10 Things Marvel Wants You To Forget About Black Panther

Since T'Challa debuted the same year that The Black Panther Party was founded, many people erroensouly believe the superhero is based on the Black Power organisation.

However, Stan Lee has repeatedly stated this claim is false. T'Challa debuted in Fantastic Four #52, which was published in April 1966. Bobby Seale didn't form the BPP until October that same year.

At first, Marvel saw no need to address the issue. But after the BPP became a more militaristic force during the 1970s, it was impossible to disassociate the group's name with the comic book character.

As a result, T'Challa officially became known as Black Leopard in 1972. T'Challa explains this revision to the Avengers by saying, "I did not want my personal goals and tribal heritage confused with political plans made by others". T'Challa also emphasises that he "neither condemns nor condones those who have taken up that name".

Six months later, T'Challa decided he shouldn't compromise his title and so, reverted to his Black Panther persona. Because he was usually referred to by his real name during his Black Leopard phase, many readers at the time didn't even notice this alteration.

Since The Black Panther Party's influence dissolved soon after, it was like Black Panther's name-change never happened.