| A member of the super-hero team the Avengers published by
Marvel Comics.
T'Challa is the king of the African nation of Wakanda. His
father T'Chaka was killed by Ulysses Klaw, a mercenary who
sought to steal the nation's deposit of Vibranium. Vibranium
is a rare extraterrestrial metal whose properties allow it
to absorb vibrations and the force of impacts, making it a highly
sought commodity. T'Challa swore vengence upon his father's killer
and tracked him down. Klaw lost both the Vibranium and his hand
in the encounter.
T'Challa traveled the world after his father's death, being
educated in the world's finest institutions. Returning to
Wakanda, T'Challa was required to pass two tests before he would
be allowed to lead the nation. First, he was forced to combat the
six finest warriors in Wakanda and defeat them in unarmed combat.
Second, T'Challa had to obtain the heart-shaped herb that gives all
of the leaders of Wakanda their power. T'Challa passed both tests and
was granted the right to wear the mantle of the national totem, the
Black Panther.
The Black Panther has enhanced speed, strength, endurance, and senses from
ingesting the heart-shaped herb. He is a superb hand-to-hand combatant and
is an accomplished tracker. His costume incorporates a number of technological
enhancements, making him a formidable opponent.
Under T'Challa's leadership, Wakanda has become an wealthy, technologically
advanced nation. During this time, T'Challa met Captain America and was
offered admittance into the Avengers. Accepting his offer, T'Challa took
a leave of absence from his royal duties and served as a member of the
super-hero team for many years. Upon returning to his home, T'Challa was
shocked to learn that it was in turmoil from his lack of leadership. T'Challa
has since returned his nation to order and is working to make it a power in
the world. | 
