I mentioned in my review of Ultimate Black Panther #14 how reviewing the title’s been like riding a roller coaster: the highs are high, but the lows are low. Ultimate Black Panther #15 is neither high nor low, merely a lull in the action. To its credit, it explores the idea that the spirit known as the Progenitor is possessing people in Nigeria, as politicians have been utilizing vibranium for their own benefit. This brings in T’Challa and Storm, who soon learn what the vibranium is for…but I can’t help but feel that it’s taking away from the more interesting story of Wakanda being “possessed”.
And therein lies the difference between Ultimate Black Panther and the rest of the Ultimate line; while the other books have laid out plot points and returned to them, Bryan Hill seems to be piling up a lot of plot points without any indication of payoff. The war betweeen Moon Knight and Black Panther seems to have stalled, despite being a major part of the series. The conflict of ideals in Wakanda, which could have provided a juicy narrative, has slowed to a standstill. And again; the idea of a “possessed city”? I’m waiting on that!
Hill does deliver a solid pair of confrontations involving T’Challa and the Nigerian Office of National Security, and an assassin who tries to get the drop on him. In both cases, Hill showcases how calm and collected T’Challa is: he doesn’t rise to any bait, and he is direct in his motives. It’s this quiet regality that’s made every version of the Black Panther worth following, and I’m glad it’s intact.
Another thing I’m glad for is Stefano Caselli’s artwork. Caselli’s gift for action sequences is brought to the forefront once again when T’Challa corners the assassin. Every panel features a surgical strike from the king of Wakanda, and highlights how tough his suits are – even if he’s wearing the “prototype” version. My favorite image from Ultimate Black Panther #15 features T’Challa standing tall, cape flapping in the wind and claws drawn. It’s regal, it’s dangerous, and it’s amazing.
Equally as regal, dangerous, and amazing is how Caselli draws Storm. Ororo Munroe commands every frame she’s in, and her use of lightning sends the page awash in electric blue light. David Curiel’s use of color helps set the tone as well. Bright, vibrant colors mean that there’s a major fight scene about to go down, or that there’s a major revelation on hand. On the other hand, the more muted colors at the beginning of the comic strike an ominous tone…and that’s before the reveal of dark red bloodstains.
Ultimate Black Panther #15 once again puts the more interesting parts of its narrative on hold, but it makes up for that with some great fight scenes and eye-catching color. I do hope that future issues will continue to explore what’s been set up; there’s a great story here, and Hill needs to step on the gas.
