When Ultimate Black Panther was announced last year, it came as a surprise to many. After all, the original Ultimate Universe focused on Marvel’s biggest sellers, particularly Spider-Man and the X-Men. But times change: Black Panther became a cultural icon as well as a box office draw thanks to Ryan Coogler’s work within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and the landscape that Jonathan Hickman has been laying down in previous books means that this is a version of the Marvel Universe that doesn’t necessarily have the heroes we’ve come to know and love. Ultimate Black Panther #1 from Bryan Hill, Stefano Caselli, David Curiel and Cory Petit continues to flesh out this brand new world – specifically, the world of Wakanda.
Much like its Earth-616 counterpart, Wakanda is a nation unconquered, rich in culture as well as technology. But it is being drawn into conflict with the emissaries of the Egyptian gods Ra and Khonshu – key members of the Maker’s council, and better known as the Moon Knight. When tragedy strikes, T’Challa dons the mantle of the Black Panther to fight against the Moon Knight, unaware that it isn’t the only conflict he’ll have to face.
In the same way that Hickman and Marco Checchetto flipped the Spider-Man mythos upside down with Ultimate Spider-Man, Hill is more than content to deliver a different version of what people expect from the Black Panther. T’Challa’s sister Shuri, the leader of the Dora Milaje Okoye, and even perennial Black Panther foe Killmonger make appearances – but in this new world, they are wildly different people, and therefore take different approaches to the Moon Knight’s invasion. Hill also injects a heady dose of political intrigue into the narrative, especially when it comes to Wakanda’s isolationist policies. Do they help more than they hurt? How heavy is the crown on T’Challa’s head? Hill is taking a similar approach with his Blade run, and it’s what makes him one of the most interesting comic writers in the buisness.
Caselli’s artwork gives us a Wakanda that feels inspired by the movies as well as Ta-Nehisi Coates’ more modern take. The architecture, as well as the clothing, is peak Afrofuturism; glittering skyscrapers rise into the sun while dragonfly-esque ships hover above the royal palace. It’s especially present in T’Challa’s clothing. The King of Wakanda is shown sporting a black robe overlaid with golden elements, a sign of his regality. His Black Panther armor also bears ornate symbols, but is made of pure nanotech. In contrast, the Moon Knight’s forces are clad in cold metal and white suits, representing the duality of Ra and Khonshu as the sun and moon. Curiel’s color work often shrouds the page in golden sunlight, raging orange flames, and dark skies that are split in half with bluish-white thunderbolts.
Ultimate Black Panther #1 is another excellent entry into the new Ultimate Universe, revamping the world of Wakanda with plenty of political intrigue and new challenges for its titular regent. If you loved the Black Panther movies, the new Ultimate comics, or you’re looking for a great jumping on point this comic has it all. Here’s hoping the next issue keeps up the forward momentum.
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