Title: Black Panther: Who is Black Panther? | Series: Black Panther (2005) | Writer: Reginald Hudlin | Illustrator: John Romita Jr. | Publisher: Marvel | ASIN: B00AAJQWVC | Genre: Superhero Science Fiction Fantasy | Language: English | Triggers: None | Rating: 3 out of 5 | Source: Kindle Unlimited
Black Panther Vol IV #1
Collects Black Panther (2005) #1-6. Deep in the heart of Africa is Wakanda, a technologically advanced civilization of great power and mystery. It’s warrior-king is T’Challa, the latest in a famed family line, and the great hero known worldwide as the Black Panther. Despite the futile defeats of the past, outsiders are once more assembling to invade Wakanda and plunder its riches. Leading this brutal assault is Klaw, a deadly assassin with the blood of T’Challa’s murdered father on his hands. Klaw brings with him a powerful army of super-powered mercenaries, all hell-bent on raining death and destruction on this pristine land. Even with Wakanda’s might and his own superhuman skills, can the Black Panther prevail against such a massive invading force?
Black Panther Review
The first issue does nothing more than establish, roughly, where / what Wakanda is, and that it is protected by someone known as the Black Panther. It is obvious the city is highly technologically advanced. It is also made clear that Black Panther is a role that is either assumed or inherited. It’s not some immortal that just lives in the village kick butt when need be. It also looks to set up the American government as some of the bad guys, and introduces the first two people on the team that will eventually go up against him.
Issues two through four are just the slow unfolding of the story. It felt like they used a whole lot of pages to say relatively little. Is this a thing with Marvel? Just dribble out little bits of story, stretch it out as much as you can, so you can make people pay as much possible? I really liked issue three, as it had a rather fun opening, and defined T’Challa’s character a bit more. There was also a zinger I liked, and a scene that made me giggle.
“I understand your frustration in dealing with a black man who can’t be bought with a truck full of guns, a plane load of blondes, and a swiss bank account, but hold on to what little class you have.” – T’Chaka
Issues five and six were much better. Issue five feels like where the majority of the action happens, although the battle officially finishes up in issue six. These issues really made like T’Challa’s family. I was quite happy to see his sister put the hurting on the bad guy that was after her. T’Challa’s mom made me laugh with her rather perfectly placed stiff-arm and quip.
Overall, Black Panther Vol IV #1 was an interesting read, if not exactly a thrilling one. The art was solid, some of the panels were absolutely gorgeous. I liked getting to know a bit more about Black Panther in preparation for the upcoming movie. (Which I will see once it hits Redbox because I’m tired of spending too much money for forced funnies.) I think I’m just not a fan of Marvel comics, to be honest.
Buy Link: Amazon
Lilyn G is the founder of Sci-Fi & Scary, and leader of the Coolthulhu Crew. She does book and film reviews for both genres the site focuses on. Her tastes run towards creature features, hard science fiction, and lots and lots of action. She also has a soft spot for middle-grade fiction that rears its head frequently.
Though no longer involved with Ladies of Horror Fiction due to other responsibilities and a too-full plate, she was one of the original 4 co-founders.
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