Marvel has introduced a new Wakanda hero, whose powers could rival those ofBlack Panther– and whose popularity could quickly soar to even greater heights.Gold Tiger is one of the new generation of superheroes joining the ranks of Marvel’sNew Champions, and she has quickly become one of the most exciting debuts for the publisher in 2025.
ComicBook.com revealed more detailsabout Gold Tiger’s role inNew Champions#1 – written by Steve Fox, with art by Ivan Fiorelli and Ig Guara – including details about her costume, which is a visual throwback to Marvel’s original Black Panther design.
Of all the “sidekick” characters taking the spotlight inNew Champions, Gold Tiger is among the most intriguing – and many Marvel fans already suspect that she has the potential to be a major breakout star of the book, and a key player in the Marvel Universe moving forward.
Gold Tiger Is The Newest Wakandan Superhero – And A Potential Marvel Superstar
New Champions#1 – Written By Steve Fox; Art By Ivan Fiorelli & Ig Guara; Color By Arthur Hesli; Lettering By Travis Lanham
Gold Tiger’s costume design is a homage to Jack Kirby’soriginal Black Panther design– back when the character was initially called “Coal Tiger,” a name that the new character evidently was also known by until her identity as Gold Tiger was settled on. The contemporary character was designed by artist Ernanda Souza, who used Kirby’s work as a jumping off point, withelements of the 1960s color scheme and costume layout being incorporated into a sleek, modern look for the debuting hero.
The Avengers' Sidekicks Officially Launch Their Own Team in NEW CHAMPIONS
After months of anticipation, Marvel has finally announced a fresh “New Champions” series, featuring iconic original heroes like Hellrune and Liberty.
Marvel’sNew Championstook a unique route to appearing in the comics, as the book’s roster of young superheroes were first introduced on variant covers for existing Marvel Comics titles, before being introduced into continuity themselves.While each of the New Championsis exciting in their own right, Gold Tiger seems especially poised for superstar status, as she offers a perfect jumping on point to the Wakandan side of Marvel lore, who can follow her evolving story from day one.
Gold Tiger’s MCU Potential Is A Major Part Of Her Appeal As A New Marvel Comics Hero
New Champions#5 – Gold Tiger Variant Cover By Creator Ernanda Souza
The success of the MCU’s firstBlack Pantherfilm brought the character to a new echelon of mainstream popularity, and exposed an entirely new set of readers tothe franchise’s deep Marvel Universe history. The tragic passing of actor Chadwick Boseman changed the trajectory of the film series, turning the sequel,Wakanda Forever, into as much of a meditation on grief as a blockbuster action film could be. While the ending teased a successor to both the name T’Challa and the Black Panther mantle,Marvel Comics' introduction of Gold Tiger could offer an alternative.
Just as the character is an extension of Black Panther’s legacy in the comics, she could carry the torch for T’Challa on screen.
Marvel has had mixed success introducing new takes on familiar characters into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but Gold Tiger could offer a sterling opportunity to try once more; just as the character is an extension of Black Panther’s legacy in the comics, she could carry the torch for T’Challa on screen. This possibility makes the early fan reactions to her appearances inNew Championsextremely important; if she has the success that many expect her to, it will likely be an obvious choice for her to appear in a futureBlack Panthermovie or TV show.
New Champions#1is available now from Marvel Comics.
Black Panther
TheBlack Pantherfranchise is a significant and culturally impactful part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It centers on the story of T’Challa, the king of Wakanda, a highly advanced African nation hidden from the world. After the death of his father, T’Challa must assume the mantle of Black Panther and protect his nation from threats both internal and external. The franchise is known for its exploration of African culture, themes of leadership, and the responsibilities that come with power. The franchise has expanded with a sequel,Black Panther: Wakanda Forever(2022), which addresses the legacy of T’Challa following the untimely passing of Chadwick Boseman.
