Fans have long cherished the iconic Black Panther for what he represents, especially the cultural significance and representation he brought to the superhero world. But a new and controversial storyline has stirred strong reactions, as it seems to shift that very foundation.
This storyline dives into the legacy of Black Panther and introduces a successor who, quite surprisingly, looks white.
This twist follows earlier backlash Marvel received over claims of ‘whitewashing’ another major character—Doctor Doom.
In this comic, a fresh character named Ketema is brought in. His name translates to “fortified encampment,” adding a symbolic weight to his identity.
In this new twist, T’Challa, the Wakandan prince, reveals that Ketema is his child, born from his earlier romance with Monica Lynne.
That’s when things take a surprising direction—Ketema is revealed to be white. He has bright blonde hair, piercing blue eyes, and facial features commonly associated with white individuals.
“Whitewashing Black Panther is insane,” exclaimed a frustrated critic, and another person vented: “Black Panther is WHITE! Marvel actually did the unthinkable and it’s INSANE!”
“What if Ryan Gosling is coming into Marvel to play the Black Panther after all?” floated another, adding to the rumors.
The storyline was actually created by Christopher Priest, who co-wrote Marvel Knights: The World To Come along with Joe Quesada, Richard Isanove, and Richard Starkings.