T’Challa is having a very bad day. In fact, he’s probably had a very bad past couple of weeks, months, and probably even years. The saying goes “Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown” and Black Panther‘s head must feel like it’s weighed down by a giant boulder. Still, Black Panther #1 is one of the most in-depth, thorough, and complex iterations of T’Challa and his reign in a long time. But then again, what can you expect when the writer behind it all is an award-winning, acclaimed author and journalist like Ta-Nehisi Coates.
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Wakanda is in turmoil and most of the population is losing faith fast in their monarchy, if they haven’t already. This is because the Wakandan people have been through hell due to everything from attacks and the death of a beloved monarch. To add insult to injury, there is a faction that is awfully reminiscent of a Boko Haram-like outfit whose sole goal is to destroy Black Panther and bring Wakanda to its knees. But they aren’t going to simply rely on bombs or anything like that… They have superpowers of their own, and they are going to do whatever it takes to destroy Wakanda.
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The sad reality is T’Challa just hasn’t been there for his people the way they would have wanted him to be. They want a king first, but T’Challa’s desires may not be compatible with theirs. This has lead to a lot of bitterness in Wakandan hearts and he’s facing an uphill battle to save his kingdom, all while grieving himself.
If you were expecting a ton of action in the first issue, I’m here to tell you to lower those expectations. Black Panther #1 is aimed purely at setting up the story and laying all the cards on the table. I was happy to see two of the Dora Milaje, T’Challa’s personal guard (and all around female badasses), but unfortunately, they have their own beef with their Beloved. As a fan of Panther, I gotta tell ya that this first issue was a tough pill to swallow, but it’s going to be one of the best story arcs Marvel has going. I’m willing to bet money on that.
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The art, beautifully drawn courtesy of Brian Stelfreeze, is angular and modern. Rather than relying on classic pencilling techniques, Stelfreeze uses lines and silhouettes to give depth to the story and the art. The colors are stunning, with teals, pinks and neons creating a paradise (albeit in turmoil) that you want to jump right into and explore.
And explore I will, because New York City and Outer Space can wait.