The Predator vs. Black Panther series has had a rocky start. I love the Predator. I love Black Panther. Benjamin Percy did some good work with Predator vs. Wolverine. But the series kept the titular combatants apart for its first two issues, slowly building up to a confrontation. Predator vs. Black Panther #3 finally kicks the series into high gear, as T’Challa and the Dora Milaje go on the offensive.
The timing couldn’t be worse: the Yajuta leading the invasion into Wakanda has his claws on the Great Mound of Vibranium, and wants it for himself. In his battle, T’Challa learns a surprising truth about the Predators that heightens his desire to finish the fight. Meanwhile, Shuri fights for survival against a Predator – and finds an unlikely ally.
The big revelation with T’Challa has me feeling conflicted. On the one hand, it’s a big reveal that’s ripe with story potential. On the other hand, why did it take this long for said reveal? Given how Percy criss-crossed between different time periods with Predator vs. Wolverine, it’s frankly baffling that he didn’t apply the same approach, especially when it would work here. It also gives T’Challa the personal edge he needed, which was lacking for the first two issues.
Gripes aside, I do love that Percy nails the dynamic between T’Challa and Okoye. The duo trust each other, and move as a well oiled unit. The Shuri storyline also takes a turn with the appearance of another Marvel hero, which introduces another fun dynamic. It’s also a reminder that Shuri is extremely intelligent, and that’s the edge everyone who’s beaten a Predator has ever had.
Marvel Comics
While the story might be a bit bumpy, the artwork isn’t. Chris Allen and Sean Damien Hill draw the hell out of the battle between Yajuta and Wakandans, and they don’t hold back on the blood. Whether it’s red or green, it’s spilled in copious quantities. The impact of blades going into eyes, stomachs or chests also has a visceral effect – if you’re writing a Predator story, chances are people are going to get murdered in a horrible way. But there’s also a beautiful two page spread that takes place in the spirit realm where T’Challa meets his grandfather Azzuri; it’s a cornucopia of imagery that lets Allen and Hill touch on the long, long legacy of the Black Panther.
The secret weapon of Predator vs. Black Panther #3 is Erick Arciniega. His color work brings the battle to life, with the lush green forests and purplish sky providing a great contrast with the bloody battles being waged in Wakanda. The conversation between T’Challa and Azzuri is wreathed in royal purple, which makes it sing even more.
Predator vs. Black Panther #3 is finally living up to its promise, introducing personal stakes and charging toward a final confrontation between Wakanda and the Yajuta. Time will tell if Percy, Hill and Allen stick the landing.
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