Writer: Bryan Hill
Art: Stefano Caselli
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Price:$4.99
Release Date: February 7th, 2024
THE NEW ULTIMATE BLACK PANTHER! In the wake of ULTIMATE INVASION, Khonshu and Ra – the force known together as Moon Knight – are seeking to expand their brutal control of the continent of Africa. In response, the lone bulwark against them, the isolated nation of Wakanda, will send forth its champion…its king…the Black Panther! From the creative minds of Bryan Hill (BLADE, KILLMONGER) and Stefano Caselli (X-MEN RED, AVENGERS) comes a bold new take on the world of Black Panther and Wakanda as Ultimate Black Panther #1 kicks off!
If you’re interested in this comic, series, related trades, or any of the others mentioned, then simply click on the title/link to snag a copy through Amazon as you read the Ultimate Black Panther #1 Review.
THE DISPATCH
Bryan Hill gives fans a quick lay of the land of Wakanda as Ultimate Black Panther #1 begins. We see who the Black Panther is, who Wakanda’s threat happens to be, and where the key players are all at as this opener kicks off. The villain is set, some additional key components are dialed in, and speculations as to who happens to be behind the scenes pulling the strings are rather evident.
Now, as far as excitement goes, the action is a bit lackluster in this opener. Nevertheless, Hill needs to set the stage and provide a strong setting and cast before we get too deep into agendas, problems, and adventures. Yet, I personally loved the level of deceit being combed out between the King, Shuri, and the Dora Milaje. T’Challa is trying to act rationally and smartly. Others want action immediately. I couldn’t help but wonder if some self-sabotage and false threats were activated by Shuri causing the cliffhanger of Ultimate Black Panther #1. Could I be correct? Honestly, I think my take is pretty strong, however, I mainly want it to be true simply because the concept of Shuri and T’Challa being at odds would be a wildly interesting storyline you’d never get in the 616.
On a more sour note, there were some concepts a bit low-key and difficult to understand. The Moon Knight connection was still a bit vague to me even after reading all the Ultimate Invasion events. The assumption is that Khonshu and Ra rule over this part of the world and thus Wakanda will be battling with them. But Khonshu and Ra aren’t a nation in the 616. So, I’m having a hard time getting behind that idea right now as well as how they’re going to be at war with Wakanda. I think Hill has a shot to get us there. And, I think the premise has potential. Nevertheless, the storyline currently was just a bit confusing and lacked the excitement I was searching for to hook me into this opening installment.
FINAL THOUGHTS
And that’s ultimately the key. As opening issues go, Ultimate Black Panther #1 was just a bit flat and dry. It didn’t offer a ton of excitement or clever twists to hook me out of the gate. Nevertheless, the potential is all over the place as you read this opening issue. Sure, the direction seems pretty clear but anything could happen. The premise is a bit intriguing and I love the potential villains and internal conflict that is likely to transpire with the cast. But the key is potential.
Will it happen or am I providing more conjectures than the author actually is? And thus, I have to use a bit of my own imagination to see where this series might go instead of relying on the storyteller for guidance. And that becomes the problem. As of right now, I’m in on issue two mainly due to where “I” feel the story is going. But I want more guidance from Hill. In the meantime, you’ve got me for the first arc. Let me know what you think, have a great week, and God Bless!