As only the second major Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, fans are asking what actually happened during her comic-book reign, and where the hero and ruler finds herself now.
Shuri actually intended to become the Black Panther at the same time as T'Challa, as shown in 2005's Black Panther from Reginald Hudlin and John Romita Jr. Having trained to take part in the combat ceremony that would have granted her the honor, Shuri was beaten to the role by her brother, though she continued to protect the nation, even facing and cutting down the Radioactive Man with the Ebony Blade - a weapon she had claimed from the original, villainous Black Knight. After an attack by Doctor Doom badly injured T'Challa, his wife Storm took over rulership of Wakanda, but asked Shuri to become the new Black Panther - a task she took on in 2009's Black Panther, from Reginald Hudlin and J. Scott Campbell.
Shuri kept the mantle even when T'Challa recovered, and the former King of Wakanda took a sabbatical to care for Hell's Kitchen while Daredevil was indisposed, hoping to once again hone his abilities after his injuries. Shuri was a skilled ruler and protector, and faced down Doctor Doom in a major conflict depicted in 2010's Doomwar from Jonathan Maberry and Scot Eaton, as well as guiding the battle with Thanos' forces. After the Secret Wars concluded and reality was set right, T'Challa took on the mission of bringing his sister back from the afterlife.
Shuri's Resurrection and New Codename
Eventually, with the help of cosmic teleporter Manifold, T'Challa was successful, returning Shuri to life in Ta-Nehisi Coates and Chris Sprouse's Black Panther #8. However, during death she had taken up residence in Djalia - the Plane of Wakandan Memory - and engaged in a spiritual evolution, embracing the memories and history of the people of Wakanda. Shuri returned just in time to recruit the Dora Milaje - the warrior retinue of the Black Panther - back into the fold following their rebellion, and saved Wakanda from its enemies. However, her spiritual transformation changed her as a person, and she took on the title Aja-Adanna, indicating she was now the "living embodiment of Wakandan history."
Wakanda Changes for Good
A lot has happened to Wakanda since then. T'Challa has since discovered that the country's ambitious space mission accidentally spawned the Intergalactic Empire of Wakanda, and has moved the now far, far larger nation away from monarchical rule and towards a parliamentary system, appointing M'Baku as his regent. Shuri continues to act as a protector of Wakanda, and has taken the Black Panther suit up in a few extreme situations, but primarily works as an inventor and weapons specialist, with subtle changes bringing her more in line with her MCU characterization.
It's so far unclear how Shuri's MCU journey will mimic her time in the comics as Black Panther, but Marvel's stories are never over, and it's likely that Shuri will remain an integral part of Wakanda and (given the nature of comic stories) will likely take up the Black Panther mantle again at some point in the future when Wakanda needs her in the role once again.
