Warning: Contains SPOILERS for Ultimate Black Panther #14! vibranium tradition in Marvel Comics is expanding in ways fans could never have predicted in the new Ultimate Universe, like Black Panther of Earth-6160 is about to come face to face with the Progenitor, also known as the God of Vibranium. Vibranium is not only an unbreakable metal capable of absorbing and redistributing all forms of energy as in the main Marvel Comics continuity of Earth-616, but it is actually something much darker – and terrifyingly familiar.
In Marvel Comics'request for Ultimate Black Panther #14 by Bryan Hill and Stefano Caselli, fans will get their first look at the main cover art for the upcoming issue (by artist Stefano Caselli), as well as the comic's official synopsis.
WHO IS THE PROGENITOR? Black Panther's dangerous dependence on Vibranium becomes even more volatile when an ancient spirit attacks Wakanda! Only the Sorcerer Supreme can help T'Challa save Wakanda – and possibly his soul – from this demon!
As the solicitation shows, Black Panther is fighting a mysterious new enemy called the Progenitor, and this villain is linked to vibranium – specifically, Black Panther's use of it. The Progenitor himself is depicted as a massive monster with the general features of a man, albeit with some obvious 'enhancements'. Bulging muscles, clawed nails, and seemingly unbreakable armor covering its legs and most of its torso make the Progenitor a visually terrifying threat. However, it's what's explained in the synopsis that really gives readers an idea of ​​who Black Panther is really fighting.
The Progenitor is an ancient spirit that was apparently awakened by Black Panther's use of vibranium. The synopsis also teases that Black Panther is not only fighting a physical battle with this enemy, but a spiritual one as well, as his very soul appears to be at risk. In fact, Sorcerer Supreme Inan the God Slayer will likely be called upon to aid Black Panther against this horrific threat. But at the end of the day, it could all come down to Black Panther and his willingness to give up vibranium for good, or else this 'Vibranium God' could completely take over him.
Ultimate Black Panther has already teased the dangers of using Vibranium
Ultimate Black Panther #10 by Bryan Hill and Carlos Nieto
The idea that vibranium is more than just a weapon (or resource) to be used by humans is not new to the Ultimate Universe. In fact, Black Panther has discovered that his vibranium suit is actually trying to influence his actions, calling him to violence and aggression when he would otherwise take a more tactical approach during Black Panther's ongoing conflict with the Moon Knight's forces.
These moments finally reached their peak in Ultimate Black Panther #10, when Black Panther had a vision that he killed Moon Knight before being visited by a dark entity claiming that the vibranium was now part of T'Challa, and that T'Challa's body and soul were now under Vibranium control. Black Panther even tried to rip the vibranium from his body in this vision, but it fused to his skin, proving this dark entity's words to be true.
Not only that, but in the beginning the Ultimate Black Panther seriesreaders are introduced to another substance that appears to be the cosmic opposite of vibranium, as it has the power to create life out of nothing. This implies that the 'green orb' (as it is known) is a pillar of life and cosmic light, while the vibranium is a pillar of death and darkness. Now, it seems, fans are about to meet who really controls vibranium, the dark entity that came to Black Panther during his vision: the Progenitor.
The Ultimate Universe May Have Just Released Its Own 'King in Black'
The Progenitor may be the 'King in Black' of the Ultimate Universe
Vibranium has a dark influence on Black Panther, has the ability to bond with him to the point where he can't take off his suit, and responds to a dark entity that represents death and cosmic darkness. In other words, vibranium looks a lot like the symbiotes of Earth-616, which would mean that the Progenitor is the Ultimate Universe's version of the King in Black. Could vibranium replace the symbiotes in the Ultimate Universe and, in turn, the Progenitor replace the King in Black? At this point, it's too early to tell, but it certainly appears so.
However, even if vibranium isn't the replacement for the symbiotes and the King in Black in the Ultimate Universe, one thing is quite clear: the Progenitor will be a problem for Black Panther – especially if the only way to beat him is never. use vibranium again. Vibranium has been Black Panther's secret weapon for decades, so making it his greatest enemy in the form of the Progenitor is a fascinating change that Marvel Comics fans should be excited to read about.
Ultimate Black Panther #14 from Marvel Comics will be available on March 19, 2025.
Source: Wonder