Marvel’s Black Panther’s 10 greatest villains of all time
By Mark Lynch
Image Source: Marvel Digital Comics
9. Vlad Dinu Vlad the Impaler
To defeat Dr. Doom, T’Challa had to take desperate measures. Not only did he send many of his beloved Wakandans to their death fighting the war, he also made all the vibranium in Wakanda useless stopping Dr. Doom’s weapons and armor. With too many defeats in a short amount of time, T’Challa felt the need to test himself. This came at a perfect time. Matt Murdock needed to leave Hell’s Kitchen but couldn’t afford to leave it unprotected. Matt contacted T’Challa. T’Challa gave up his powers, the title of Black Panther, and took on the role as protector of Hell’s Kitchen. His first challenge was against a Romanian gangster by the name of Vlad “The Impaler” Dinu.
Vlad was a Romanian orphan who was experimented on and given the power to turn matter into energy. But Vlad isn’t just some random guy with powers. He’s smart, cunning, ruthless, but extremely patient. All things T’Challa is as well. So, without any of his money, Wakandan technology, his wife (Storm), or Dora Milaje, T’Challa took on and defeated a man it would have difficult to battle even with the powers he forfeited.
Vlad is special. He understood why guys like the Kingpin and The Hood always fail. These guys are plagued with arrogance and the need to be the man and make sure everyone knew it. Vlad kept quiet and unseen until necessary. “Walk softly and carry a big stick.” T’Challa’s first real test was a major one and a great story.