Marvel’s previews for Ultimate Black Panther reveal that Wakanda is under the guiding leadership of both a King and Queen. While T’Challa remains as this reality’s King of Wakanda, he is now aided by a loving wife and Queen in the form of Okoye. That’s right, the Dora Milaje’s former general and T’Challa’s confidant has become his wife in Earth-6160. Together, the two will guide their isolated nation through an attempted invasion by Lords Khonshu and Ra, the entities known as Moon Knights.
Ultimate Black Panther Previews
Previews for Ultimate Black Panther #1 introduce King T’Challa and Queen Okoye in a rather dramatic fashion. Black Panther is in the middle of a nightmarish vision that shows what is happening in West Africa. Lord Khonshu and Ra AKA Moon Knight are currently attacking a village. Together, the two are using fear and violence to spread their influence throughout the continent. As the two use their power to overtake the small village, T’Challa startles awake in the room he shares with his wife.
The pages then reveal that Okoye is the wife of the Ultimate Universe’s T’Challa. She attempts to comfort her husband, remarking that he is her King. However, he quickly corrects her by pushing such language aside and noting they are equals. Okoye counters that they are not equals, at least in the eyes of their nation’s traditions. This leads T’Challa to head for the balcony as he contemplates on traditions. The previews end with T’Challa remarking that traditions must change as a new dawn breaks over Wakanda. Will this new universe completely change the mythos of Wakanda? Or is the loss of tradition a more ominous sign for the Marvel hero?
The Ultimate Universe
Seeing Okoye as Wakanda’s Queen may come as a shock to many. In most of Marvel’s history, it is the X-Man Storm that is involved with T’Challa. In fact, the recently released Marvel: Voices: Legends shares a story involving the grandchildren of Storm and T’Challa. Although, Okoye has always shared a strong bond with the King of Wakanda, so their marriage makes sense…kind of.
Ultimate Black Panther #1 is part of Jonathan Hickman’s recently rebooted Ultimate Universe. This Marvel reality takes place in the universe known as Earth-6160. These new Ultimate versions of iconic characters will provide new origins for the heroes. It will also take them on new paths and adventures. Joining Ultimate Black Panther down the line will be the Ultimate versions of Storm and Killmonger. All three join the previously announced Ultimate versions of Spider-Man and the X-Men.
Ultimate Black Panther #1 is on sale 02/07.
