Because collectors have recently speculated that Erik Killmonger may return in Black Panther 2, I thought it would be a good idea to take another look at some of his keys.

I've written several blogs speculating about who will take up the mantle of being the Black Panther in Black Panther 2. In one blog, I wrote about M'Baku and W'Kabi's first appearances in Avengers #62. In the second blog, I wrote about the first appearances of Okoye and Nakia in Black Panther #1 (vol. 2). What about Erik Killmonger becoming the next Black Panther? In my opinion, except for Thanos, Michael B. Jordan's Killmonger was the best villain in the MCU.

Although Killmonger dies at the end of Black Panther, as we all know, in the comics, no one stays dead forever. In the comics, after the Avengers defeat and kill Killmonger, the Mandarin takes his body. In Black Panther #19, the Mandarin uses his rings and the Resurrection Alter to bring Killmonger back to life.

If Mandarin resurrects him in the comics, he could do so again in Black Panther 2. After all, Marvel has confirmed that Mandarin will appear in Shang-Chi: The Legend of the Ten Rings later this year. If Marvel does bring him back, I wouldn't rule out the possibility that Killmonger assumes the mantle of Black Panther. This makes sense if you also consider the longstanding relationship between Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan as well as Jordan's expressed desire to return to the MCU.

Jungle Action #6: Killmonger's 1st Appearance

Killmonger's first appearance occurs in Jungle Action #6. Judging by this book's explosive rise in value after his death in Black Panther, clearly, many collectors also believe Killmonger could return.  This book's value has risen dramatically during the past year across all grades. For example, less than a year ago, someone bought a CGC 8.5 copy of this book for $159. Just last week, another 8.5 sold for $670. According to the CGC Census, this Bronze Age book is exceptionally rare in high grade. CGC has only graded nine 9.8 copies of this book. According to GoCollect, the FMV of a 9.8 is a hefty $12,000.

Once a character dies in the MCU, especially a villain, you would think the value of that character's first appearance would decline or at least go sideways for a while without new film appearances to drive up demand. In this case, the opposite is true. My educated guess is that speculators believe Killmonger will return in Black Panther 2.

Jungle Action #7: Killmonger's 2nd Appearance & Origin

While Jungle Action #6's FMV has risen dramatically over the past few years, if you're looking for a good deal related to Killmonger, take a look at his second appearance in Jungle Action #7. Jungle Action #7 contains Killmonger's origin and the first appearance of Venomm, one of Killmonger's allies.

Unlike Jungle Action #6, this book has, generally speaking, lost value during the past year. For example, the value of CGC 9.6 copies of this book has dropped by 51% over the past three years. Raw, high-grade copies of this book have sold for around $20 on eBay. While this isn't a first appearance, this book's value will rise as Jungle Action #6 becomes unaffordable for most investors.

Do you think Erik Killmonger will return in Black Panther 2? Please let us know in the comments below!

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