• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Comic Book Herald

A Comic Book Reading Order Guide For Beginners & Fans

  • Reading Orders
    • Marvel
    • My Marvelous Year
    • DC Comics
    • All Comic Book Publishers
    • Most Recent
  • Beginner Guides
    • Beginner’s Guide To Comics In 2025
    • Marvel 2025: Where to Start?
    • DC 2025: Where to Start?
    • Best of Lists
    • Tablets for Comics
    • Guides for Digital Readers
  • Reviews
    • Marvel Comics
    • DC Comics
    • Comic Book Movies
    • Comic Book TV
    • Video Games
  • Podcasts & Video
    • My Marvelous Year
    • Best Comics Ever (CBH)
    • CBH on Youtube!
  • About Me
    • My Favorite Comics of All Time
    • Columns
    • CBH Email Newsletter
  • Support Comic Book Herald
    • Ways to support
You are here: Home / Featured / Black Panther: Panther’s Prey Epic Collection Review!

Black Panther: Panther’s Prey Epic Collection Review!

January 21, 2021 by Monika Estrella Negra 2 Comments

The Black Panther franchise has seen its popularity soar since the cinematic adaptation hit theaters in 2018. The newest installment into the Epic Collection, Panther’s Prey revisits Don Mcgregor’s 1988 work of the same name, Panther’s Quest (Marvel Present #13-#37) and the spackling of Black Panther micro appearances in SOLO Avenger’s #1, Marvel Fanfare (1982 #60) and Fantastic Four Unlimited #1. After Panther’s Quest, the collection features Black Panther in a series of standalone appearances. In The Vanities of Philip Whitehead, Black Panther teams up with Hawkeye against Plant Man.

Don McGregor and Billy Graham are partially responsible for Black Panther’s ascension to the mainstream masses at a time where most superheroes were white men. Billy Graham had previously worked on Luke Cage, and McGregor was one of the few writers of his day who had an interest in telling a great Black Panther story, so when the two met it was a match made in Wakandan heaven. The two created the now legendary Jungle Action series, which delved into T’Challa’s life more than any other series had done at the time.

Related:

Black Panther reading order

Later, Don McGregor collaborated with Dwayne Turner as penciller for Panther’s Prey. This story is essentially a sequel to McGregor’s work with Marvel Comics Presents (#13-#37) but is direct, succinct and catches up with characters whose fate remained unknown from McGregor’s Jungle Action. Like much of McGregor’s other work, the series deals with difficult subject matter, and themes that are touched upon include apartheid, rape, slavery, and drug usage.

Panther’s Prey

Panther’s Prey, written by Don McGregor, art by Dwayne Turner and Steve Mattsson, lettering by Tim Harkins

T’Challa goes to South Africa to find answers in regards to his mother – Ramunda. Ramunda was kidnapped and sexually assaulted by Anton Pretorious, a white South African man who was obsessed with Ramonda after meeting her at a protest against apartheid in South Africa. While in the comics Ramonda is not T’Challa’s biological mother, she still plays an important part in his reign and triumphs throughout the series. He rescues her after a bloody showdown with Afrikaneers, promptly returning to Wakanda – a symbolization of the rebuttal of colonization and racism on the continent. Self sustainability and autonomy are recurring objectives throughout these issues.

 

Support For Comic Book Herald:

Comic Book Herald is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a qualifying affiliate commission.

Comic Book Herald’s reading orders and guides are also made possible by My Marvelous Year club support on Patreon, and generous reader donations.

Any size contribution will help keep CBH alive and full of new comics guides and content. Support CBH’s My Marvelous Year on Patreon for exclusive rewards, or Donate here! Thank you for reading!

In this regard, Panther’s Quest and Panther’s Prey touch upon a lot of subjects in regards to African assimilation and rejection in the Western world. This could be a nod to pre-colonial times in African countries, where great Kingdoms existed before Europe plundered it for its resources. Vibranium is the resource through which Wakanda has remained a sovereign nation, free of Western influence. However, in Panther’s Prey, we see the destructive elements of Western society begin to permeate the seal of privacy Wakanda had enjoyed for ages. This is why, in many stories, there is a bit of apprehension towards T’challa’s aspiration to make the city technologically advanced.

Marvel Comics Presents #13, written by Don McGregor, art by Gene Colan, Tom Palmer, and Glynis Oliver, lettering by Joe Rosen

Enter Solomon Prey. When not making extreme alterations to his body, Solomon devises a sinister plan to knock T’Challa off of the throne and secure the loyalty and trust of his partner in crime, Tanika. Solomon was a Wakandan but moved to the states, studied at Harvard and changed his name. His rivalry with T’Challa is definitely mired in jealousy but it is at the expense of a woman, which says a lot about the antagonists in this series. He becomes so blinded by his own envy that he submits himself to a grueling and painful surgery in order to become a Pteranodon super hybrid, and thus begins to plot the end of T’Challa. He teams up with the Lightning Lancers, who ‘domesticate’ Pteranodons and begins his assault against Kantu.

Kantu, a kid who once defeated Killmonger with T’Challa, is clearly troubled but has been feeling isolated and alienated from Wakanda. In a heartbreaking scene, Kantu admires his own statue in the heart of Wakanda. He is a grown man and the statue is of his youth and it is covered with bird’s droppings. He sees this and makes note that he is not the revered figure that Wakandan’s initially thought he was. Kantu is attacked by the Lancers, T’Challa running to his rescue. Kantu is saved but ungrateful and angry at T’Challa. Perhaps it is the residual trauma that was endured by the attacks from Killmonger – but the resentment is there. Kantu felt that his glory had faded while T’Challa remained on the throne.

Despite this, you can definitely assume that T’Challa cares about Kantu deeply and their relationship becomes clearer after T’Challa witnesses Kantu smoking crack. It’s not a secret that the largest affected group from the crack cocaine epidemic in the 90s were African Americans. This parallel also points out the stark contrast of Wakanda vs Western culture – whereas if Wakandans maintained their autonomy, they would not have to deal with the social problems the West deals with on the regular. This is an exaggeration because if anything, Wakanda remaining as an independent country only makes them a target in the world’s eyes – especially because of their vibranium. Undoubtedly, the idea of crack cocaine having an effect on Wakandans is a bit absurd, considering that it is today widely regarded to have been a genocidal attempt on African Americans at the behest of the U.S. government. The historical significance and the history of Wakanda doesn’t check out and it was better left out of the storyline.

Marvel Comics Presents #13, written by Don McGregor, art by Gene Colan, Tom Palmer, and Mike Rockwitz, lettering by Joe Rosen

Love and marriage is a consistent theme for T’challa throughout the series. He continues his turbulent relationship with Monica Lynne who makes appearances throughout the series. Monica was the love interest of T’challa while he was in New York. The pair were supposed to have been married but she had broken it off.  She returns as a flashback of his better memories and is a reminder of the love he experienced while away from Wakanda. In addition, he has to find a woman to marry and produce an heir (cliche, eh?). With the growing list of antagonists on his heels, the need to secure the safety of the Wakandan monarchy becomes a consistent recurring story arc (although his sister Shuri does appear several years down the line to stand in his place).

Tanzika, who spitefully began a relationship with Prey because of T’challa’s decision to love an American, reminds us of how Monica also began a relationship with Killmonger in order to ‘hit’ T’challa where it hurts. It seems that T’challa is quite the catch and it’s bonkers that literal wars happen just to marry him. The women in the series consistently fall into the madonna/whore complex, which makes it difficult to get a feel for who they are outside of T’Challa.

There is also conflict between the women due to their respective nationalities, with Nakia of the Dora Milaje attacking Monica upon her arrival to Wakanda. This is a bit stereotypical, which is why I am elated that this storyline never found its way into the film adaptation of Black Panther. Black Panther does end up marrying Ororo Munroe (the X-Men’s Storm) and it is rumored that McGregor had planned on writing a series called Black Panther: Vows to highlight the tumultuous relationships he became involved in.

Panther’s Prey, written by Don McGregor, art by Dwayne Turner and Steve Mattsson, lettering by Tim Harkins

Overall, the collection is a nod towards the progression Black Panther endured in the numerous hands of creators. McGregor took quite an ambitious jump when he attempted to scribe the Ku Klux Klan vs Black Panther bit (which he never finished writing) and while he caught flack, we can only assume that he paved the way for more ‘controversial’ content to be created within the Marvel Universe.

T’Challa is a superhero that is dedicated to the Wakandan people, especially his father T’Chaka, who was viciously murdered. While he can be a bit egocentric, the fact that so many people are determined to take him down speaks volumes. Yes, the ‘natural’ enemy can be racism and white supremacy, but the majority of his personal villains are those that are closer to him. Venomm, Kaki, Kantu, Prey, Taku, Tanzika and Killmonger are the antithesis of what Wakanda actually stands for.

In order to have unity, we must overcome this idea of individualism, which at its best is a Western social concept. When the throes of western society mix with Wakanda, you end up with complete and total discord, not unlike the discord many African-Americans have had to endure on this side of the world. Unfortunately, the series ends with the ‘crack’ epidemic still having a place in Wakanda. I am still not sure if this was because of a lack of ideas or if it was a warning for the dangers of Western influence in Africa. Either way, it was a sloppy end to a valiant effort to put Black Panther on the map in the comics universe. Here’s to a brighter and more enlightened path for our favorite Wakandan.

Panther’s Prey, written by Don McGregor, art by Dwayne Turner and Steve Mattsson, lettering by Tim Harkins

Filed Under: Featured, Marvel Reviews Tagged With: Black Panther

Heroically Support Comic Book Herald!

If you like Comic Book Herald, and are able to donate, any small contribution will help keep CBH alive and full of new comics guides and content. Donate here! Or, support CBH on Patreon for exclusive rewards! Thank you for reading!

Become a Patron!

CBH Newsletter!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. David Bowen says

    January 24, 2021 at 2:28 pm

    Excellent review!
    We need more of this sort of open embrace of the political and postcolonial dimensions at work in the medium. Without that, there can’t be an honest account, whatever the topic.
    And it also just makes things more interesting! When we take time to grapple with how the stories we love address or deny the reality from which they allow us temporary escape.
    Making those connections with the old “world outside your window” is where the meaning happens.
    Kudos!

    Reply
  2. John Galati says

    January 22, 2021 at 10:48 am

    Fantastic work, Monika!

    Your point about the (sometimes) subtle ways cultures threaten to usurp others, and how that can lead to even well-meaning or even positive adaptation being seen with suspicion. Seeing T’Challa’s adoption of technology would likely seem as some kind of forward-thinking, progressive, moral good to American readers. I love how you’ve brought up Prey’s bodily surrender to tech (and that ideal) as a sobering counterpoint to that.

    Welcome aboard! I cannot wait to read more

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

The My Marvelous Year Podcast!

Apple PodcastsRSS

CBH Newsletter!

My Marvelous Year Podcast and Reading Club 1

Recent Posts

  • 2010 Variant Cover E: Thunderbolts Review w/ Tiffany Babb May 12, 2025
  • Extra Issues – Lucifer Pt. 2 (2000) May 8, 2025
  • 2010 Pt. 9: Thor: The Mighty Avenger, Bucky on Trial, & Invincible Iron Man May 5, 2025
  • My Favorite Graphic Novels of April 2025 May 1, 2025
  • 2010 Variant Cover D: Dave Interviewed Donny Cates & Chris Claremont! And Daredevil: Born Again Review! April 27, 2025
  • 2010 Pt. 8: Daredevil: Shadowland April 21, 2025
  • 2010 Pt. 7: Wolverine, Second Coming, & Uncanny X-Force April 14, 2025
  • Extra Issues – Lucifer Pt. 1 (2000) April 7, 2025
  • 2010 Variant Cover C: Marvel Rivals Resurrects the X-Men’s Krakoa, Trivia & Jiggle Physics! April 7, 2025
  • My Favorite Graphic Novels of March 2025 April 7, 2025
  • 2010 Pt. 6: Hickman’s Fantastic Four: Three March 31, 2025
  • 2010 Pt. 5: Realm of Kings & Thanos Imperative March 24, 2025
  • 2010 Variant Cover B: Daredevil Born Again (Again) TV Series Review! March 17, 2025
  • 2010 Pt. 4: Amazing Spider-Man: Big Time & Dave’s Favorite Black Widow Story March 10, 2025
  • My Favorite Graphic Novels of February 2025 March 4, 2025

Popular Articles

DC Rebirth Guide

Batman Reading Order

DC New 52 Reading Order

Marvel Ultimate Universe Guide

Civil War Reading Order

Marvel Cosmic Reading Order

The Best Comics of All Time!

Deadpool Reading Order

Justice League Reading Order

Complete Thanos Reading Order

X-Men Reading Guide (Modern Era)

Age of Apocalypse Reading Order

Modern Marvel Universe in 25 Trades

Best Tablet For Digital Comics

Is Marvel Unlimited Worth It?

Footer

New to Comic Book Herald?

Hey there - my name's Dave and this is my comic book blog. It's my way of sharing my borderline obsessive addiction to the comic book medium, and I hope you like some of what's going on here.

Most people that come here are looking for my (WIP) Marvel reading order guide. You can probably also get a sense if CBH is for you by taking a look at some of my columns.

If you like what you see, let's connect on Facebook or Twitter. Or, leave a comment on the blog here, I'm always looking for new awesome people in the comic book community.

More on Comic Book Herald

  • Home
  • About
  • Support CBH
  • My Marvelous Year
  • Join!
Privacy Policy
Terms of Service

Recent Posts

  • 2010 Variant Cover E: Thunderbolts Review w/ Tiffany Babb
  • Extra Issues – Lucifer Pt. 2 (2000)
  • 2010 Pt. 9: Thor: The Mighty Avenger, Bucky on Trial, & Invincible Iron Man
  • My Favorite Graphic Novels of April 2025
  • 2010 Variant Cover D: Dave Interviewed Donny Cates & Chris Claremont! And Daredevil: Born Again Review!

Copyright © 2025 · Metro Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in