Erik Killmonger
Erik Killmonger | |
---|---|
Publication information | |
Publisher | Marvel Comics |
First appearance | Jungle Action #6 (September 1973) |
Created by | |
In-story information | |
Full name | N'Jadaka |
Notable aliases | Erik Killmonger |
Abilities |
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Erik Killmonger (
The character has been adapted from the comics into several other forms of media, such as television series and video games. Michael B. Jordan portrayed the character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe films Black Panther (2018) and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022), and voiced an alternate reality version in the animated series What If...? (2021).
Publication history
Erik Killmonger first appeared in the "Panther's Rage" storyline, initially in Jungle Action #6-8 (September 1973 - January 1974), and was created by writer Don McGregor and penciler Rich Buckler.
Fictional character biography
Killmonger was born in Wakanda under the name N'Jadaka. His parents were killed by raiders led by M'Demwe, a traitorous citizen of the Golden Realm who sold out secrets of his home nation to
N'Jadaka was a gifted intellectual from an early age. This trait was exploited by his surrogate father M'Demwe, the very same who murdered his family before taking him into the outside world, all while boasting of national superiority as they trekked foreign lands.
All the while, N'Jadaka fostered resentment towards everyone and everything for all the horrible events that befell him, while his future nemesis T'Challa would be crowned king after the death of his father.[3]
Eventually, the youth tired of his life in servitude and his childhood of hardship, and executed M'Demwe before striving to find his own path.[3][2] He later changed his name to Erik Killmonger, and studied at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, still desperate to avenge his father's death.
While studying in Harlem, New York, Erik attempted multiple times to murder the source of his woes, but was confounded by supervillainous power players working under the likes of Wilson Fisk/Kingpin.[4]
That mercenary outfit of mutants took Killmonger on as a temporary member within their crew of hired guns. Eventually he fell in love with a teammate, Knight, and found temporary solace in her company, while taking odd jobs under the lord of crime in New York. All of that eventually fell apart when their employer sold them out to his top operator Bullseye.[5] His love interest, Knight, subsequently cut a deal with S.H.I.E.L.D. behind the backs of what remained of the team so she could get an easy out from her life of crime.
Killmonger would eventually embrace his chosen name, as well as a new goddess named K'liluna, fallen sister of Mother Bast, when he exacted revenge upon his scorned lover before disappearing into obscurity for a time.[6]
Return Home
Killmonger returned to Wakanda after king T'Challa brought their homeland to the attentions of the outside world.[7] The two would converse about Wakandan theology while asking about the deity whom Erik was secretly living with, all whilst plotting his revenge against his liege, and the nation he blamed for his abandonment to the corruption beyond it.[8] While re-acquainting himself with the land that left him behind, N'Jadaka would discover plans for a WMD called Project: Koukou, a deadly vibranium shock bomb meant to act as a colonizer deterrent.[3] He then set about systematically killing other Wakandan refugees as an effective misdirection ploy so as to foment his plans for global conflict.
Killmonger's ultimate aim was to drop Koukou on a S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier coming in for diplomatic treaties, framing the hidden nation as aggressors on the world stage, and forcing them to go to war with everyone else, thus; allowing Killmonger to overthrow T'Challa and lead his people to storm over the world in a genocidal crusade.[9] When Shuri trapped him in an invention, instead of being arrested, he jumped from a plane into a lake, where he was believed to have survived.
What became of Killmonger afterward is a mystery. He would eventually settle in a kingdom-based hamlet that would later change its name to N'Jadaka Village in his honor. He became a subversive, with dreams of ridding Wakanda of what he termed "
Resurrection
Using the Ten Rings, the Mandarin was able to amplify the resurrection altar and restore Killmonger to life. Killmonger returned to his lover and ally, Madam Slay, and the two plotted to kill the Black Panther and return Wakanda to its ancient ways. While Tony Stark visited Wakanda, Madam Slay drugged James Rhodes and took him prisoner. Killmonger appeared to have killed Black Panther, and blamed Rhodes and Stark, convincing the Wakandans that he could lead them to vengeance. Black Panther returned, revealing that he had faked his death using a Life Model Decoy. Black Panther defeated Killmonger. The Mandarin recalled his ring and Killmonger reverted to an inanimate skeleton. Killmonger's followers resurrected him again and he would clash with T'Challa on several other occasions.[11]
Wakanda takeover
In the wake of the sorcerer Achebe's attempted takeover of Wakanda, with T'Challa absent and control of the country left with his regent Everett K. Ross, Killmonger tried to gain control of the country via its economy, forcing T'Challa to stop him by nationalizing all foreign companies in Wakanda and cause a run on the stock market. The two foes fought in a vicious ritual combat over the right to rule the country, and Killmonger was finally able to defeat his foe and gain the status of Black Panther for his own. He maintained control of Wakanda for a while and even attempted to inherit T'Challa's Avengers status, but when he underwent the ascension rite needed to cement his position, his body had a severe reaction to the heart-shaped herb that he was required to consume - it was poisonous to all but the royal bloodline. Although it would have been convenient to allow him to die and be unquestionably entitled to the position of Black Panther, T'Challa preserved his rival's life.[volume & issue needed]
Killmonger eventually came out of his coma, thus; reclaiming his position as chieftain over Wakanda. He went to New York and contacted
T'Challa is then once again the sole ruler of Wakanda when Killmonger resurfaces and takes control of the neighboring country of Niganda.[12] During a subsequent duel with T'Challa, Killmonger is killed by Monica Rambeau, whom he had previously captured and imprisoned. Killmonger's young son is last seen swearing vengeance against Black Panther, much like N'Jadaka had done years earlier after the death of his own father.[13]
Post–Secret Wars
After the vast Multiversal reboot of Marvel, Killmonger would once again be resurrected by an intergalactic superpower based upon Wakanda's cultural heritage; one that lacked its more pacifistic approach to handling different races and ethnicities. A leading ruler of said empire which had conquered five galaxies while taking up his name sought to supplant the original N'Jadaka's body so as to overtake the Wakanda of now in revenge on the king of the future for killing him.[14] But the symbiote withholding the emperor's soul had overshot his attempt at finding a new host, resurrecting the original holder of his name, who then fought with the emperor over control of their shared body. The parasitic entity threatened to cast Killmonger back unto death should he disobey him, while the precursor to the galactic overlord promising to master and supplant it in response.[15]
Powers and abilities
Erik Killmonger is an expert martial artist with peak-level strength and a genius-level intellect. He is also an expert tactician, having taken over Wakanda and Niganda multiple times.[volume & issue needed] Erik is capable of taking attacks from stronger foes and falls from great heights that would kill or injure a normal person with little to no injury (he still can be hurt or killed if enough damage is sustained). He is highly knowledgeable of Wakanda/African history and laws, leading to him battling Black Panther constantly for the throne. It is also strongly implied that he cannot consume the Heart-Shaped Herb to gain the same abilities of the Black Panther due to his not having the royal bloodline.[volume & issue needed] He is also a skilled businessman.
Reception
- In 2018, ComicBook.com ranked Erik Killmonger 1st in their "8 Best Black Panther Villains" list.[16]
- In 2020, CBR.com ranked Killmonger 1st in their "Marvel: Ranking Black Panther's Rogues Gallery" list.[17]
- In 2022, Screen Rant included Killmonger in their "15 Most Powerful Black Panther Villains" list.[18]
- In 2022, CBR.com ranked Killmonger 4th in their "10 Most Iconic Black Panther Villains" list.[19]
Other versions
X-Men Forever
In an alternate timeline depicted in X-Men Forever, Killmonger made a pact with an evil version of Storm to kill T'Challa, which they succeeded in doing. However, Storm later betrayed and killed Killmonger so she could be seen as a hero to the Wakandans and become the Queen of Wakanda.[20]
Once and Future King
In an alternate universe listed as Earth-11236, Killmonger and his cabal kidnapped T'Challa's friend, Everett Ross, to make T'Challa himself come out of isolation. However, he, his cabal, and T'Challa's daughter were all killed by T'Charra, T'Challa's son.[21]
Infinity Wars
During the
Intergalactic Empire of Wakandas
In an alternate timeline set 2000 years in the distant past,
King Killmonger
A version of Killmonger appears as a member of the Multiversal Masters of Evil under the name of King Killmonger. He wears armor that resembles the Destroyer laced with Vibranium and was responsible for conquering Wakanda and Asgard. They went around attacking Prehistoric Avengers on alternate Earths and conquering them.[34] King Killmonger accompanied Dark Phoenix and her Berserkers (consisting of Hound and a Thor from an unidentified Earth) in attacking Asgard which brought them into conflict with Thor, Echo, and Iron Man.[35] After the alternate Thor was killed by Thor, King Killmonger, Dark Phoenix, and Hound got away. They alongside the rest of the Multiversal Masters of Evil left Earth-616 to get back to work.[36]
King Killmonger's actions have earned him the wrath of an alternate T'Challa who operated as Sky Spider and later operated as Vibranium Man. By the time Vibranium Man caught up to King Killmonger, he fought him as King Killmonger claimed that his armor was forged by the gods that fell before his axe. King Killmonger throws Vibranium Man off his ship quoting "Wakanda Nevermore".[37]
King Killmonger was with the Multiversal Masters of Evil when they took over another Earth and planned to return to Earth-616. Just then,
As the Multiversal Masters of Evil face off against the Avengers and the Prehistoric Avengers, King Killmonger faces off against Thor and Agamotto.[39] The battle lasted for days. During his fight with Iron Man, King Killmonger was killed by the Prehistoric Iron Fist.[40]
In other media
Television
- Erik Killmonger appears in Lego Marvel Super Heroes: Black Panther - Trouble in Wakanda, voiced by Keston John.[41][42]
- Erik Killmonger appears in Shuri in an attempt to secretly free Tiger Shark. Revealing his true colors to everyone present however, Killmonger detonates depth charges surrounding Atlantis while he and Tiger Shark escape.[44]
Marvel Cinematic Universe
Killmonger appears in media set in the
- Killmonger first appears in the live-action film Black Panther. Seeking revenge for his father's death and angered by Wakanda's refusal to use its wealth to assist others, he challenges his cousin T'Challa for his birthright to the throne and seemingly kills him. After becoming king of Wakanda and consuming the Heart-Shaped Herb to gain powers, Killmonger orders the rest of the herbs to be destroyed, the country's weaponry be sent to marginalized groups in London, New York City, and Hong Kong to help their oppressed citizens overthrow their governments, and dons a version of T'Challa's kinetic energy-absorbing suit. However, T'Challa returns to reclaim the throne and mortally wounds Killmonger in their resulting rematch. Though he is offered treatment, Killmonger chooses to die rather than be imprisoned.
- An alternate timeline variant of Killmonger appears in the Kahhori, but the latter uses her powers to transfer his Infinity Armor to the former.
- Killmonger's spirit makes a cameo appearance in the live-action film Namor.
Video games
- Erik Killmonger appears as an unlockable playable character in Lego Marvel's Avengers, as part of the "Classic Black Panther" DLC Pack.[60]
- Erik Killmonger appears as an unlockable playable DLC character in Lego Marvel Super Heroes 2,[61] voiced by Damian Lynch.[citation needed]
- Erik Killmonger appears as an unlockable playable character in Marvel Future Fight.[62]
- Erik Killmonger appears as an unlockable playable character in Marvel Contest of Champions.[63]
Music
Erik Killmonger is referenced in the song "King's Dead" by rappers Jay Rock, Kendrick Lamar, and Future, from the 2018 Black Panther film's soundtrack.
References
- ISBN 978-1-4654-7890-0.
- ^ a b Killmonger #1. Marvel Comics.
- ^ a b c Rise of the Black Panther #4. Marvel Comics.
- ^ Killmonger #1.
- ^ Killmonger #2-3. Marvel Comics.
- ^ Killmonger #4-5. Marvel Comics.
- ^ Rise of the Black Panther #3. Marvel Comics.
- ^ Killmonger #5. Marvel Comics.
- ^ Rise of the Black Panther #4-6. Marvel Comics.
- ^ Jungle Action #17 (Sept. 1975). Marvel Comics.
- ^ a b Iron Man Annual #5 (1982). Marvel Comics.
- ^ Black Panther vol. 3 #35 (April 2008). Marvel Comics.
- ^ Black Panther vol. 3 #38. Marvel Comics.
- ^ Black Panther vol. 7 #19 (Dec. 18 2019)
- ^ a b Black Panther vol. 7 #20. Marvel Comics.
- ^ "The 8 Best Black Panther Villains". Marvel. Retrieved October 16, 2022.
- ^ Epps, De'Angelo (December 7, 2020). "Marvel: Ranking Black Panther's Rogues Gallery". CBR. Retrieved October 16, 2022.
- ^ Harn, Darby (September 25, 2021). "15 Most Powerful Black Panther Villains". Screen Rant. Retrieved October 16, 2022.
- ^ Eckhardt, Peter (November 30, 2022). "10 Most Iconic Black Panther Villains". CBR. Retrieved January 3, 2023.
- ^ X-Men Forever vol. 2 #15. Marvel Comics.
- ^ Black Panther vol. 3 #36. Marvel Comics.
- ^ Infinity Wars: Ghost Panther #1. Marvel Comics.
- ^ Charles Pulliam-Moore (May 25, 2018). "The Intergalactic Future of Black Panther's Wakanda Is a Bold Statement About Science Fiction". Gizmodo.
- ^ Black Panther vol. 7 #12-15. Marvel Comics.
- ^ "Black Panther's Intergalactic Empire Has Ties to Spider-Man's Greatest Foe". Comic Book Resources. December 1, 2018.
- ^ Black Panther vol. 7 #1-6. Marvel Comics
- ^ Black Panther vol. 7 #6-11. Marvel Comics
- ^ Black Panther vol. 7 #18. Marvel Comics.
- ^ Black Panther vol. 7 #1. Marvel Comics.
- ^ Black Panther vol. 7 #13-14. Marvel Comics.
- ^ "Black Panther's Space Rebellion Unveils Its Own Death Star". Comic Book Resources. August 9, 2019.
- ^ "Black Panther is About To Face A SYMBIOTE Killmonger". Screen Rant. October 26, 2019.
- ^ "Forget Absolute Carnage - Black Panther Has Marvel's Scariest Symbiote". CBR. September 26, 2019.
- ^ Free Comic Book Day 2021: Avengers/Hulk #1. Marvel Comics.
- ^ Avengers Vol. 8 #50-51. Marvel Comics.
- ^ Avengers Vol. 8 #54. Marvel Comics.
- ^ Avengers: Forever Vol. 2 #6. Marvel Comics.
- ^ Avengers: Forever Vol. 2 #11. Marvel Comics.
- ^ Avengers Vol. 8 #63. Marvel Comics.
- ^ Avengers Vol. 8 #64. Marvel Comics.
- ^ "Marvel.com - The Official Site for Marvel Movies, Characters, Comics, TV". Marvel.com. Archived from the original on July 10, 2018. Retrieved June 4, 2018.
- ^ a b "Killmonger Voices (Black Panther)". Behind The Voice Actors. Retrieved March 12, 2024. A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its opening and/or closing credits and/or other reliable sources of information.
- ^ "Shadow of Atlantis Pt. 2". Avengers Assemble. Season 5. Episode 2. September 23, 2018. Disney XD.
- ^ "Into the Deep". Avengers Assemble. Season 5. Episode 3. September 30, 2018. Disney XD.
- ^ "SDCC 2016: Marvel's 'Black Panther' Confirms Additional Cast | News | Marvel.com". marvel.com. Retrieved July 24, 2016.
- ^ MTV (July 24, 2016). "Michael B. Jordan Talks About Becoming a Bad Guy - Comic Con 2016 - MTV". Archived from the original on December 19, 2021 – via YouTube.
- ^ "Killmonger". Marvel. Retrieved May 1, 2018.
- ^ Medina, Joseph Jammer (January 2, 2018). "Black Panther Bios Hit The Web". LRMOnline.com. Retrieved January 2, 2018.
- ^ Adams, Tim (February 22, 2018). "Black Panther's Killmonger May Have Borrowed His Costume From Vegeta". Comic Book Resources.
- ^ Erao, Matthew (February 21, 2018). "Michael B. Jordan's Killmonger Costume Honors His Anime Love". Screen Rant.
- ^ Jirak, Jamie (November 25, 2018). "'Black Panther's Michael B. Jordan Says Killmonger's Armor May Be Based on Vegeta From 'Dragon Ball Z'". ComicBook.com.
- ^ Donigan, Wyatt (March 3, 2018). "Why Killmonger Is the Greatest Villain Ever". Medium.
- ^ Placido, Dani Di (March 5, 2018). "Why Killmonger Was Such A Compelling Villain In 'Black Panther'". Forbes.
- ^ Tharpe, Frazier (February 23, 2018). "All Hail King Killmonger, the Best Superhero Villain Since Heath Ledger". Complex.
- ^ Hughes, William (July 21, 2019). "Marvel just released an extremely intriguing cast list for Disney+'s animated What If…?". A.V. Club. Retrieved July 21, 2019.
- ^ Jasper, Gavin (September 15, 2021). "What If…? Episode 6 Review: Killmonger to the Rescue". Den of Geek. Archived from the original on September 15, 2021. Retrieved September 15, 2021.
- ^ Howard, Kirsten (October 6, 2021). "What If...? Episode 9 Review: A Missing Puzzle Piece". Den of Geek. Retrieved March 12, 2024.
- ^ Amin, Arezou (December 30, 2023). "'What If...?' Season 2 Episode 9: A "Strange" Adventure For Peggy and Kahhori". Collider. Retrieved March 12, 2024.
- ^ Pokhariyal, Tanya (November 11, 2022). "Michael B Jordan's cameo in Wakanda Forever is jaw-dropping". Storyik. pp. storyik.com. Retrieved November 11, 2022.
- ^ Paget, Mat (March 17, 2016). "Lego Avengers DLC Season Pass Detailed". Gamespot.
- ^ Dornbush, Jonathon (February 13, 2018). "LEGO Marvel Super Heroes 2 Black Panther DLC Revealed". IGN. Retrieved April 21, 2018.
- ^ "The King of Wakanda Rules Marvel Games". Marvel.
- ^ "Champion Spotlight – Killmonger". Contest of Champions official website. February 14, 2018. Retrieved February 16, 2018.
External links
- Erik Killmonger on Marvel Database, a Marvel Comics wiki
- Erik Killmonger at Comic Vine
- World of Black Heroes: Killmonger Biography
- Erik Killmonger at The Appendix to the Handbook of the Marvel Universe
- "Digital Priest: Killmonger". Archived from the original on October 13, 2007.