This December, Black Panther: Intergalactic blasts T’Challa into the farthest reaches of the Marvel Universe—and beyond his own limits.
Spinning out of Imperial War: Black Panther, the four-issue cosmic saga from Victor LaValle (Sabretooth War) and Stefano Nesi (Gwenpool) finds the former king of Wakanda stranded in deep space, cut off from his allies, and facing forces that could shake entire worlds.
I caught up with LaValle to discuss T’Challa’s evolution, the series’ connection to Imperial War, and how this interstellar story challenges both the hero’s intellect and his heart. Plus, we’ve got your exclusive first look at the issue #3 solicitation, where T’Challa’s fight to reclaim his throne takes a perilous new turn.
Also, don’t miss exclusive unlettered preview pages for the first issue throughout this interview!
AIPT: You’ve described T’Challa as having “learned from being down” and now standing on the brink of becoming “something more.” What does “something more” mean for him in this story—and how does this cosmic setting help redefine who he is as a leader and as a man?
Victor LaValle: T’Challa had a while where he couldn’t, or wouldn’t, step into his role as leader, and his time hiding out, or working under the radar, taught him a great deal. But during the Imperial event, T’Challa had to step back into the spotlight while Wakanda was attacked by half a dozen galactic armies. So now that he’s returned, how will he stay in the spotlight? Meaning, who will be now. He’s more than used to being a king, but what does it mean for him to fully embrace the role of Emperor? I want to see how he faces his first challenge in that role.
AIPT: Black Panther: Intergalactic spins directly out of your Imperial War: Black Panther one-shot. How much did you want this series to feel like a continuation of that story versus a fresh jumping-on point for readers who might not have followed the event?
VL: The one-shot was a lot of fun to write. Black Panther versus two Hulks, what’s not to like? While that one-shot mostly served the Imperial storyline, I did fit in one element that will carry over into the series. A young man’s father is killed when the Kree attack Wakanda, and the aftereffects of that death create a problem for T’Challa, one he couldn’t have imagined when he was consoling an orphaned child. But since this is comics, we’ll be catching folks up nicely in the first issue. It’s not necessary to have read the one-shot, though it is full of Cafu’s amazing art. That alone is a reason to go read it.
AIPT: T’Challa is isolated in deep space, stripped of his usual resources and allies. How does writing Black Panther in this survival context change the way you approach his intellect and strength compared to when he’s operating in Wakanda?
VL: I wanted T’Challa to be not only isolated, but massively outnumbered and outgunned. He’s basically dropped into the middle of something bad that’s already happening, and it’s going to take all his intellect and strength to get a handle on things. But he can’t call in the Avengers, the Dora Milaje, the Hatut Zeraze. None of that. He pretty much has one lifeline, and there’s only one person he’d call first.
AIPT: Stefano Nesi’s art is vibrant and kinetic—perfect for a cosmic odyssey. How have you two worked together to balance the grandeur of intergalactic adventure with the personal, introspective side of T’Challa’s journey?
VL: I’m so excited for people to see what Stefano is doing with these pages. It’s beautiful, it’s exciting, and we have some very cool surprises throughout the issues. Some characters are going to show up who readers would never expect, and I think we’ve got a fun angle on them that will speak to our current moment, as well as the larger Black Panther universe. Don’t worry, there are no politicians popping up in the book. That’s not what I mean by current.
AIPT: You’ve written both one of Marvel’s most feral characters in Sabretooth and one of its most composed in Black Panther. If the two ever swapped places—T’Challa in the Pit and Sabretooth in space—which one do you think would handle it better?
VL: If I have to choose between Black Panther and Sabretooth, I will always bet on T’Challa. Although there was one page in the first Sabretooth mini where he imagined himself as the captain of the Starjammers. I think he’d have a lot of fun pillaging the cosmos.
A page from Sabretooth #1, featuring Sabretooth in the Starjammers!
And that’s a wrap. Check out the solicitation for issue #3 below!
Courtesy Marvel
BLACK PANTHER: INTERGALACTIC #3 (OF 4)
Victor LaValle (W) • Stefano Nesi (A) • Cover by CAFU
T’Challa faces down a planet of villains. For each he defeats, another takes its place..and the power behind them all still awaits its chance to beat the King! His only hope is to finally reunite with his sister, Shuri and the orphaned boy, Femi. And only by working together will all three have any chance of surviving…
Black Panther: Intergalactic #1 comes to comic book shops on December 17, 2025.
You must be logged in to post a comment.