Coal Tiger

Coal Tiger
T'Chaka the Coal Tiger.
Publication information
Publisher	Marvel Comics
First appearance	A-Next #4 (1999)
Created by	Tom DeFalco Brent Anderson
In-story information
Alter ego	T'Chaka
Species	Human Mutant
Team affiliations	A-Next
Abilities	Able to shapeshift into a feline humanoid with cat-like powers.

Coal Tiger (Prince T'Chaka II) is a fictional character who appeared in the Marvel Comics' MC2 series A-Next. He is the son of T'Challa, King of Wakanda and the superhero known as Black Panther.

Fictional character biography

When a racist team of villains called the Soldiers of the Serpent attacked T'Challa's friend N'Kano (who was on a diplomatic mission for Wakanda in New York), A-Next tried to save him. As the Serpents battled with the heroes of A-Next, T'Challa's son T'Chaka charged into battle. While Mainframe tried to convince the youth to leave the battle, T'Chaka shapeshifted into a feral black werecat called the "Coal Tiger". Coal Tiger's bestial abilities were able to turn the tide in A-Next's favor. He was offered membership with the team after the battle was won, but he declined, stating that he would be available to help if they needed him.

When all of the members of A-Next were captured by an evil version of A-Next called The Revengers, Coal Tiger was one of the many heroes who came to free the captured superheroes. When A-Next was freed and the Revengers were defeated, Coal Tiger finally agreed to join the team.

Powers and abilities

Coal Tiger can change into a humanoid cat creature. In his feline form, he has superhuman strength and agility, as well as enhanced senses and retractable razor-sharp claws on his fingers and toes.

Other Coal Tigers

Coal Tiger is also the name of an alternate universe version of T'Challa himself, who appeared in Avengers vol 1 #355 as a member of the Gatherers, a group of former Avengers from different universes.

A Coal Tiger is mentioned in Captain America vol 1 #389 as an opponent of the Zambian villainess Impala.

In Black Panther vol 3 #60, the Coal Tigers are mentioned as being a rank in the Panther Cult.

The name "Coal Tiger" was one of several that Stan Lee and Jack Kirby were bandying back and forth as a possible name for the character who in mainstream continuity in the Marvel Universe became Black Panther.^[1]

In other Media

While the character has never appeared, in Ultimate Avengers 2 the powers of the Coal Tiger seemed to be part of Panther line. Both King T'Chaka and T'Challa transform into cat creatures during their fights with Kleiser.

References

1. ^ "Comic Legends Addendum: Before He Was Black Panther… | Comics Should Be Good! @ Comic Book Resources". Goodcomics.comicbookresources.com. http://goodcomics.comicbookresources.com/2010/04/16/comic-legends-addendum-before-he-was-black-panther/comment-page-1/. Retrieved 2011-01-06.