Marvel Taps Ta-Nehisi Coates to Pen New Black Panther Series

In Spring 2016, the culturally astute New York Times bestselling writer Ta-Nehisi Coates (Between the World and Me) and legendary artist Brian Stelfreeze will helm a new era of compelling storylines and striking visuals for the beloved Marvel hero, Black Panther.

For those not in the know with Marvel history, Wakanda is an African nation of great renown. Praised for its advanced technology and coveted for its resources - especially the rare metal known as vibranium - its ruler, T’Challa, is extremely protective of his people and their land. In the new series, the King of Wakanda is threatened by a swelling superhuman threat simply called The People. This new opposition to T’Challa’s reign has sparked an unrest amongst its people, one that could potentially tear the warrior-nation apart.

“Wakanda is really the light of the world, in the Marvel Universe. And yet it’s a system of governance that has not advanced beyond the idea of blood-rule,” says Coates. “It’s always seemed to me that T’Challa was aware of this discrepancy. Among the monarchs of Marvel - Namor and Doctor Doom for instance - T’Challa has always been distinguished to me by his discomfort on the throne, and with the problems of one-man rule. I am very much looking forward to exploring that tension.”

Political intrigue and heavy character development will undoubtedly be at the forefront of the new series. However, Black Panther will have his share of adventures in this All New All Different Marvel universe within his series and alongside his new compatriots, The Ultimates.

Will Moss, editor of Black Panther, is delighted in what the future holds for the Wakandan king under Coates’ charge. “Ta-Nehisi writes brilliantly about everything from race to politics to fatherhood to modern culture, but he’s also a longtime Marvel reader. And combining his writing skills with his passion for and understanding of Marvel’s characters, paired with the captivating and engaging artwork of modern master Brian Stelfreeze, has led to a truly amazing story that we can’t wait for the world to read.”

Expect a profound shift in the landscape of the Marvel universe next Spring, when Wakanda and its powerful protector undergo a sweeping renaissance in Black Panther!