In 2005, writer Reginald Hudlin and John Romita, Jr. rebooted T’Challa under the “Marvel Knights” banner.
The tale started in Wakanda, showing the history of black panthers from the 5th Century up to now. But rather than offer a lot of exposition, we simple see the tribes of Wakanda repelling invading tribes, white colonizers, etc. Even Captain America.
It establishes the line of Panthers throughout history, establishing that no one has ever been able to conquer Wakanda.
The legends of Panther are told by two narrators. First, Agent Everett Ross, is briefing the U.S. Government on why it’s a bad idea to go up against Black Panther. Naturally, the government doesn’t listen and creates zombie soldiers but instead of invading Wakanda they offer their help to T’Challa, who says no thanks. Or something. Honestly, this plot never really goes anywhere.
Second, Klaw, speaks of Panther to prospective members of a strike team he’s forming to invade Wakanda and get revenge. His army will include Cannibal–a new character who is a psychic parasite who moves from body to body…
…And also Rhino.
This is terrific because it is an homage to the iconic “Black Panther versus a (real) rhinoceros” panel from way back in Jungle Action #9.
By the great Gil Kane! Rounding out Klaw’s army are Batroc and new versions of Radioactive Man and Black Knight.
Why Black Knight?
Because apparently Klaw thought he was a black man.
As for the new Radioactive Man, he’s killed by Shuri before the end of this arc so…No need to remember him.
Along the way, we get a new version of Black Panther’s origin that shows T’Challa earning the title–apparently stealing it out from under his sister Shuri…
…In her first appearance.
The first arc ends, naturally, in Panther defeating Klaw and his group of villains. Cannibal switches bodies into a one of T’Challa’s trusted Dora Milaje, so that thread will need to be resolved later.
Pretty good story with some of Romita Jr’s best art (inked by Klaus Janson).
The rest of Reggie’s Hudlin’s run suffers from a lack of Romita/Janson.