Black Panther Ready to Pounce

About this drawing

Crouching Black Panther copies the pose of a real panther about to pounce. Under the mask is T'Challa, king of Wakanda, a made-up African nation that Marvel's comics describe as the most advanced country on Earth.

Wakanda's secret is vibranium, a metal that fell from the sky in a meteorite long ago. It soaks up impacts and vibrations, and the Wakandans used it to build technology far ahead of the rest of the world, which they kept hidden for centuries.

Black Panther's suit is made of vibranium, so it can take tremendous hits. The king also drinks the essence of a heart-shaped herb that gives him strength, speed and reflexes beyond any normal person. His claws help him climb and fight.

Black Panther arrived in comics in 1966 as the first Black superhero in mainstream American comics. His 2018 movie was a massive hit and became the first superhero film nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture. The Wakanda salute, with arms crossed over the chest, became famous around the world after the film. Kids on playgrounds everywhere began copying it, and it is still a favorite way for fans to greet each other.

• black panther
• marvel
• wakanda
• superheroes