Black Panther: The Young Prince

T’Challa is the leader of Wakanda, not only as the chieftain of the nation but as the nation’s protector, the Black Panther. Throughout these stories, T’Challa struggles to clearly define his role as leader, as well as find a way to protect and serve Wakanda in an impactful way. Under his leadership, he brings in new technology to the nation, though the quick development creates a conflict among his people who cannot reconcile the new with the traditional. T’Challa’s closest advisor, W’Kabi, recognizes this as one of the most severe challenges to Wakanda, and one of the reasons a war breaks out within its borders: “You were a wise and just leader in your early days—when first we decided how to use our natural resources of vibranium. But now Wakanda separates—and one wonders—are you strong enough to pull it back together!” (53). T’Challa’s use of vibranium and the impact it has on the country creates dissatisfaction and distrust across the nation. W’Kabi believes that this weakens Wakanda, and makes it vulnerable to Killmonger’s attacks and strategy. T’Challa recognizes this but faces moments of self-doubt throughout his struggles with his many foes, considering what his role is in healing the nation and bringing his people together. This weighs on him heavily, and W’Kabi’s question of whether he is strong enough to do it is one that haunts T’Challa fiercely.

As the war against Killmonger lengthens and the devastation worsens, T’Challa’s confidence begins to wane, casting doubt over his decisions as a ruler. Each conflict with Killmonger’s forces not only physically exhausts T’Challa but also weighs heavily on his conscience, forcing him to confront the deeper question of whether he is truly the leader Wakanda needs in such a precarious time. His internal struggle revolves around balancing the nation’s technological progress with the preservation of its cultural identity, all while fending off enemies both external and within his own borders. This leads him to further consider the state of Wakanda under his leadership and whether his values are at odds with his people’s. At one point, he asks himself whether his own perception of his nation’s success is as meaningful as he believes it is: “Question: What proves a nation’s achievement? Technological advancement or individual contentment? He is not as positive of the answer as he once was, but it is the one question he completely understands” (193). T’Challa sees that though there are many positives to the technological advancements he brings to Wakanda, the conflict it creates with tradition weighs on his people. Wakandan society is thrown into uncertainty, as the new technology forces a realignment of traditional values. This mirrors real-world post-colonial struggles, as many African nations have grappled with how to balance modernity and technological development with deeply rooted cultural practices. T’Challa sees that this does not necessarily make his people happier, or their lives easier, and sees the loss of individual contentment they once had working for their livelihoods. He takes responsibility for these changes, recognizing that he did not stay in Wakanda to lead his people into this new society, working to weave this technology into his nation’s culture.