Ever since Black Panther changed the cinematic landscape in 2018, fans have been clamoring for the return of the hero. But in the wake of the death of Chadwick Boseman, who so memorably brought King T’Challa to life, there has also been a question of who will take on the mantle when the highly-awaited sequel hits screens. At San Diego Comic-Con 2022, director Ryan Coogler shared the first stunning trailer for the movie. While it didn’t reveal who would be taking on the role of Black Panther, it did tease a look at a new suit. That alongside a poster showing the new hero’s helmet had many fans wondering if T’Challa’s sister Shuri is the new Black Panther. It’s a pretty smart guess, especially if we look at her comic backstory.
Was Shuri Black Panther in the Comic Books?
Shuri was first introduced in 2005’s Black Panther Vol. 4 #2, created by Reginald Hudlin and artist John Romita Jr. Just like in the movies, T’Challa’s younger sister is a powerful, funny, smart sibling to the Black Panther. But it wasn’t until nearly five years later in Black Panther Vol. 5 #5 when she’d take on the mantle herself. It came about during the Dark Reign saga at Marvel. As Norman Osborn gathered his Cabal, Namor asked T’Challa to join them. Soon, after the King refused, his ship crashed. This left T’Challa in a coma and Wakanda without a Black Panther. T’Challa’s wife, the X-Men hero Storm, suggests Shuri take on the mantle. It makes a lot of sense as he’s long been training his sister to take his place. But when Shuri visits the Panther God, she refuses to let her take the mantle, claiming that she’s too arrogant.
Despite his rejection of Shuri, the Panther God allows her to live. That goes against everything the Wakandans expect, so Shuri decides it’s because she still has a greater purpose. With her brother in a coma, Storm in Limbo trying to recover him, and the evil Morlun encroaching on her country, she puts on the Black Panther costume and goes out to protect her people. It’s a controversial choice as Bast refused her, but it also gives Shuri more agency than her brother. After her bravery and smart wits defeat Morlun and save T’Challa and Storm from the underworld, the Panther God finally recognizes Shuri as Black Panther.
How Did Shuri Get Her Black Panther Suit in Marvel Comics?
It’s unclear how she got it as the suit simply exists when Shuri puts it on. That makes us think that she may have built it herself. Just like her brother’s iconic suit, it’s made of vibranium, but is more form fitting, especially in the eyes of series artist Ken Lashley and cover artist J. Scott Campbell. The biggest visual differences from T’Challa’s suit are a slimmer helmet (which looks similar to the one Marvel Studios teased on their poster), cape, and now instantly recognizable fur collar. In issue eight of the series she gets a lot of upgrades too. One of her Wakandan scientists, N’Iix, offers her weapons including “holopods, spider bites, desert sand, and shok-nets.” The coolest part, though, are the kevlar and spider-silk mesh gloves, with adamantium tipped, vibranium claws. Perhaps we could see the arrival of the metal most closely connected to Wolverine in Wakanda Forever?
Will Shuri Become the MCU’s Black Panther?
Ever since Leticia Wright’s breakout performance in Black Panther, fans have wondered whether she’d take on the mantle. With Boseman’s tragic passing, Shuri seems more likely than ever to follow in his footsteps. Not only would it fit with the comic book canon, but it would be inline with Marvel Studio’s current era of exploring legacy heroes. It should be noted that Shuri isn’t the only other person who’s held the Black Panther mantle.
Among the few who have been called Black Panther are NYC cop Kasper Cole, T’Chaka (T’Challa’s father), and even Erik Killmonger. While Cole and Killmonger had both been floated as possibilities, it still seems most likely that it’s going to be Shuri. But that doesn’t mean she’ll stay Black Panther. A new upcoming comic book series Wakanda will be a “definitive overview of all the Wakandans who have held the mantle of the Black Panther,” So it could be that we see Wright take it on in Wakanda Forever, but leave the mantle open for others to come after her.
Featured Image: Marvel Studios/Marvel Comics
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