The Black Panther is returning to Marvel Comics in February in a series scripted by director (Bernie Mac Show) and writer (Birth of a Nation, see 'Book Houses Offer Major Graphic Novel Releases') Reginald Hudlin, with art by John Romita Jr. (Spider-Man, Wolverine).  The February launch is timed to coincide with Black History Month. 

 

Hudlin said of his work on the series, 'I'm thrilled to be given the opportunity to bring back the character in a way that not only respects the original idea of Stan Lee [who created the character with Jack Kirby in 1966, ed.], but also explores a side of his history that fans have never seen before.'

 

The first six issues will explore the origin of the character in the African country of Wakanda, and the second six issues will bring Black Panther into the modern Marvel Universe, interacting with the Avengers, Spider-Man, and the X-Men, as well as meeting other black heroes, including Blade, Luke Cage, and Storm. 

 

Marvel EIC Joe Quesada said of the project, 'Reggie Hudlin's idea to bring back the Black Panther with a storyline that repositioned the character's role from that of a niche character to much larger role in the Marvel Universe was so fresh and exciting, we were all captivated with the idea.  In fact, we see the Black Panther taking on the same kind of prominence in the Marvel Universe as Spider-Man.'