T’Challa opens up Wakanda’s borders for the first time in the country’s history, allowing a select group of ambassadors to see the nation first hand. However, not all nations are happy about this, and Rise of the Black Panther #3 shows just how the world greets Wakanda. Is it good?
The issue opens as T’Challa holds a press conference, opening up Wakanda to the rest of the world. Writer Evan Narcisse uses this opportunity to capture the different reactions of various people throughout the Marvel Universe, helping Rise of the Black Panther #3 connect to the previous issue as well as dropping clues to what is yet to come. For a mini-series that covers such a broad section of time, this connective tissue is important, and it’s nice to see how expertly Narcisse has woven it in to the issue’s narrative.
The main portion of the issue, however, focuses on T’Challa and Wakanda hosting a selected group of ambassadors from the United Nations. Evan Narcisse uses this portion to highlight a number of Wakandan technologies, many that longtime Black Panther fans will recognize. Artist Paul Renaud does a fantastic job at balancing the space between these Easter eggs and the reactions of the ambassadors to them. At some points uneasy, others in awe, and sometimes terrified, Renaud never overplays the reactions and keeps the book from feeling visually repetitive.
Despite what could have ultimately been an exposition heavy issue, Narcisse never loses track of T’Challa’s character, displaying his regal persona, his love of science, and his strategic mind. The latter comes into focus when the group comes under the fire of a brainwashed Winter Soldier. Here Renaud’s artwork comes into the spotlight as he and color artist Stephane Paitreau create a scintillating fight that matches the intensity of their duels in Captain America: Civil War more than static images ought to be able to.
Is It Good?
Rise of the Black Panther #3 continues the excellence shown in the first two issues. Evan Narcisse has an expert grasp of T’Challa and Wakanda and makes the read exciting despite the fact that the outcome is known. The art of Paul Renaud and Stephane Paitreau is gorgeous, giving the book a sense of realism to go with the sci-fi. The issue is an absolute must-have for fans of the character, and the narrative of T’Challa welcoming outsiders should be an easy step in for anyone approaching the character after seeing the blockbuster film.
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