BLACK PANTHER:CHAMPION OF
WAKANDA #1
A HOUSE DIVIDED PART 1
By: Jeremy Las Dulce & Jordan Bluford
High in the mountains surrounding Wakanda Shuri has called T'Challa for assistance of a dire matter.
T'Challa: Hello sister
Shuri: Hello brother
T'Challa: How are you adjusting to the crown?
Shuri lowers her head and turns her back to T'Challa as she gazes emptily down upon Wakanda.
Shuri: It's a lot more difficult than I expected; you were a far better leader T'Chulla.
T'Challa: Don't count yourself out yet. It took me a while to accomplish what I have. Although, I assume you didn't call me here today for a pep talk?
Shuri tells back to T'Challa and looks him in his eyes. Her eyes are filled with sadness and fear.
Shuri: I suppose it all begin soon after I became the Black Panther….
(FLASHBACK)
In the center of the Wakandian market a man has gathered a large crowd of people around him. He wears brown robes accented with pale red and his face is twisted with anger as he fells at the top of his lungs.
Unknown Speaker: First the "great" king T'Challa betrays us by marrying that witch Ororo. Then they make his sister Shuri our new leader. What has she done to gain such a title? How has she served us, her supposed people?
The crowd begins to become more agitated as well begin to talk amongst themselves.
Unknown Speaker: This cannot be allowed. We cannot permit our country to be lead astray by the actions of an unproven Queen. This family has ruled us long enough. I say we take back Wakanda. FOR ITS PEOPLE!
As the man threw his hands into the air the crowd erupted in applause. They became chanting "A'Chima, A'Chima, A'Chima!" Then the man stepped down and disappeared into the masses….In the palace however Shuri watches down at the gathering. N'Gassi stands beside her looking at the masses with disgust in his face.
N'Gassi: How dare they question your rule? You are the rightful heir to the throne and its only true ruler.
Shuri: I know that and soon the people shall too.
N'Gassi: Should have the guards arrest that man?
Shuri: No. That will only serve to further aggravate the people's hatred. I will make his words powerless through my leadership.
N'Gassi: As you wish my queen.
(END FLASHBACK)
Shuri: That was the first but far from the last time A'Chima rallied the people against me. All of my accomplishments were belittled and twisted. Even when I repelled attacks by the White Gorilla tribe the people turned their backs to me….T'Challa I am losing our country.
(T'Challa putts his hand on his sister's shoulder in an attempt to ease her concern)
T'Challa: I understand sister. We shall find a way….
It is then that T'Challa's Kimoyo Card began to vibrate. He pulled it out of his pocket as the voice of
Storm began to emulate from it.
Storm: T'Challa, I'm glad I was able to get in touch with you.
T'Challa: What is it Ororo?
Storm: This is difficult to say but…
BOOM! The sound of massive explosions could be heard rippling through the mountains. Shuri and T'Challa gazed down at Wakanda as the Panther Turrets were engulfed in flames.
T'Challa: I have to go! WAKANDA IS UNDER ATTACK!
Then without a word they both ran down the mountain side and to the gates of Wakanda. As the arrived they stood in shock as the country was being torn apart by its own people. Off in the distance the Wakandian flags surrounding the palace burned to the ground as a new flag was raised. It was silver with a golden orange sun rising in its center…Now in the palace the usurper A'Chima sits upon the throne. A Caucasian man in a black suit with a red "99" on his jacket stands beside him smiling sinisterly.
A'Chima: I must thank you Mr. Lycaon, without you this all would not have been possible.
Mr. Lycaon: Oh, please don't thank me. I am only an extension of AIM.
A'Chima: And so end the age of the Panther. Long live the True King... Are you ready?
Mysterious Voice: Just give the command my lord and the Jaguar will pounce.
How will Shuri and T'Chulla reclaim Wakanda? Who is Mr. Lycaon? What is AIM's involvement? Who is the mysterious solider of A'Chima? Find out in Issue #2: House Divided Part II