First Appearance of Black Superhero "The Black Panther", 1966

[Comics][African American] Lee, Stan and Jack Kirby. Fantastic Four No. 52. New York: Marvel Comics, July 1966. First printing. 36pp. Original color-illustrated comic book, staple-bound. The historic first appearance of Black Panther, Marvel Comics’ first Black superhero and one of the most significant figures in comic book history. Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, Black Panther debuts in Fantastic Four No. 52 as T’Challa, the masked chieftain of Wakanda, a technologically advanced African nation. This issue marks the introduction of an African hero who is neither sidekick nor stereotype, but a powerful and self-sufficient leader—an unprecedented portrayal (truncated) in mainstream comics of the era. Against the backdrop of the American Civil Rights Movement, Black Panther’s arrival signified a cultural shift in superhero narratives, introducing a Black character with intelligence, dignity, and agency at a time when Black representation in comics was often relegated to offensive caricatures. The story follows the Fantastic Four—Reed Richards (Mister Fantastic), Sue Storm (Invisible Woman), Johnny Storm (Human Torch), and Ben Grimm (The Thing)—as they are invited to Wakanda by the enigmatic Black Panther. Unbeknownst to them, the invitation is a test of their abilities, as T’Challa challenges them in a calculated battle to prove his own superiority. As the story unfolds, it becomes evident that the Black Panther is not a villain but a noble leader burdened with the responsibility of protecting Wakanda’s secrets, particularly its precious resource, vibranium. This issue also introduces the character Wyatt Wingfoot, a Native American ally of the Fantastic Four, further expanding Marvel’s efforts at diverse storytelling. Moderate wear to cover edges, slight creasing, and light toning to interior pages. An essential key issue in comic book history, Fantastic Four No. 52 is the foundation of Black Panther’s legacy, paving the way for future appearances in Marvel lore, including his eventual solo series. The character’s creation would later influence the development of Black superheroes such as Luke Cage, Storm, and the Falcon, making this issue a cornerstone of African American representation in comics. (Inventory #: 21574)