Wakanda’s tech expert, Shuri, is now firmly a member of the MCU’s elite thanks to her taking over the mantle of Black Panther in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Soon after taking over, Shuri effectively deals with a new threat from Namor, the ruler of the underwater kingdom of Talokan.
In her MCU appearances, Shuri has impressed audiences with her tech expertise as well as her fighting skills. Her dialogue has been quite impressive too, and she happens to be an even better conversationalist on the Marvel pages.
“Girls Just Take Care Of Business Better.”
Black Panther (Vol 6) #10
During a visit to the UN headquarters, a diplomat asks why Wakanda prefers to have a mostly-female army. Well, Shuri gives a fitting response.
It’s an ideal and precise response to a question that was framed in a chauvinistic manner. In Wakanda, women are given the same opportunities as men, and over the years, female warriors have proven themselves better than men in battle, hence the reliance on the Dora Milaje.
“You’ve Faced The Muscle Of Wakanda… Now Face Its Claws.”
Black Panther (Vol 5) #5
When one of the most terrifying Spider-Man villains, Morlun, sneaks into Wakanda, the Dora Milaje attacks him with missiles. This fails, so Shuri dons the Panther Habit and confronts him.
The quote underscores Shuri’s confidence. She is certain that even though Morlun has proven to be too tough for the Dora Milaje to handle, he won’t be a match for her as the Black Panther. She sure does keep her word to hurt him since she eventually manages to impale him, leading to his defeat.
“Iron Man Is So Last Century”
Black Panther (Vol 5) #11
Namor invades Wakanda and also proves too formidable for T’Challa and the Dora Milaje to handle. T’Challa thus suggests calling for Iron Man’s help, but Shuri shoots down the idea.
Shuri has no respect for one of the most adored Avengers since he only relies on technology. Since Wakanda is so advanced in the technological space, she finds it hard to see how Iron Man’s presence will benefit them in any way during the battle. MCU fans will note how the storyline isn’t too different from the one in Wakanda Forever since the Wakandans also work with Iron Heart to defeat Namor.
“It’s A ‘Mantle,’ Not A Catsuit. Thank You Very Much.”
Klaws Of The Panther (Vol 1) #1
Shuri bumps into Shanna when she heads to the Savage Land for negotiations about vibranium. Shanna finds it funny that Shuri is now wearing the ‘catsuit,’ but she is quickly corrected, with Shuri clarifying that it’s a mantle.
Shanna isn’t exactly wrong to think of one of the most powerful vibranium creations, the Panther Habit, as a catsuit since panthers are members of the cat family. However, to Wakandans the Habit means much more than what other superheroes wear. To them, the suit is more of a crown. Moreover, there is already another Marvel character that actually dons a catsuit, and that’s one of Spider-Man’s love interests, Black Cat.
“Make Ready Your Armies, General. Wakanda Is Going To War.”
“New Avengers (Vol 3) #7
After Namor almost drowns Wakanda during an attack, T’Challa suggests signing a peace treaty, fearing a war will result in either Wakanda or Atlantis (Talokan in the movie) getting completely destroyed. Shuri disagrees and orders General H’llah to prepare the troops.
Shuri’s eagerness to go to war is understandable here since Wakandans will end up looking weak if they do nothing after almost getting wiped out by Namor. Luckily, the war is soon disrupted when Earth is invaded by one of the most powerful Marvel villains, Thanos.
“Ancestors, Friends… The Djalia Is Safe And Restored.”
Shuri (Vol 1) #10
An alien once sneaks into Wakanda and destroys the Djalia, a transcendent plane where the souls of the nation’s dead people reside. Luckily, Shuri is able to defeat the alien and restore the plan.
Shuri has every reason to celebrate since the Djalia houses some of Wakanda’s most treasured ancestors. MCU audiences are also familiar with the transcendent plane since, in the latest movie, Shuri tries to head there after taking the Heart-Shaped Herb only to bump into Killmonger.
“Now We Should Show Them What We Are: Wakanda The Unbreakable.”
“Black Panther (Vol 6) #11
Wakanda falls into a crisis when a rebellion is orchestrated by Tetu and Zenz. However, T’Challa quickly teams up with Manifold, T’Challa, and the Hatut Zeraze to defeat the rebels.
Shuri understands the importance of staying united. Given the numerous enemies that Wakanda asks, she can’t risk a scenario where the tribes aren’t working in unity. Moreover, rebellions are unnecessary since anyone who wishes to ascend the throne can simply make an offer to fight the current ruler for it.
“I Know You’re The King With Super-Powers And Everything Now, But You’re Still My Brother.”
Rise Of The Black Panther (Vol 1) #2
Soon after ascending to the throne, T’Challa is forced to deal with a crisis of missing Wakandans. While at it, he refuses to listen to Shuri’s advice, so she warns him.
For most of their lives, Shuri and T’Challa have been equal, so she finds it annoying that he has now become arrogant simply because he is now the Black Panther. With time, T’Challa comes back to his senses and starts treating his sister with the respect she deserves.
“It Was Always About My Brother First. He Was The Right Gender, Plus He Was The Oldest.”
Shuri (Vol 1) #1
Shuri gets asked to take over as the mantle when Black Panther gets lost in space. However, she isn’t too keen on doing so because she was overlooked at first.
Shuri is a progressive person, and she finds it odd that even though Wakanda has female warriors and is technologically advanced, male siblings are put first in the line for the throne. She, therefore, isn’t thrilled with the fact that she is only considered a perfect fit when her brother goes missing.
“The Doors Have Now Opened In Every Sector Of Wakanda.”
Black Panther (Vol 6) #15
When the Originators defeat the Gods of Wakanda and invade the nation, every form of technology fails to function. In despair, Shuri admits that Wakanda is now completely vulnerable.
As defensively secured as Wakanda is, cases of the nation being penetrated by enemies are numerous. It happens plenty of times in the MCU, too, notably when Thanos and Namor show up. But no matter how hard enemies try, they are always defeated. The same fate befalls the Originators.
