Fantastic Four: "The Black Panther!"

Fantastic Four #52 (1966)

By Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, Joe Sinnott

Background: Johnny is going to college, where his roommate is Wyatt Wingfoot.

So, What Happens? The Fantastic Four are gifted a flying ship by an African chieftain called the Black Panther, and invited to his kingdom of Wakanda for a special hunt. Intrigued by the advanced technology of their gift, Reed accepts the invitation and the team goes to Africa together with Johnny's college roommate Wyatt Wingfoot. They soon reach Wakanda, an incredible country where the lush African jungle hides science and technology so advanced even Reed is impressed. Unfortunately, the invitation turns out to be a trap as the Black Panther appears in a full-black stalking costume and declares the Fantastic Four will be the hunted. After weakening the Thing with an electric shock, the Panther easily traps the Human Torch and causes the rest of the trio to separate, so that he can fight them individually. Susan is the first to fall when the Panther proves able to detect her by hearing and smell, and a weakened Thing is eventually defeated in a hand-to-hand fight. Reed himself doesn't fare much better at the beginning, but unbeknown to the Panther Wyatt has managed to disable his communication system and free the rest of the Fantastic Four. Together again, the team corner the Panther, who surrenders and takes off his mask to tell them his tale.

Notes: One of the Panther's invention is a portable wireless long-distance communication device: basically a cellphone with earphones decades ahead of its time. 

Something Silly This Way Comes: Other invention's aren't quite as inspired, especially the "magnetic antipolarity beams" that separate the team by making the FF repel each other. The Invisible Girl was still a world away from the competent hero she'll become: Reed orders her to turn invisible as soon as she hits the ground, and so she does "as Reed said". Speaking of Reed, making a lasso out of his arm looks quite silly.

Review: It's not often that a story can be pivotal for its publishing company and for the entire world of comic books while still be entertaining at the same time. This is the case here, as Fantastic Four #52 introduces the first black superhero in mainstream comic books and a Marvel mainstay without sacrificing the story or making the FF guests in their own magazine. By using the invitation as a way to skip a lengthy introduction, Stan quickly puts the pieces in place and prepares the readers for the wonder that is Wakanda, with its juxtaposition of science and tradition. Here, things wobble for a moment, as it looks a little far-fetched that Wakandans would still use tribal wear or live in thatched houses despite all the science at their disposal, but the introduction of the Black Panther himself quickly shifts the focus on his tactics against the Fantastic Four and puts the story back on track.

As a character, the Black Panther doesn't always work - for example, he will never really shine as an Avenger, eclipsed by Captain America in terms of leadership/strategy/hand-to-hand combat, and by the more flexible Iron Man or Hank Pym in terms of science - but this debut story is very effective at showcasing all his skills. In the space of less than 20 pages, he proves himself to be a scientist, a strategist and a capable fighter, while also hinting at a charismatic and fair personality. This is all quite revolutionary considering the portrayal of black characters in 1966, and it would be interesting to know if Stan was riding the wave of the Chicago Freedom Movement, trying to appeal to a wider black audience who didn't have any hero to identify with, or simply express his more liberal side. Most likely, a combination of the above.

Despite serving mostly as an excuse to introduce the Panther, the FF don't really get the short end of the stick, as Stan relies on the common plot structure that has them each defeated at first and then triumphant by the end. In fact, by choosing them instead of the Avengers as his final test, the Black Panther emphasizes the Four's status as the premiere superhero team at this point in time, something already mentioned by Dr. Doom in Avengers #25. As it's often the case however, not all four heroes shine the same, with the Storms defeated a little too easily and Ben proving he is always the most strong-willed of the team. Having Wyatt Wingfoot be the one who tips the scales adds an element of unpredictability, but at the same time feels a little forced, a bit like those early stories where Rick Jones saves the Avengers. 

As expected, the art is top notch. Joe Sinnott is my favourite Kirby inker, and virtually all panels are beautiful and flawless, not to mention dynamic and dramatic when they need to. Something that doesn't quite convince me however is the representation of Wakanda's tech. When asked to draw amazing or alien technology, Kirby most often comes up with intricate, weirdly shaped tubes and columns, looking more like abstract art than anything remotely useful. Likewise, I'm lukewarm about the Panther's original costume, mostly the ears and little cape making it look a bit silly in comparison to the more streamlined, definitive look he will use later on. 

Final Verdict: History in the making and a very enjoyable story with only very small flaws. 4.5/5