A few weeks ago, I wrote about the dramatic rise in value of Shuri's first appearance in Black Panther #2 following Chadwick Boseman's tragic death. I suggested that speculators should also consider the first appearances of M'Baku and W'Kabi in Avengers #62. Unlike Shuri's first appearance, M'Baku and W'Kabi's first appearance had actually decreased in value in recent years. They are both, in my opinion, strong candidates to take on the mantle of the Black Panther.

In this blog, I'll write about the first appearances of two other characters that also deserve consideration: Okoye and Nakia. While their first appearances in Black Panther #1 have risen in value, it also remains much more affordable than Shuri's first appearance. We'll take a closer look at their first appearances below.

Black Panther #1 Has Multiple 1st Appearances

Black Panther #1 may present a good investment opportunity at its current price point because it contains not one, but two first appearances of characters who have appeared in the MCU. In this issue, Nakia appears as T'Challa's personal aide. Along with Okoye, she beats up several drug dealers in New York City. This issue also features the first appearance of the Dora Milaje, Wakanda's elite special forces that re-appeared recently in The Falcon & The Winter Soldier.

In the comics, Nakia eventually becomes Malice, a villain, and dies tragically. On film, Ryan Coogler envisions a different Nakia (portrayed by Lupita Nyong'o) who is, in every way, T'Challa's equal. For instance, while Nakia and T'Challa are romantically involved, there's no mention of her status as a "wife-in-training" for T'Challa. Furthermore, Lupita is an A-list actor and, to me, it's unlikely that her Nakia will suffer the same fate as her comic book counterpart. In fact, I would consider her a strong candidate to become the next Black Panther.

Will Nakia or Okoye Become the Next Black Panther?

Unlike Nakia, who doesn't appear in Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, Okoye plays important roles in both of those films. In Infinity War, along with Black Widow, she saves Scarlett Witch from Proxima Midnight. In Endgame, Okoye impales Corvus Glaive on her vibranium spear. Considering her outsized role in these films, her role in the Black Panther sequel will likely expand. Lastly, because is portrayed by fan favorite, Danai Gurira from The Walking Dead,  I also consider her a strong contender to become the next Black Panther.

Black Panther #1's value has risen almost 50% during the past three years, but it isn't quite as hot Black Panther #2, which is up almost 73%. Black Panther #1 is also much more affordable. The FMV for a CGC 9.8 copy of Black Panther #1 is $170. In comparison, the FMV for a CGC 9.8 copy of Black Panther #2 is $550. If Shuri does indeed become Black Panther, Black Panther #2 may rise a bit, but we have likely already missed most of the gains. On the other hand, I believe Black Panther #1 has a lot of room to grow.

Should collectors invest in Nakia and Okoye's first appearances? Who else might become Black Panther? Please let us know in the comments below!

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