I Am T'Challa. And I Am So Much More Than My Throne
Black Panther can exist without his crown. T'Challa has struggled to define himself since leaving Wakanda and losing his throne. Without royal status, he faced a Marvel hero crossroads.
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Eve L. Ewing, Mack Chater, Chris Allen, Craig Yeung, Jesus Aburtov, and VC's Joe Sabin explore T'Challa's purpose beyond being king in Black Panther #8. T'Challa lost his crown fighting crime in Birnin T'Chaka since the series began.
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He dressed as Black Panther without royal permission or resources. Time helps T'Challa know himself. T'Challa confidently shares city lessons after losing the crown. Finishing one self-discovery arc opens many Black Panther stories.
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Some have compared T'Challa to Killmonger for his dubious final acts as king of Wakanda, including secretly maintaining a global sleeper agent network. Black Panther was exiled and dethroned when everything connected.
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Since moving to crime-ridden Birnin T'Chaka, he's Batman-like street-level Black Panther. After fighting the mutant Monet St. Croix, T'Challa and his new Catwoman-like femme fatale friend Natima (Beisa) take a train back to Birnin T'Chaka.
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The former king recounts his city education and humility to kill time. He feels stronger without kingship. He understands himself after losing everything. I'm T'Challa. I am more than throne."
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T'Challa became a street hero. T'Challa struggled to protect his city last issue, but self-reflection and city discovery advanced his superhero mission and character.
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Most importantly, his self-discovery arc ends, allowing character-driven stories outside Wakanda and the Black Panther's rule.
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