CaD: 616 Black Panther (Darthjhawk) vs Yuma Kuga (Maestromage)

@Maestromage: lets do this.

The King of The Wakandas: T'challa The Black Panther

Character Theme: A King's Sunset:

Part One: Establishing a Tactical Advantage

So I'm going to take a bit of a different approach to this opener and consequential discussion. Instead of laying out feats for and separating them into versatility, stats, and what not, I'll be operating under the assumption that our characters are relatively even in terms of physical capabilities. Instead of focusing on a RT debate, I want to focus on exactly why and how I think my character wins this battle. To that end I want to start discussing T'challa's tactical capabilities.

Combat Intelligence:

Example 1: Versus the Super-Skrull

• Black Panther Vol.4 #40

I know, many like to use this as a pure skill feat, after all this Skrull has the styles of Bullseye, Iron Fist, Daredevil, Captain America, Iron Fist all down along with their powers. The fact is, its not a pure skill feat; T'challa even states he can't just outfight this Skrull. What's impressive about this showing is how, T'challa knowing he is outskilled and outgunned, aims to outsmart the Super Skrull. As stated, and shown; he looks for the tells, the vulnerabilities, the weaknesses in an opponent's ability or capabilities. In this instance it was when the Skrull shifts between powers, namely offense and defense. Through T'challa creates an opening by exploiting this change and brutally breaks the Skrull's arm.

From there the floodgates open, as that opening creates another opening where T'challa rips out his eyes preventing him from obviously being able to see. From there, the Skrull is in checkmate as T'challa was patient, using his speed and agility to avoid larger blows and wait for the prime opportunity to strike. Translating that to battling Yuma, this would be the key difference in noticing when he shifts from offensive to defensive stances, or shifts his weight and balance one way or another. T'challa could exploit these openings by landing a blow with pressure points, or use his equipment to disarm or put Yuma off-balance. Or using his speed to take advantage of Yuma committing to an attack and then countering from there, like the next example.

Combat Agility & Speed:

Example 2: Versus Karnak

• Scan 1:Black Panther Vol.4 #20

• Scan 2: Fantastic Four Vol.1 Annual #5

Note how in both instances uses his speed, reflexes, and agility to evade Karnak at extremely close quarters and take advantage of his (Karnak) committing to an attack to then either deliver a surgical strike to his face (Scan 1) or literally grapple, jump and maneuver around him to lead into a direct blow; which gains him the advantage. In both scenarios, it is noted that T'challa's speed is key to his fighting style. Karnak even makes note of this (BP.Vol.4 #20)

Considering Karnak can do this: (https://imgur.com/i4Rm4Lc); I would say that it is pretty indicative of what I am trying to get at. To put my point into perspective, bullet timing speed shows great reaction speed, but not necessarily combat speed. Something like this:

Example 2.5: Versus A.I.M Soldiers

• Avengers Vol.1 #87

Something like moving and attacking fast enough to create afterimages which is essentially tricking the visual nerve into believing a stimulus is still there is much more impressive and clear cut. Finally I'd also like to point out T'challa's combat agility. Panther can move like nearly no other can. And exploiting that agility with his speed enables to essentially dance around his opponents and maneuver then into a postilion favorable to his victory like he did in his very first appearance, outfighting Classic Johnny Storm. (Fantastic Four Vol. 1 #52). Or like how here T'challa overwhelms an opponent, despite being initially caught off guard and being in a disadvantageous position through sheer usage of the aforementioned agility. (Jungle Action Vol. 2 #7) What makes that last feat especially impressive is that T'challa not only moved faster than he could react or see, he also completely changed positions with Venomm. Moving so fast he appears to move faster than the eye can track is also an important detail I want to touch on.

Combat Stealth:

Example 3: Versus Iron Fist

• Black Panther Vol.3 #39

This is the main example I want to focus on for my opener, namely how T'challa uses his speed and agility to exploit blind spots and create an air of stealth when battling his opponents. Note how in each exchange T'challa creates key openings that allow him to disengage from a disadvantageous position or set up key elements that eventually allow him to bring Danny down.

First in the water, where he pulls him into a leg lock, and then strikes him, creating a chance for him to jump out of the water and then seemingly disappear. Other instances in the fight show him moving to and engaging Danny's blindspots, an air of psuedo-stealth that when exploited in combat allows T'challa to land clean hits. And this is against someone who was roughly his equal in speed, if not faster at the time. Now Danny was bloodlusted and out of his right mind here, so it was a bit easier for T'challa to exploit this "psuedo-stealth".

But given he can move so fast he appears as only a white streak to people (https://imgur.com/a/KvuUJbS) as a casual thing, I think it translates well to when he's actually trying against an established opponent. Against Yuma, this will be the major difference combined with agility that allows T'challa to avoid hits and land counters before Yuma can effectively react. Note I did not say because T'challa is just faster than he is. Exploiting these tactics also becomes that much easier when you have senses on T'challa's level.

Combat Senses:

Example 4: Versus the Winter Soldier

• Rise of the Black Panther #3

With his enhanced senses T'challa is more than capable of sensing attacks before they reach him. This is a combination of his enhanced hearing and sense of smell mainly. They afford him key moments that not only enhance his overall skill, but also speed. Take for instance, the showing above; In a situation where T'challa could not see, hear, or even smell the Winter Soldier, T'challa was shown to be able to evade his attack cleanly by hearing the rush of air from his attack. Using his sense to detect and evade attacks other's do not see coming is a key staple for T'challa's senses.

Example 4.5: Vs Doom, Man-Ape, Grandmaster, & the Invaders

• Scan 1: Is able to sense the approach, warn and evade incoming attack on himself, the FF, and Doctor Doom before Doom himself could see them coming. (Fantastic Four Vol. 1 #312)

• Scan 2: By hearing the sliding of a metal panel, T'challa is able to anticipate and evade a sudden blow from the Man-Ape that he couldn't see coming. (The Avengers #78)

• Scan 3: Is able to sense and notice the Grandmaster's return and approach before Classic Kang could take notice. (The Avengers #69)

• Scan 4: When the Avengers are teleported into WWII, T'challa is able to sense an incoming fireball from Jim Hammond and move Hank Pym out of the way. (The Avengers #71)

Culmination of Physicality and Combat Tactics:

Example 5: Versus Deadpool

• Black Panther vs Deadpool #1

As shown with Gear; I wanted to highlight a specific instance which I think brings together T'challa's physical prowess quite nicely, durability notwithstanding. In particular I wanted to highlight a recent instance, where Panther overwhelmed Deadpool without much struggle:

https://imgur.com/a/QNQ8TQz

From an apparent non-combat stance, T'challa was shown to dodge a double slash from Wade then entirely reverse his position to a handstand whilst kicking him in the face, then within the same motion flip back upright, grab Wade and throw him into the wall while he was still in the air. Even causing a sizable cratering to boot. Overall this, in my opinion is a great showing that shows not only T'challa's physical power, but also a showcase of general skill as well as overall combat speed. So what's the exigence?

Well from this we can gather that T'challa can showcase speed on the level of the best and most consistent street levelers in Marvel has to offer, as well as the physical power to harm them, be it through grapples or strikes, as well as the durability to hang in the fight.

So with all that being said and shown, I am confident T'challa is going in with a keen edge in tactical combat, he is able to exploit all of his skills and abilities seamlessly mid-combat and use them to overwhelm his opponents. But he is not arrogant, but in fact patient and uses his skills along with turning his opponents own fighting styles against them.

Part Two: Establishing a Versatility Advantage

So let me first establish all of the gear and equipment that T'challa is usually bringing to the table. This will be using an amalgam of Vibranium tech shown from the Priest Era and the Coates Era As well as the gear established under Hickman's run. The suit/armor that T'challa is using here is his Vibranium Microweave Mesh Panther Habit that was first brought into prominence in Black Panther Volume 3, written by Christopher Priest.

Vibranium Protection & Absorption:Example 1: Versus Weakened Namor

• Rise of the Black Panther #2

The suit is known for its unique properties of durability and kinetic energy absorption famously allowing T'challa to take hits and attacks that would normally be above his paygrade. A well-know recent example is how the suit allowed T'challa to tank and absorb a blow from Namor the Sub- Mariner, as shown above.

Notice how the suit absorbs the full impact of Namor's punch, the influx of purple energy being the key, it also shows up again in the third panel to display that the suit can redirect the absorbed kinetic energy into an explosion of power, like in an area of effect fashion here (Black Panther Vol. 6 #1) and like an Iron Man repulsor here. (Black Panther Vol. 6 #3). In terms of keeping consistent in my usage of cross era feats, I will also be showing that suit allowed T'challa to tank the explosion of a building while even protecting on his Hatut Zeraze(Black Panther Vol. 3 #4)

Energy Daggers & Anti-Metal Claws:

Example 2: Vibranium Energy Daggers, Antarctic Vibranium Metal Claws

• Black Panther Vol. 3 #42

• The Ultimates 2 #2

Daggers: One of Panther's favorite weapons, energy constructed blades. T'challa has the ability to gauge between power levels, releasing a beam, powerful enough to slice through various structures and foes. This weapon can also be fired as a projectile. These can be used to great effect against anyone, not only to their general capability of fighting weapon to weapon, but also by means of affecting the nervous system as well. Recently he has shown he can turn these into a full on sword, as well, meaning he will be able to counter Yuma's own sword reach with his own.

Claws: Another of T'challa's favorite weapons. These bad boys are made out of Antarctic Vibranium, more colloquially known as Anti-Metal. They are called that because the break down any metal or metal like substance down on a molecular level. Due to its unique properties and sharpness, they will be able to slice through nearly any defense and deal some serious damage.

Culmination of Technology and Versatility:

Example 3: Versus Avengers Simulation

• Black Panther vs Deadpool #2

https://imgur.com/a/168v4Mn

As far as general combat training, T'challa uses some of the most notable Avengers. Now before we get crazy, know that these are only hard light simulations, so while they aren't as powerful as the actual Cap, IM, and Hulk, this is still an impressive showing of combat prowess and gear usage.

For one he defeats the Cap physically then, obscures Stark's Vision, blasting him with an energy dagger, then showcases his agility against the Hulk simulation using an electric shock to put it down. This showcases T'challa's capabilities to use his gear in tandem with physicality to gain a leg up on his opponents. Of course there any other pieces and built in gear for T'challa's suit as well such as his energy dampening boots, and what not. Along with skills, physicals, and intelligence T'challa has developed a solid instinct for knowing how best to utilize his technology along with having years of experience in their use.

Part Three: Establishing An Argument

So since this is merely an opener, and I am going in with a knowledge deficit, I will refrain from making any bold claims until we both have had a chance to post and present our characters. I will also as keeping consistent with my earlier proclamation keep this from delving into a feat debate, but rather an actual character discussion. But for now I think the key advantages I have established for T'challa are:

• Versatility in Gear and Technology

• Combat Awareness and Intelligence

• Combat Speed and Agility

• Combat Stealth

I think these four factors are what will enable me to pull off my argument for T'challa winning this battle. And I look forward to seeing your case for Yuma. I'm sure I will address just how well they match up in all areas come time for my next turn. For now I'll leave the ball in your court.