Creation

Aneka was created by writer Reginald Hudlin and artist Will Conrad, and first appeared in Black Panther (2009) #7. She first appeared in her Midnight Angel armor in Black Panther (2016) #1, created by writer Te-Nehisi Coates and artist Brian Stelfreeze.

Major Story Arcs

Power

Before the events of DoomWar, King T'Challa requested his Captain of the Dora Milaje, Aneka, to develop a unique fighting style for her sisters-in-arms in secret. This fighting style was made to combat Doombots and their adept targeting adaptability systems, ensuring that the Dora would be constantly on the offense without using the same attack twice.

Aneka vocally disapproved of T'Challa using magic to aid him in his fight against Doctor Doom. She found it to be too dangerous and untrustworthy, even going so far as to get into an argument with T'Challa's own sorcerer, Zawavari.

Doom War

During the events of Doom War, Aneka led the 500 Dora Milaje against 80,000 Wakandan soldiers in order to help T'Challa and Shuri regain control of Wakanda from the Desturi. Afterwards, she helped capture some of the remaining Desturi and forced them to reveal some of their plans. Later, she was also present at the final battle against Doom at the border of Latveria and Symkaria.

A Nation Under Our Feet

When Aneka is sent to free abused girls from a corrupt Wakandan Chieftain, she executes him for his crimes. She is arrested for murder and placed before the Queen Mother for judgement, but her fellow Dora Milaje and lover Ayo argues for forgiveness. Ramonda ignores Ayo's plea and sentences Aneka to death, but as she is waiting for execution, Aneka is freed from Ayo wearing the prototype Midnight Angel armor. The two rest outside of Birnin Zana, where Ayo confides in her lover that she tried it "their" way, but breaking the law and condemning herself to death was worth saving Aneka. Together they become the Midnight Angels, fighting to liberate the girls and women in Wakandan villages from their corrupt Chieftains and bandits.

Alongside liberating villages of women and girls, the Midnight Angels begin a social movement labelled "No One Man," in response to the failings of the monarchy to uphold safety in the surrounding lans of the capital city. When their sanctuary is assaulted by jambazi, Aneka realizes that they are punishing the guilty, but to protect the innocent they require a new army. Recruiting their own Dora Milaje warriors, the Midnight Angels kill Mandla, seize control of the Jabari-Lands, and hold tribunals for the corrupt officials in charge. With Jabari tribesmen and several Dora Milaje added to their ranks, the Midnight Angels officially begin a revolution in Wakanda. These actions attracts the attention of radical revolutionist Tetu, who seeks an audience with the Angels.

After information is leaked that the King of Wakanda was advised to murder children from each of Wakanda's main tribes to disuade a people's uprising, Aneka and Ayo feel compelled to action. Likewise, King T'Challa commands his Hatut Zeraze to strike the Jabari-Lands.

One World Under Doom

Ayo, alongside her partner Aneka, join forces with Bucky Barnes' Thunderbolts when President Folasade signs an agreement deal with Sorcerer Supreme Doom and begins exporting vibranium for Doom's use. The Midnight Angels help fight against Contessa Valentina and the original Thunderbolts, but Aneka is shot in the back and injured by the Fixer. Bucky beats Valentina until she threatens to overload the Great Mound with enough explosive energy to wipe out Birnin Zana. Bucky surrenders and is captured, but Ayo manages to flee carrying Aneka.

The two avoid Doombots patrolling Wakanda before reuniting with the Black Widow. Ayo is angered at Bucky leading them into a trap before surrendering, but Aneka persuades her beloved to go with Romanoff and seek justice while she recovers from her injuries.

In Other Media

Marvel's Avengers Assemble

Aneka appears as the Captain of Black Panther's Dora Milaje in the Season 03 episodes "Panther's Rage" and "Civil War Part 4: Avengers Revolution." She is voiced by actress Erica Luttrell.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

Aneka appears in the Marvel Cinematic Universe film, portrayed by actress Michaela Coel. In the film she is a senior Dora Milaje who Okoye approaches to become a Midnight Angel.