Marvel has been heavily promoting the launch of Ultimate Black Panther (written by Bryan Edward Hill and drawn by Stefano Casselli) and yet another preview for the series has been released.
In the latest look at the upcoming series launch, we learn that T'Challa is married and it's not to someone most comic book readers and MCU fans would guess.
Previously, Storm and Black Panther were married and romantically involved in the main 616 Marvel Universe but it seems that in the comic publisher's revived Ultimate line of books, Storm will be paired with Killmonger. And it seems the latter has been reimagined as a freedom-fighting hero that's waging war against Moon Knight and his forces.
In the MCU, T'Challa was linked to Nakia before his untimely demise but that's not who he's sleeping beside the King of Wakanda in Marvel's Ultimate Line. Instead, T'Challa is married to Okoye, who is shown to be the Former General of the Dora Milaje.
Some MCU fans have long held the belief that Okoye would be a better match for T'Challa instead of Nakia and it looks like the Ultimate line will explore that relationship. However, we're guessing that things could change very quickly, especially since Marvel is willing to give away such a big surprise in a pre-release preview.
In a previous interview, writer Bryan Hill stated, "I was invigorated by this opportunity because in addition to my immense respect for Jonathan Hickman’s detailed storytelling, the idea of shepherding this bold new take on Black Panther in this event gives me a platform to do the kind of broad, epic, storytelling I’ve always wanted to do in comics. My influences range from the history of Black Panther comics to Ryan Coogler’s incredible work with the recent films, to Frank Herbert’s worldbuilding capacity of Dune"
He went on to tease, "This is something people won’t expect, in the best of ways, and full credit to Marvel and editors Wil Moss and Michelle Marchese for bringing this creative possibility to me."
Ultimate Black Panther #1 hits comic book stands on February 7.
ULTIMATE BLACK PANTHER #1
writer: Bryan Hill
artist:Steffano Casseli
variant covers by: Ethan Young, Travel Foreman, TBA
40 pgs/$5.99
Rated T for Teen
Marvel's Ultimate Black Panther Synopsis: In the wake of ULTIMATE INVASION, Khonshu and Ra – the force known together as Moon Knight – are seeking to expand their brutal control of the continent of Africa. In response, the lone bulwark against them, the isolated nation of Wakanda, will send forth its champion…its king…the Black Panther! From the creative minds of Bryan Hill (BLADE, KILLMONGER) and Stefano Caselli (X-MEN RED, AVENGERS) comes a bold new take on the world of Black Panther and Wakanda!