The Black Panther has spent the past year freeing the previously-unknown Intergalactic Empire of Wakanda, an empire accidentally stranded in space thousands of years in the past, and ruled by the fearsome Emperor N’Jadaka. And while the tyrnant enemy merely adopted the name of T’Challa’s greatest enemy (known to outsiders as Killmonger), he’s about to become one with the original… creating Black Panther’s greatest enemy in the process.

What makes such a synergy possible is the fact that the cosmic ruler N’Jadaka gained immortality and strength through a Venom-like symbiote, eventually obscuring the line between the man and the alien. And when T’Challa defeated Emperor N’Jadaka millions of miles from Earth, the symbiote survived (unbeknownst to him, or his lieutenants, or anyone else.). And after Black Panther #16 revealed the symbiote hitched a ride home to Earth, the issue concluded with the symbiote taking control of T’Challa’s teacher Changamire. Now that the preview for Black Panther #17 has been officially revealed, the real plan being hatched by the symbiote N’Jadaka is clear. And absolutely disturbing.

Fans of the Marvel movies may be hoping beyond hope that Killmonger could return for Black Panther 2, but in the comics, the arch-nemesis of T’Challa is dead and buried. Or at least he was, until N’Jadaka and his two new students (soldiers?) take the next step in their plan. The symbiote N’Jadaka may have the wisdom of an ancient empire, but if it merged with the greatest Earthly opponent of King T’Challa? Now that is a worthy adversary. And what might be needed to put a symbiote Black Panther on Wakanda’s throne. But before we get too carried away, check out Marvel’s official preview of Black Panther #17 below.

It appears the next issue of Black Panther will cross a new line, as the symbiote N’Jadaka attempts to resurrect his namesake. Will the two combined be strong enough to defeat T’Challa? Will the combined forces of Zenzi and Tetu make it possible? The next few issues are guaranteed to be equal parts memorable and macabre, if the final panel suggests what we think it does. Until then, readers can find the full solicitation details and plot synopsis below:

  • Black Panther #17 Release Date: October 30th, 2019 Written by: Ta-Nehisi Coates Art by: Daniel Acuna Cover Art by: Daniel Acuna THE INTERGALACTIC EMPIRE OF WAKANDA - TWO THOUSAND SEASONS PART 5! THE RETURN OF KILLMONGER! The Intergalactic Empire of Wakanda has come to Earth! And that’s not all. Someone has dug up the body of Eric Killmonger — and it’s about to fall into the hands of an angry god. It’s the end of an arc — and the end of an era for the Black Panther!

Black Panther #17 will be available from your local comic book shop on October 30th, 2019.

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