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 (As a feline humanoid):
Superhuman strength and agility
Enhanced senses
Retractable razor sharp claws

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 the Panther line. Both King T'Chaka and T'Challa transform into cat creatures during their fights with Kleiser.

References

  1. A-Next Vol. 1 #4
  2. A-Next Vol. 1 #4
  3. Avengers Forever #1-12
  4. Captain America vol 1 #389
  5. Black Panther vol 3 #60
  6. "Comic Legends Addendum: Before He Was Black Panther… | Comics Should Be Good! @ Comic Book Resources". Goodcomics.comicbookresources.com. Retrieved 2011-01-06.