BLACK PANTHER

Real Name: Turkana

Identity/Class: Human, mystically enhanced (Wakandan) (unidentified past era)

Occupation: Champion and princess of Wakanda

Group Membership: None

Affiliations: Behazin, Black Panther (T'Challa), King Mamadou Fall, Hu'Nahn, Queen Nehanda, Shuri, S'Yan, T'Chaka, T'Chanda, T'Konda

Enemies: None

Known Relatives: unidentified father, Bashenga, Mosi (ancestors), Behazin, B'Tumba, King Mamdou Fall, Hu'Nahn, Imandla, Ishanta, Dr. Joshua Itobo, Jakarra, Mateena, M'Teli, Nanali, N'Baza, Queen Nehanda, Shuri, S'Yan, T'Chaka, T'Challa, T'Chanda, T'Konda, T'Shan, M'Koni Wheeler, Zuni (descendants)

Aliases: Turkana the Peacemaker

Base of Operations: Djalia; Wakanda

First Appearance: Shuri I#10 (September, 2019)

Powers/Abilities: Turkana was an excellent fighter and carried a spear. Like all Black Panthers, she had enhanced senses that granted her excellent nightvision. Her physical abilities were well above normal human levels. She carried a long spear.

Height: Unrevealed (approximately 6')
Weight: Unrevealed (approximately 150 lbs.)
Eyes: Brown
Hair: Black

History:

(Shuri I#10 (fb) - BTS) - Turkana was the daughter of the king of Wakanda, who was also their champion, the Black Panther. When her father was kidnapped, Turkana became the new Black Panther and led Wakanda into "a more stable time." She eventually freed her father and restored him to Wakanda's throne. She was only the Black Panther for three months.

(Shuri I#10) - After regaining her access to the Djalia where Wakandans could meet with their ancestors, Shuri was greeted by the spirit of Tarkana, who took her aside for a conversation. Turkana cautioned Shuri that as the Griot, princess of Wakanda, head engineer and sometimes Black Panther, she had a lot of titles to carry; Shrui assured Turkana her shoulders were strong enough to carry them. Turkana advised Shuri not to hold on to the mantle of the Black Panther; Shuri believed her brother T'Challa was deceased but Turkana informed her he wasn't in the Djalia and thus was still alive. Shuri and her friends celebrated with their ancestors in the Djalia until the ancestors returned to the afterlife.

(Marvel's Voices: Wakanda Forever I#1) - When T'Challa sought advice from his ancestors he called up many of the past Black Panthers, including Turkana. Turkana believed it had been a mistake for both T'Chaka and T'Challa to marry foreigners, which T'Konda concurred with, believing T'Challa's problems were a result of abandoning Wakanda's "old ways."

Comments: Created by Vita Ayala and Rachael Stott.

   

    We don't yet know when Turkana served as the Black Panther - it seems likely it was the 19th century but could be earlier.

    This profile was completed on 03/05/2026 but its publication was delayed, as it was intended for the Appendix's 25th anniversary celebratory event.

Profile by Prime Eternal.

CLARIFICATIONS:
Turkana should not be confused with:

images: (without ads)
Shuri I#10, page 12, panel 4 (main)
Shuri I#10, page 14, panel 1 (face)

Appearances:
Shuri I#10 (September, 2019) - Vita Ayala (writer), Rachael Stott (artist), Wil Moss (editor)
Marvel's Voices: Wakanda Forever I#1 (April, 2023) - Karama Horne (writer), Alitha Martinez (artist), Wil Moss (editor)

First posted: 09/07/2026
Last updated: 03/05/2026

Any Additions/Corrections? please let me know.

Non-Marvel Copyright info
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