Hi.
My name is Folake Olowofoyeku, and I
am reading Wakanda, Wild Side.
So there are two reporters in the middle of the jungle,
and something's spying on them.
Welcome back to Mysteries of the Jungle.
Tonight, we're on the outskirts of Wakanda,
the mysterious nation deep in the heart of Africa.
For centuries, there have been legends of a black panther
that silently stalks this jungle protecting
the people of Wakanda.
Recent reports of a vicious cat-like creature causing chaos
in this region have brought us here to uncover
the truth behind the myth.
Is the black panther real, and is this legendary beast truly
a protector or just a predator?
That footage was recovered from a damaged camera
found in the African jungle.
Though, sadly, there are still no signs of the show's host
or crew, but judging by the terrifying images caught
at the end of a tape, they may have
found the mysterious creature they were searching for.
Whoa.
Gross.
Do you think a panther just ate that entire crew?
Wolverine goes, no, that was no panther.
It was someone a lot worse.
Someone?
What do you mean, Wolverine?
You recognize that thing?
I'd know it anywhere, Spidey.
I'd do anything to stop it.
Where claw man going?
Hunting.
Now here's Storm.
Where are you off to in such a hurry, my friend?
Got some unfinished business to take care of, Storm.
It has been a long time since I have
seen you on the edge, Logan.
What has happened?
Sabretooth, he's back on the prowl.
Sabretooth?
Where?
Wakanda.
Then perhaps you should take a Quinjet instead.
The drive from New York to Africa
can be very long and very wet.
I will assemble the team and--
this ain't Avengers business, Ororo.
Sabretooth is my responsibility.
It's my fault he's still out there, so it's
my duty to make it right.
We are Avengers now, Logan.
That makes all of our business Avenger business.
There is no need for you to face that beast alone, not anymore.
Besides, it has been far too long since I
have visited my homeland.
Are we there yet?
I really need to use the little hero's room.
Almost there, Spider-man, but I'm still not sure
that's a good thing.
Last I heard, the King of Wakanda
didn't take too kindly to outsiders.
Do not worry, Captain.
Wakanda may be protective of its borders,
but I can assure you no harm shall befall us.
You shouldn't be worried about the locals
anyway, not if Sabretooth is on the loose.
What's your beef with this guy, Wolverine?
He used to be my friend, kid, a couple of lifetimes ago.
Thought we were the perfect pair till I
saw what he really was inside.
'Tooth ain't nothing but a rabid dog,
and the time's finally come for me to put him down.
Ah, how I've missed these jungles.
I still can't believe you grew up near here, Storm.
It's so beautiful and peaceful.
Not for long.
Ugh, we get it, dude.
Sabretooth is on the loose, and he's dangerous.
Tell me something we don't know.
That ain't what I was talking about, webhead.
Then what is it, soldier?
This is definitely the place we were looking for, Cap,
but there's no way I can pick up Sabretooth's trail.
Too many other scents around us, human scents.
In other words, we ain't alone.
Clearly.
Giantgirl?
She expands.
I don't see anyone, boss.
It's just us.
The nose don't lie, sweetheart.
Maybe it's time to take the old sniffer in for a tuneup.
Maybe it's time to stop using baby shampoo.
Fine.
Your nose still works, and by the way,
I have very sensitive eyes.
But if we really are in danger, my spider-senses
should be going nuts.
I recommend we keep a low profile until we
can figure out what Wolverine--
Hulk not want low profile.
Hulk want to find stupid cat man and smash him!
Hulk, wait!
OK.
Oh, oh, oh.
Sproing!
Now we're in danger.
Told you so.
I can get us out of here if I can expand my body.
The pressure will snap the ropes.
Yeah, and every one of our bones.
Ouch.
Save your Pym Particles, Janet.
I've got this one covered.
Slash! Slash!
Slash!
Avengers assemble!
And they assembled.
Hulk hate pointy sticks.
Now, this is some old school action.
Remember, we're trespassing on their turf.
Try to take them down with limited force.
And here comes Storm, crack, kaboom, kaboom,
controlling the lightning.
And Spider-man says, or we could just do that.
And then the people go, the goddess, she has returned!
Goddess?
Talk about R-E-S-P-E-C-T.
There is no time for needless violence.
We have come here to help, and we demand
to see King T'Challa at once.
As you wish, my lady.
And here they are now at the Royal Palace of Wakanda.
My dearest, Ororo.
I have never dreamed I would gaze upon you again.
You didn't tell me you were friends with royalty.
I am totally impressed.
T'Challa and I crossed paths many years ago as I
wandered the African plains.
For a time, we were inseparable.
Things were much simpler before my duty
to the throne and your life as a weather
goddess forced us apart.
Despite what the local tribes believe,
I am no goddess, T'Challa.
In my eyes, you always have been.
I hate to cut short your royal flirting, big guy,
but I think your legendary black panthers are hungry.
My pets are completely harmless and are far from legendary.
You would know the true Black Panther if you were ever
fortunate enough to see him.
Yeah, I'll pass.
While we appreciate your hospitality, King T'Challa,
the Avengers are here on serious business.
Three men were recently attacked on the outskirts of your nation
and--
the men you seek are safe, Captain.
In an effort to escape the attackers,
they crossed the Wakandan border.
My warriors found them and brought them to me.
While am I people do not usually burden themselves
with the affairs of the outside world,
we are also not so cold as to turn away those in need.
And the monster that ambushed them, what did
your toy soldiers do with him?
Nothing.
His actions, while barbaric, did not take place on Wakanda soil,
therefore he is not our concern.
Even so, you must have some information that could help us
in our search for Sabretooth.
His capture means safety for the entire region.
Wakanda is under the protection of the Panther, my dear.
We fear no one.
As for those who dwell outside our borders,
they are on their own.
So it seems.
But enough of this solemn talk.
It's as rare that we have esteemed
guests here in Wakanda.
My court is preparing a feast in your honor.
Hulk love exotic cuisine.
You can take that food and stuff it, your royal pain.
The Avengers didn't come here to celebrate.
We came to stop a madman, and that's what we're going
to do with or without you.
But Hulk wanted couscous.
Ororo, wait!
I cannot, T'Challa.
Wolverine is right.
We have a mission to complete and a threat to contain,
even if it means you and I must part ways once again.
You know you will always be welcome here, Ororo.
But should you choose to bring your troubles with you
when you return to my kingdom, you
will not be greeted so kindly.
Good night, creepy jungle.
I swear I just saw a spider bigger than me.
There's no way we can track Sabretooth in these conditions.
Let's get some rest and start fresh tomorrow.
You guys go ahead.
I'm going to keep watch.
I can't sleep knowing he's out there somewhere.
I think I shall join you, my friend.
I feel so alive and full of energy.
This day has stirred up feelings I thought were lost long ago.
Crack!
I had forgotten how strong my connection with this continent
is, but with so many familiar sights, and sounds, and smells,
I feel like I'm perfectly in tune with my surrounding.
With your heightening senses, I imagine
that this is what you must feel like every day, Logan.
Logan?
Logan's off sniffing.
Sniff, sniff, sniff.
Long way from home, aren't you, runt?
Was just going to say the same thing to you, Creed.
Why'd you trade the urban jungle for the real one?
Thought a place like this might let me
finally have some fun without you
heroes hounding my every move.
You were wrong.
Slam!
What's the matter, pup?
You ain't got your claws out.
You afraid?
Nah, I polished them, and I hate streaks.
Anyways, I've never needed claws to beat you before.
That's always your problem, Wolvie.
Oof!
You were never willing to get your hands dirty.
We got these claws for a reason.
I'll be more than glad to remind you why.
Nice save, Storm, but I had everything under control.
Of course, you did.
Too scared to face me alone, Logan?
Had to calling your super pals, huh?
Looks like someone is getting soft.
There is no shame in depending on others, Sabretooth.
Hey, I ain't complaining.
The bigger the fight, the more fun for me.
Is that all you got, girl?
A little bad weather ain't going to stop me.
I can take on a whole army.
You heard him, Stormy.
And last I checked, those Wakandan soldiers were
pretty eager for a good fight.
But T'Challa said he did not want us to bring
our fight to his homeland.
Your old flame just wanted free rein to ignore the problem,
but he won't be able to do it if we take it to his doorstep.
By the bright lady, I hope you are right for all of our sakes.
Hey.
What are you doing?
Put me down!
Wolverine, Storm, what's going on?
You just follow us, Cap.
[GROANS]
It's over, 'Tooth.
Just surrender before-- not a chance, punk.
I don't care how many heroes you may have with you.
It's still ain't enough.
I'm the king of the jungle!
No, I am.
And you are no longer welcome in the Black Panther's kingdom.
Ooh, catfight!
Meow!
Huh, look what the cat dragged in.
What are you-- just wait and see, 'Ro.
We're here to help you, Panther.
Clearly you are not or your mindless battle would
never have entered my borders.
T'Challa?
Not too proud to come down from your throne
and fight along the commoners after all?
This conflict has come to my homeland.
It is my responsibility now.
Sorry, pal.
It was my fight first, but lucky for you, I'm willing to share.
That's it.
Keep fighting each other, boys.
Makes my job way easier.
Shut your jaws.
You heroes have already put my country in enough danger.
Stand down!
I shall deal with this on my own.
You know, I used to be just like you, T'Chachi.
A loner.
Wanted to solve all my problems myself,
but my time with the Avengers is teaching me something.
There are some battles you just can't win on your own.
Ain't that right, team?
Aw, crud.
Hulk like teamwork.
[FIGHTING SOUNDS]
I suppose working together does have its benefits.
Later.
So you were really the legendary Black Panther all along?
As was my father before me.
It is my sworn duty as King of Wakanda
to protect my people from threats to our nation.
[GROWLS]
But in doing so, it seems I have forgotten that there are
not only enemies beyond our borders
but also trustworthy friends.
Glad you feel that way, your highness.
I only wish I could make up for my earlier stubbornness.
You stepped up when it counted, Chief.
That's good enough for me.
You should be proud of the man you have become, T'Challa.
I am.
Safe journey, my friends.
When next we meet, Wakanda shall welcome you with open arms.
Whew!
That sure was a lot better than big nets and pointy spears.
End.
So that was a wonderful comic.
I am a huge sci-fi fantasy comic book nerd,
and I love seeing stories that I can identify with personally.
And being from Nigeria, West Africa,
the supernatural manifestations happening on the continent
in Africa, and in the jungle, and close to nature just
makes me feel like it's a possibility for me
or someone like me to experience this sort of magic.
And that's what I really loved about that story.
So thanks for joining me on Marvel Read.
Stay tuned for some more great comics.
[MUSIC PLAYING]