Erik "Killmonger" Stevens
| Character | |
|---|---|
| Name: | Erik Stevens N'Jadaka Erik Killmonger (Marvel comics) |
| Occupation: | Claimant to the Wakandan throne, former US Navy SEAL |
| Relationships: | T'Challa (nemesis, MCU cousin); Shuri (MCU cousin); |
| Fandom: | Marvel Cinematic Universe, Black Panther (2018), Marvel Comics |
| Other: | Wikipedia |
| Click here for related articles on Fanlore. | |
Erik Stevens, born N'Jadaka, also known as Killmonger, is an enemy of T'Challa in multiple Black Panther storylines. He is the main antagonist in the Marvel Cinematic Universe film Black Panther.
Canon
Marvel Cinematic Universe
Erik's father N'Jobu was the brother of T'Chaka, King of Wakanda, as well as being a War Dog, part of Wakanda's intelligence services. Unbeknownst to T'Chaka, N'Jobu fell in love with an American woman while on assignment in Oakland, California. N'Jobu raised their son Erik with stories of their home in Wakanda, hoping to take Erik there someday, and gave Erik a War Dog tattoo to identify him as Wakandan.
N'Jobu orchestrated the theft of a quantity of vibranium from Wakanda, hoping to use it to help oppressed people around the world. T'Chaka confronted N'Jobu over his betrayal and was ultimately forced to kill him, abandoning Erik to fend for himself in the USA.
Erik graduated from the United States Naval Academy aged 19, attended graduate school at MIT, and then joined the US Navy SEALs. He served in Iraq, Afghanistan and in Africa, and accumulated so many kills that he earned the nickname Killmonger. For every life he took he also added a ritual scar to his body, eventually covering his arms and torso.
During Black Panther (2018), Erik (portrayed by Michael B. Jordan) made his way to Wakanda to overthrow T'Challa, take control of Wakanda, and use Wakandan resources to arm Black people around the world to overthrow their oppressors. T'Challa survived Erik's leadership challenge, and with the help of his friends and allies was able to disrupt Erik's plans.
Erik was mortally wounded in combat with T'Challa, and although T'Challa offered to try to heal him, Erik opted to die rather than face captivity.
Comics
This article or section needs expansion. |
Fandom
Shipping
The most common pairing for this character is Erik "Killmonger" Stevens/T'Challa, although a significant number of fanworks also exist for Erik/Reader, and for Erik/Shuri.
Common Tropes & Themes
- Erik Killmonger Lives
- Alternative Universe fics are often canon divergent works set pre-canon. Many involve T'Chaka, Uncle James or another character bringing Erik to Wakanda. Alternatively, Erik may meet someone from Wakanda when they are undercover in America.
- Weebmonger/Killmanga: In reference to actor Michael B Jordan's interest in manga, Killmonger is portrayed as a weeaboo.
Impact
This article or section needs expansion. |
After the release of the Black Panther movie, there were a significant amount of people who said that "Killmonger was right." This statement has been compared to Magneto Was Right.
Fanworks
| Examples Wanted: Editors are encouraged to add more examples or a wider variety of examples. |
Fanfic
- Home Training by theformerone, T'Chaka takes Erik back to Wakanda. Erik is a problem child.
- isizathu by black_nata, "What do you want?" T'Challa whispers. Almost like he's pleading. All Erik wants to do is wrap his fist around that smooth throat and make him beg some more.
- The Definition of Insanity by MildSpinning, Erik dies over and over, but he's going to find a way to stop this. He's going to take the throne and kill anyone who gets in his way. Now if only they would stay dead. Groundhog Day AU One Shot: where Erik wakes up flying back into Wakanda after his final fight with T'Challa.
- (soul) on ice by coffeeandoranges, In which Killmonger lives, because the justified rage of the oppressed deserves a seat at the table.
- A Love Like War by Arbor Mist (Peachy), T'Challa rescues Erik after their final battle. But when Erik wakes up, he doesn't have any memories of his past.
- Black Boys Bloom Thorns First by uzumaki_rebellion, “Prince N’Jobu Udaku meets the mother of his secret son, Erik Killmonger.”
- Wet Sugar by Uzumaki_Rebellion, Erik Killmonger infiltrates Ulysses Klaue's mercenary unit and plots to kill him while getting mixed up with a woman employed by Klaue at his hideout.
- Stark's New Intern by Uzumaki_Rebellion, Tony Stark brings the best and the brightest to his annual internship program in Los Angeles, and this year, nineteen-year-old Erik Stevens from Oakland California, and fresh out of the Naval Academy, is the new kid on the block who Tony takes under his wing
- Messy Boots by Uzumaki_Rebellion, Ororo "Storm" Munroe divorces King T'Challa and takes up with his cousin Erik Killmonger as a dig at the news that the new King of Wakanda is marrying his old flame, Nakia. At a U.N. dinner honoring Captain America Steve Rogers, old hurts and new emotions spring forth as they all must band together with Cap and the Falcon to fight off an attack aimed at Steve.
Fanart
- Killmonger, Archived version by andernell
- Weebmonger, Archived version in a pastiche of JoJo's Bizarre Adventure by The Art of Basil Nacionales
Fanvids
Other
- "Killmanga references Naruto" by @BenStarred
Meta/Further Reading
- "Uncle James", Archived version by bunny-wan-kenobi on tumblr
- The Warnings Against Toxic Masculinity in Black Panther (2018) by shieldspatriot
Archives and Communities
- Erik Killmonger works on AO3
- erik killmonger tag on Tumblr
References