Marvel Knights has kicked off a new series titled The World To Come by Christopher Priest, Joe Quesada, Richard Isanove and Richard Starkings. Introducing Ketema as future Black Panther and King of Wakanda!
Christopher Priest and Joe Quesada’s new, incredibly daring arc challenges Wakandan tradition, and it’s sure to spark debate among readers. In The World To Come, an ageing T’Challa is challenged for the throne by his masked son Ketema, who deems his father “unworthy” of his position. In their brutal fight, Ketema knocks down T’Challa, landing several damning blows. Then, in the comic’s ultimate twist, he removes his mask and reveals himself as a white boy, calling out, “I am king now. Wakanda is MINE!”.
Currently, Ketema’s history is mostly ambiguous. The next issue will no doubt continue to grow and expand the story, offering more clarity on Ketema’s backstory. Whether he is the biological son of T’Challa by a character yet-to-be-introduced, or an adopted child, remains to be seen. It is initially hinted that he’s the son of T’Challa and Monica Lynne, a Black woman. However, he could be the son of Nicole Adams, whom T’Challa had a past relationship with.
In an interview with AIPT Comics, Christopher Priest weighed in on the opportunity to tell a story entirely in the team’s creative vision, unburdened by wider Marvel continuity. “Our Black Panther is our world to come. It’s completely our own vision of the near future,” he said. “It is not tied into any other bit of Marvel continuity, which gives us enormous freedom to do things like have Lockjaw show up, so we’re very happy about that.”
Marvel Knights: The World to Come is a six-issue miniseries; the next instalment arrives on July 9, 2025.
Are you reading Marvel Knights: The World to Come? How are you enjoying it? Tell us in the comments down below!
So he’s a Pinky, a la Sinners?