Black Panther is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by scripter-editor Stan Lee and plotter-artist Jack Kirby, the character first appeared in Fantastic Four #52 (July 1966). Born T'Challa, son of the previous Black Panther T'Chaka, he is the king and protector of the fictional African nation of Wakanda, a technologically advanced society sustained by deposits of the fictional metal vibranium. Along with enhanced abilities achieved through the Wakandan ritual of drinking the essence of the heart-shaped herb, T'Challa relies on his proficiency in science, expertise in his nation's traditions, rigorous physical training, hand-to-hand combat skills, and access to wealth and advanced Wakandan technology to combat his enemies. The character became a member of the Avengers in 1968, and has continued that affiliation off and on in subsequent decades.