Coal Tiger
| Coal Tiger | |
|---|---|
 T'Chaka the Coal Tiger. | |
| Publication information | |
| Publisher | Marvel Comics |
| First appearance | A-Next #4 (1999) |
| Created by |
Tom DeFalco Brent Anderson |
| In-story information | |
| Alter ego | T'Chaka |
| Species | Human Mutant |
| Team affiliations | A-Next |
| Abilities | Able to shapeshift into a feline humanoid with cat-like powers. |
Coal Tiger (Prince T'Chaka II) is a fictional character who appeared in the Marvel Comics' MC2 series A-Next. He is the son of T'Challa, King of Wakanda and the superhero known as Black Panther.
Fictional character biography
When a racist team of villains called the Soldiers of the Serpent attacked T'Challa's friend N'Kano (who was on a diplomatic mission for Wakanda in New York), A-Next tried to save him. As the Serpents battled with the heroes of A-Next, T'Challa's son T'Chaka charged into battle. While Mainframe tried to convince the youth to leave the battle, T'Chaka shapeshifted into a feral black werecat called the "Coal Tiger". Coal Tiger's bestial abilities were able to turn the tide in A-Next's favor. He was offered membership with the team after the battle was won, but he declined, stating that he would be available to help if they needed him. [1]
When all of the members of A-Next were captured by an evil version of A-Next called The Revengers, Coal Tiger was one of the many heroes who came to free the captured superheroes. When A-Next was freed and the Revengers were defeated, Coal Tiger finally agreed to join the team.[2]
Powers and abilities
Coal Tiger can change into a humanoid cat creature. In his feline form, he has superhuman strength and agility, as well as enhanced senses and retractable razor-sharp claws on his fingers and toes.
Other Coal Tigers
Coal Tiger is also the name of an alternate universe version of T'Challa himself, who appeared in Avengers vol 1 #355 as a member of the Gatherers, a group of former Avengers from different universes. [3]
A Coal Tiger is mentioned in Captain America vol 1 #389 as an opponent of the Zambian villainess Impala. [4]
In Black Panther vol 3 #60, the Coal Tigers are mentioned as being a rank in the Panther Cult. [5]
The name "Coal Tiger" was one of several that Stan Lee and Jack Kirby were bandying back and forth as a possible name for the character who in mainstream continuity in the Marvel Universe became Black Panther.[6]
In other Media
While the character has never appeared, in Ultimate Avengers 2 the powers of the Coal Tiger seemed to be part of Panther line. Both King T'Chaka and T'Challa transform into cat creatures during their fights with Kleiser.
References
- ↑ A-Next Vol. 1 #4
- ↑ A-Next Vol. 1 #4
- ↑ Avengers Forever #1-12
- ↑ Captain America vol 1 #389
- ↑ Black Panther vol 3 #60
- ↑ "Comic Legends Addendum: Before He Was Black Panther… | Comics Should Be Good! @ Comic Book Resources". Goodcomics.comicbookresources.com. Retrieved 2011-01-06.
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