2. Black Panther, King of Wakanda
While the Black Panther TChalla is a great character in his own right, the African nation of Wakanda that he represents is much more interesting. Wakanda is one of the most technologically advanced nations in the world. This is largely due to the nation being the only country in the world to have deposits of the valuable sound absorbing mineral vibranium. In order to prevent other countries from exploiting this resource, Wakanda concealed itself from the wider world. The nation then sold off minute quantities of vibranium to the rest of the world in order to fund education. Vibranium can absorb sound and other vibrations and all kinetic energy directed at it, becoming tougher in the process. This makes vibranium particularly useful for weapons construction. It can also be combined with iron. Captain Americas shield is an iron-vibranium alloy. The Black Panther is a title given to the chief of the Panther Tribe and ruler of Wakanda. He is entitled to eat a heart-shaped herb exposed to vibranium which grants superhuman senses, strength, speed and stamina. He has a special vibranium costume and access to advanced Wakandan weaponry. While the title is hereditary, it must still be earned by defeating the various champions of the Wakandan tribes. The current Black Panther TChalla is an expert martial artist and one of the smartest people in the world. S.H.I.E.L.D. would be very interested in the country of Wakanda and its vibranium. Like Atlantis, Wakanda was referenced on the S.H.I.E.L.D. computer in Iron Man 2. It would be great to see the Black Panther and the highly advanced African nation of Wakanda brought to life.