'Black Panther' hero returns to comics

NEW YORK, Feb. 3 (UPI) -- The first black superhero returned to the comic book stand Thursday as Marvel Comics resurrected The Black Panther character from the 1960s.

The Black Panther is the alter ego of T'Challa, an elegant, intellectual ruler of the African nation of Wakanda. Educated in New York City, T'Challa defends his hidden, technologically advanced kingdom against enemies out to steal the country's supply of vibranium, a rare mineral that gave the Panther his heightened strength, agility and perception.

His return is thanks to writer and director Reggie Hudlin, who directed "House Party," and is currently directing episodes of "The Bernie Mac Show." Hudlin is an unabashed fan of comic books who persuaded Marvel to make the jump. He is also writing the first 12 issues.

"It's not like we're going after the ethnic reader," Marvel editor-in-chief Joe Quesada told the New York Daily News.

He noted the character was published well before the Black Panther Party was formed.