REVIEW: Black Panther #2

The opening issue of Ta-Nehisi Coates & Brian Stelfreeze’s new Black Panther series did an excellent job of reintroducing the character to the world and setting up an extremely interesting premise for a story arc. Out this week is the second installment of the series. All storylines introduced in the first issue are touched upon. T’Challa decides to track and confront the mystery woman responsible for the recent unrest in Wakanda by himself, against the wishes of his advisors. The newly anointed “Midnight Angels” continue their quest to free the oppressed women of Wakanda, and we get our first hint of their larger plan. We are introduced to two new characters, Baba and Tetu, who seem as if they will play integral parts in the overall story. While we don’t learn much about the characters at first introduction, writer Ta-Nehisi Coates provides enough back story for each to keep them in your mind until used again. The last few pages of the issue reintroduce a longtime supporting character in Black Panther’s books, and leads into a terrific cliffhanger for the next issue.

Marvel seems to have put together the perfect creative team for this title. Ta-Nehisi Coates is doing a terrific job of reintroducing the world to not only The Black Panther, but to Wakanda as well. Brian Stelfreeze seems born to draw this character, and I couldn’t imagine another colorist on this title now that I’ve seen what Laura Martin is doing with it. Wakanda has never looked so beautiful, and it’s thanks to Stelfreeze and Martin. The team is managing to pay respect to previous history, while making their own unique mark on the character.

Final Verdict: If you loved the first issue (like I did), you will love Black Panther #2. I couldn’t wait for this issue to finally release, and I feel the same about the next installment.

[yasr_overall_rating]

Story: Ta-Nehisi Coates
Art: Brian Stelfreeze
Colors: Laura Martin
Release Date: May 11, 2016
Publisher: Marvel

If you missed it, check out my review of Black Panther #1:

https://www.comiccrusaders.com/review-black-panther-1/