Ultimate Black Panther 4 Review
Summary: While far from perfect, this issue finally gives us a T'Challa that seemingly has a a purpose. The team has formed and the Cult of Moon Knight is making its move. Things are looking up.
3.5
Momentum!
Background – Shuri fights, T’Challa Returns, and a Dora Milaje burns.
Writing – T’Challa & His Amazing Friends – T’Challa blazes back onto the scene to rescue his wife and sister from a former Dora Milaje. While he agrees to not keep secrets from Okoye, I doubt that is going to last. No matter what universe T’Challa is in, the man likes to keep his hand hidden. All we get are last page cameos from Killmonger and Storm, which is annoying considering they have been some of the best parts of the last 4 issues.
Moon Knight – Ra and Khonshu might not be on exactly the same page. Khonshu wants to proceed more carefully, especially now that T’Challa knows that the cult has infiltrated Wakanda. Ra on the other hand seems to be the more pro-active of the two, which is interesting because in the mainstream universe, Khonshu is the one who constantly wants Moon Knight to act. There is definitely tension brewing between them. I still think these two are gods inhabiting human bodies, but we will have to wait and see if that idea rings true.
Shuri and Okoye – Shuri and Okoye are fast becoming each other’s secret keepers. With T’Challa gone, the two ladies have no one to confide in but each other. A sisterhood is starting to form between them.
Artwork – THAT WAS A VERY MISLEADING COVER. It made it seem like Shuri was taking the throne for herself. Needless to say, she did not. The fight between the Dora Milaje, Okoye, and Shuri is kinetic and comes across well, and while we have not seen the world outside Wakanda yet, it doesn’t look like Wakanda is in a bubble anymore. Skies are not weird colors and days and nights seem to pass normally.
Final Thoughts – It took 4 issues, but something is FINALLY happening. T’Challa has assembled his team that he trusts and is ready to strike against Moon Knight. Shuri has learned her brother not only lives but has returned stronger than he was, and the book finally has some momentum. It felt like things were actually progressing this issue. What I’m not happy about is that all of this comes down to vibranium. AGAIN. At this point though we just have to accept that the writers have decided to make this new Wakanda very similar to the old Wakanda. It’s time to start thinking of this as less of a new dish and more like comfort food.
Final score: 3.5 out of 5
Comic Details
Publisher: Marvel
Writer: Bryan Hill
Artist: Stefano Caselli
Color Artist: David Curiel
Letterer: VC’s Cory Petit
Cover Artist: Stefano Caselli & David Curiel
Genre: Superhero
Format: Monthly
Release Date: 05/22/2024
About the Author
Matt Fischer Lover of all things nerdy. Reader of Comics for over 25 years. DC encyclopedia. X-Men historian. Spider-Man and Marvel lover. Indie side guy.
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