At first glance, Black Panther may seem like nothing more than the Avengers' answer to Batman. The two characters share the same silhouette, as well as a propensity for defeating opponents that should be well above their pay grade. But Black Panther has the distinction of being royalty, as well as one of the first major black superheroes.
Black Panther is the ruler of Wakanda, a secretive, highly advanced African nation that controls most of the world's supply of the rare metal vibranium. King T'Challa journeyed to America and joined the Avengers in order to learn more about Earth's Mightiest Heroes. His heightened senses and agility are nothing to sneeze at, but his real assets are his vast array of vibranium-powered gadgets and weapons and his incredible strategic mind. T'Challa even claims to have a fail-safe plan for defeating Galactus locked away in a drawer. Black Panther is not the first monarch turned superhero, but his continuing struggle to juggle his political responsibilities and personal commitments makes him one of the most fascinating Avengers.