10 Essential Black Panther Comics

2. The Panther's Rage

The Panther's Rage is one of the first truly great Marvel story-arcs, but it's also one of the publisher's most overlooked.

Written in the pages of Jungle Action from 1973 onwards, Don McGregor and Rich Buckler's comic was revolutionary for its time, weaving a dark and intricate tale of conspiracy and deception that, much like Dennis O'Neil's seventies Batman series, heralded the beginning of the end of the Bronze Age of comics.

It was miles ahead of the other comics Marvel were then publishing, but its salience lies in both its influence off the page and in its expansion of Wakandan mythology. Killmonger (portrayed by Michael B. Jordan in the new film), was first introduced in the comic, and McGregor et al. did much to highlight the actual citizens of Wakanda themselves, exploring the nation's history while analysing the struggles of T'Challa's supporting cast, including his then spouse, who had only just arrived in his home country.

It's absorbing, atmospheric and a great experience from start to finish. It's also damn near the best Panther tale of all time, and one every comic book reader should have on their shelves.