Marvel Fans Are Saying ‘Black Panther’s Killmonger Is the Best MCU Villain Ever

Black Panther has just crashed into the mainstream spotlight with record-breaking success, bringing a whole new slew of Marvel Comics characters along with it. Of the many breakout performances in Black Panther, one has quickly stood above the rest: Michael B. Jordan‘s Erik Killmonger.

They say a story is only as good as its villain, and that goes double for superhero movies. Well, as you will see below, there are legions of Marvel fans who believe that not only was Killmonger an essential part of what made Black Panther great, he may be the best Marvel Cinematic Universe villain we’ve ever gotten.

Here are just a few sides of this current Marvel fan hot topic discussion:

MCU G.O.A.T.

For a lot of fans, it’s a simple assessment: When it comes to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Killmonger is the greatest of all time. ‘Nuff said.

Joker Comparisions

You knew it was coming! Whenever we start talking “best of” anything in the big two superhero univeres, we inevitably have to reference the other. The question of whether Killmonger is better than Heath Ledger’s The Dark Knight Joker is one that will play out for awhile (we’re not quite there yet), but it’s nice to see Jordan being put on such esteemed levels of comparison.

#Flawless

There have been some big discussion of the logistics of Killmonger’s plan, and whether the villain’s arc actually make sense in the film. We’ve had that debate out around our offices (spoiler: it’s all explanable), but some fans are taking umbrage at the very suggestion of there being a flaw in their new fav villain.

Dark Depth

The more intellectual fans are breaking down what, exactly, makes Killmonger so appealing. As you can see, it’s a mix of the character’s tragic origin, cunning, swagger, and that physical power. Everything great baddies are made off.

Work of Art

Killmonger is already puncturing his way into the mainstrea, inspiring all sorts of creative fan respnoses. See above.

Mainstream Props

This Killmonger love isn’t just coming from the camp of the Marvel faithful, either. This guy speaks for all the viewers out there that don’t typically go for Marvel Studios or DC Films movies, but still recognized Jordan’s electric charisma. There is indeed a reason why this young man has been on a meteoric rise since his breakout debut in The Wire.

Vote 2018

This is the first of many important votes to go down in 2018. Let your voice be heard.

So Far From the Comics…

This is truly a “WTF” time to be living in, if you’re a longtime Marvel Comics reader. Major villains on the page haven’t lasted been loved onscreen (Dr. Doom, Apocalypse), while B-villains from the comics have grown into some of the most popular modern movie baddies around (Vulture, Killmonger, Hela). Go figure.

******

Black Panther is now in theaters. It will be followed by Avengers: Infinity War on May 4th, Ant-Man and the Wasp on July 6th, Captain Marvel on March 8, 2019, the fourth Avengers movie on May 3, 2019, the sequel to Spider-Man: Homecoming on July 5, 2019, and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 in 2020.