REVIEW: Ultimate Black Panther #1

The King of Wakanda begins a new reign in Ultimate Black Panther #1. Does this fresh origin story live up to the lofty expectations befitting the legendary character?

Another of Marvel’s cornerstones gets an Ultimate Series reboot, and thanks to the excellent writing of Brian Hill, this is a trip well worth taking one more time. Thanks to time travel and manipulation from The Maker (aka a super jerk future version of Mr. Fantastic), this story takes place in an alternate version of Wakanda. Here the newly minted King T’Challa rules Wakanda with aid from his wife, Queen Okoye and his genius sister/head honcho of the Dora Milaje, Shuri. Familiar characters in new roles permeate the issue breathing intriguing new life into the well-known series. Even the usual Wakandan political intrigue is presented with a twist. The dialogue is razor sharp setting up tensions between characters that can take the future of the series in any number of different directions. Hill, who has written Black Panther before, is truly in his bag being able to play more freely with the characters and the story.

Hill isn’t the only creative that gets to add new twists, the art team has created one of the best-looking versions of Wakanda and its inhabitants in the series’ history. Highlights include the bearded T’Challa, Okoye and her radical new hairstyle, and the Black Panther suit itself. Marvel’s entire Ultimate Series’ is famously known to go big or go home when it comes to the character designs for better or worse. Stefano Caselli (art) and David Curiel (colors) hit a homerun with their characters here. Political intrigue usually goes hand-in-hand with over-the-top action in Wakanda. And while this debut issue departs from many of the series’ norms, it does not skimp on the action. The twist comes via who is taking care of business on the battlefield. No spoilers, but the scene almost steals their entire show.

Tradition, superstition, politics, family, and love. There are so many ways to tell stories featuring any combination of these subjects. Ultimate Black Panther #1 is taking them all head on. So many potential conflicts are set up in this one issue, it will be interesting to see where Hill and company go story-wise and visually. The final panels revealing the potential enemy of the Black Panther alone makes issue #2 a must read already. With nods to the comic’s incredible history and even subtle nods to Black Panther’s time in the MCU, this start of a new adventure is one all Black Panther fans should check out immediately.

Writing – 4,5 Stars
Art – 5 Stars
Coloring – 4 Stars

Overall
4.5 Stars

Written by; Bryan Hill
Art by; Stefano Caselli
Colors by; David Curiel
Letters by; Cory Petit
Published by; Marvel Comics

Author Profile

Christopher R. Ford

Writer, author, and blogger. Published author of three children's books and also writes for the boy Creators For The Culture. Part-time sneaker head, full time nerd.