cover date of March 2013. It was written by Jonathan Hickman, with pencils and ink by Steve Epting. It was edited by Tom Brevoort. This was the third revival of the series, featuring the Hickman-Epting duo as writer-penciller.

What’s the story?
The story features the Illuminati group, formed by The Black Panther, Iron Man, Doctor Strange, Black Bolt, Mister Fantastic, Namor the Sub-Mariner and The Beast. Tony Stark had tried to bring them together in the past, with little success. However, the presence of a new threat from a parallel universe forces the heroes to join forces.

What’s it worth?
Only top rating copies of this issue have been sold at auction, with the highest price belonging to a 9.8 copy, sold for $135 in June 2022. The lowest price is for an 8.5 graded copy, sold in October 2017 for $40.

 

16. Black Panther & Captain America: Flags of Our Fathers Vol. 1 #1

Key Comic Facts
Issue #1 of Black Panther & Captain America: Flags of Our Fathers Vol. 1 is simply called “Part 1”. It has a cover date of June 2010. It was written by Reginald Hudlin, with pencils by Denys Cowan and ink by Klaus Janson. It was edited by Axel Alonso. This series features an unconventional story featuring Captain America and the Howling Commandos going to Wakanda, at the time when T’Challa’s grandfather was the Black Panther.

What’s the story?
After Adolf Hitler fails his latest attack against the US, he plans to go after Wakanda. Steve Rogers and the Howling Commandos go to Wakanda to alert and then fight beside the king.

What’s it worth?
The top rating copy for this issue is a 9.8 book, sold for $21 in August 2014. However, the top price belongs to a 9.6 rated copy, valued at $40 as of August 2021.

 

17. Ultimates Vol. 3 #1

Key Comic Facts
Issue #1 of Ultimates Vol. 3 is called “Start with The Impossible”. It has a cover date of January 2016. It was written by Al Ewing, with pencils and ink by Kenneth Rocafort. It was edited by Tom Brevoort. It is rumored that this is an upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe movie, since many of the characters in the comic were recently introduced to the MCU.

What’s the story?
The Ultimates (Captain Marvel, Spectrum, Black Panther, Ms. Marvel and Blue Marvel) join forces to defend Earth against the threat of Galactus, the devourer of worlds.

What’s it worth?
A 9.8 graded copy was auctioned in July 2022 for $640, being the top price for this issue. The lowest price, on the other hand, belongs to an 8.5 rated copy, sold in April 2020 for $40.

 

18. Black Panther Vol. 3 #46

Key Comic Facts
Issue #46 of Black Panther Vol. 3 is called "Saddles Ablazer”. It has a cover date of September 2002. It was written by Christopher Priest, with pencils and ink by Jorge Lucas. It was edited by Mike Marts. The events in this comic take place at the same time as Thor #370.

What’s the story?
T’Challa and Agent Ross go to Texas and get in trouble with some local rednecks.

What’s it worth?
Only two copies of this issue have been sold at auction. The highest quality book ever sold is a 9.8 grading, valued at $37 in March 2022. The other book is a 9.4, sold for $25 in February 2021.

 

19. Black Panther Vol. 8 #1

Key Comic Facts
Issue #1 of Black Panther Vol. 8 is called “The Long Shadow - Book One”. It has a cover date of January 2022. It was written by John Ridley, with pencils and ink by Juann Cabal. It was edited by Wil Moss. This revival of the series was highly anticipated since they promoted their new creative team and direction in a notable campaign.

What’s the story?
After returning from his trips in space, some secrets about T’Challa’s past are in danger of being uncovered. The King must race in secret to save an undercover Wakandian agent and keep his past private.

What’s it worth?
Even though it’s a very recent issue, there’s a 9.8 copy that sold at auction for $150 in April 2022. It was valued at $85 the month it came out, in January 2022. The lowest price for this issue is $20, paid for a 9.6 copy that was sold in June 2022.

 

20. Black Panther: The Most Dangerous Man Alive! Vol .1 #523.1

Key Comic Facts
Issue #1 of Black Panther: The Most Dangerous Man Alive! Vol .1 is called “True Sons”. It has a cover date of November 2011. It was written by David Liss, with pencils and ink by Jefte Palo. It was edited by Bill Rosemann. This series showed T’Challa in a more personal way, putting aside his normal ruler issues and focusing more on his personal life and struggle.

What’s the story?
Someone is murdering people in Hell’s Kitchen, but it turns out they’re all people that the Panther saved before. The Black Panther must investigate to find out who’s responsible before the attacker strikes again.

What’s it worth?
There are no recorded sales for this issue at an auction.

 

So there you have it - our list of the best Black Panther comics! Fancy reading more about Black Panther? We recently weighed up who would win in a fight - Black Panther or Wolverine!

If you’re looking to add any comics to your collection, we have a huge range of books available here at Quality Comix. Or if you’re curious to know what some of your own comic books are worth, feel free to run them through our Comic Price Guide!