By Barry Reese

March Year 3

T'challa closed his eyes and breathed in the night air. The scent of warm, cooked meat filled his nostrils and for a moment he could almost believe that he WAS a panther...a creature of unbridled passions and few obligations. He imagined a life filled with adventure and danger -- but lacking the difficult decisions one had to make as king.

When he opened his eyes, he was still standing on the terrace to his palace home. He was looking out over the wonder that was Wakanda. Located in the heart of Africa, it was a technological marvel -- home to the element Vibranium. Wakanda was not in awe of the approaching 21st century -- it was too busy defining what the century was going to be like. And no one better exemplified the dichotomy of Wakandan life than its monarch. As T'challa, he owned a doctorate in Physics and had written papers that were printed in scientific journals all over the world. But he was also the Black Panther -- sacred warrior of Wakanda and member of the mighty Avengers.

T'Challa turned back into his bedroom, the freshly cooked venison still steaming on his plate. He had dismissed his attendants and was dressed only in a fine silken robe. Wakanda was still recovering from the attacks by the Kree [see Black Panther # 1-4, read-it-all-Barry], but it was coming along quickly.

T'Challa sat down to another in a seemingly endless number of lonely meals, his mind running over the figures for the upcoming budget. When his communicator buzzed, he flipped a hand over its switch calmly, never pausing in his meal.

"Sire?" The voice was pleasant and sweet. M'swa had been one of his secretaries for almost three years and she understood him as well as anyone.

"Yes, M'swa. What is it?"

"Sire, perimeter droids report that a large energy signature has appeared on scanners. A perimeter droid sent to investigate never reported back in. Should we send a patrol out...or would you like to investigate yourself?" The question held a hint of humor -- M'swa knew the beast inside the king.

T'Challa smiled. "I shall investigate, M'swa. Thank you. And turn in early tonight -- you have pressing yourself too hard of late."

"As you command, o king. Enjoy yourself."

T'challa had already flipped off the communicator. He ran on instinct now, crossing the room to his closet. He opened it to reveal his kingly suits...and the black garb which meant so much to his people. He took out the costume of the Panther and began to put it on. It was time to hunt.

NEW YORK CITY, THE WAKANDAN EMBASSY

N'baru bit the inside of his cheek to keep from screaming. As the Wakandan ambassador to the United States, N'baru thought that he'd gotten used to seeing a parade of brightly garbed American superhumans but the being who stood before him now made him tremble.

The red-costumed villain leaned forward. His face was inhuman and mad. N'baru could hear the groans of the guards, cut down by the madman in his break-in.

"What -- what do you want?"

The villain laughed. "I'm on my last legs, Wakandan. I joined the Crimson Cowl's Masters of Evil in hopes of finding a cure for what's wrong with me -- why I'm beginning to weaken. Now I need something that only your countrymen can give me in great quantities. You're going to help me get into Wakanda... and get all the vibranium I need!"

"You're mad...The Black Panther will not stand for this."

"Ho-ho! That's rich. I have a score to settle with the Panther...and he better watch out 'cause this time Klaw is playing for keeps!"

The Panther arrived at the scene, a handheld scanner pinging as he neared the site. He sniffed the air, but detected nothing unusual. His heart was calm and at peace. Sometimes he felt most at home as the animal -- the beast who protected Wakanda. It required honor and integrity, but it was also wonderfully simple and fluid. He saw injustice and he conquered it -- as King, he often had to turn a blind eye to such things.

Something metallic caught his eye and he paused. Tiny broken bits of the perimeter droid lay in the tall grass. T'challa picked one of them up and studied it. Indentions in the material showed that it had been literally ripped apart. Each perimeter droid was equipped with a variety of weapons -- whomever had done this had been quite powerful. The Panther raised his head, turning it slightly. Footsteps, human. Very heavy indeed.

He waited until he judged the footsteps to be near enough and then he threw himself into the air, flying backwards to land behind his quarry. He quickly looked him up and down -- a human male, dressed in a mostly blue bodysuit, trimmed with red. An omega symbol appeared on the suit, and the Panther felt a flash of recognition. He couldn't place the costume, however -- someone he'd seen on the news, he knew. But long ago.

"You are trespassing on Wakandan soil. Please identify yourself."

The stranger stared at the Panther, his eyes glittering coldly. T'challa noted with interest that the man did not appear to be breathing...

"Wakanda? Is this some sort of trick?" The man made a grimace suddenly and hurled himself at the Panther, surprising T'challa with his speed. He scooped him up, applying pressure to T'challa's spine. "Tell me how I ended up back on earth!"

The Panther supressed a groan and focused himself on regaining his composure. He brought both hands down in hard chops on either side of the stranger's neck. T'challa felt the grip loosen enough for him to force himself free.

The Black Panther felt his old instincts take over. He threw himself low, kicking out to take out his opponent's legs. The stranger fell with a thud. Then the Panther was on him, straddling his chest, with a fist poised above the man's head. "This combat is pointless. You ARE in Wakanda. Surrender now and I can help you -- continue to resist and you leave me no choice."

The stranger looked as if he would continue to fight back but his face suddenly cleared and confusion flooded his eyes. "Everything is a blur. I remember...dying. But I also remember life...as a hero. Once I was called -- Omega the Unknown!"

Omega the Unknown...T'challa remembered the name. A short-lived career. He stood up and offered a hand to Omega.

"It appears we have much to talk about, my friend. Come with me to the palace and we shall seek answers together."

Omega nodded. "Yes. I would like that -- very much. There's so much that doesn't make sense."

The Panther nodded, watching as Omega's eyes took on a strange, watchful look. He would need to contact the Avengers -- read up on this strange man and where he had been these past few years. As Omega said, there was much here that did not make sense...

Deep in the Pacific Ocean, something stirred. It eyes opened slowly, awakened by strange sounds emanating from the California coast. Its first thoughts were of slumber and food, but soon a stronger sensation began calling to him. Strange pulses of sound were being channelled into his brain, dragging him up from the depths and forcing his massive legs to carry towards the United States. Still submerged, he walked. The monster known as Godzilla was answering the call...

NEXT ISSUE: The Black Panther unravels the mystery of Omega the Unknown! Plus : Godzilla goes on a rampage that the West Coast will never forget and the evil Klaw continues his mad plan. The MV1 Age of Creativity Marches On!

AUTHOR'S NOTES

Welcome to my first issue of the Black Panther. I hope to make this one of the more interesting MV1 titles. My previous credits include All-Winners Squad # 1-5 and Force Works # 23-35. Those of you who read my run on Force Works know I have a deep love for 'cheesy' 70s Marvel characters. You'll find a plethora of them popping up over the next 12 issues. In this issue alone you have the return of both Omega the Unknown and the King of Monsters, Godzilla. There will be others, rest assured...

I also hope to add some new elements to the Black Panther mythos. There will be a new love interest, some globe-hopping for T'challa, and the introduction of a new archfoe for our hero. Please write in and let me know what you loved or hated about this issue. Thanks for reading.

Barry Reese