‘Ultimate Black Panther’ #24 is a compelling conclusion

For all the ups and downs of this series, it truly was a unique approach to the Black Panther.

January 21, 2026

In the two years since Ultimate Black Panther launched, I’ve been through plenty of ups and downs when covering this book. I’ve loved how Bryan Hill, Stefano Caselli, and Carlos Nieto have blended elements of Black Panther stories across comics and movies into a truly unique tale, yet I’ve also expressed my frustration with the uneven pacing. Ultimate Black Panther #24, which marks the end of the series, lands firmly on the “up” side, bringing together all the series’ plot threads into a single narrative.

To recap: T’Challa and his allies in the kingdom of Wakanda have been battling the Progenitors, an ancient alien race whose spirit inhabits the Vibranium that powers Wakanda. The Progenitors have utilized various agents, including Moon Knight and the Wakandan priests, as well as the Vodu-Khan, in their attempt to conquer the Earth. With the help of the Sorceress Supreme Inan, T’Challa is finally able to confront the Progenitors on their own plane of existence for one final showdown.

This allows Hill to tap into the greatest strength of Ultimate Black Panther, which is T’Challa’s resolve in the face of overwhelming odds. What’s more overwhelming than facing off against alien gods? Yet he refuses to buckle under their intimidating gaze, even attempting to strike a bargain. This is the Black Panther I know and love: a man who stands against overwhelming odds and always comes out on top. It doesn’t stop there, as T’Challa comes up with his own way of defying the progenitors – and in the process, brings a new meaning to the words “Wakanda Forever”.

Caselli returns to close out Ultimate Black Panther #24, delivering some of his best work in the process. The opening page features T’Challa floating in a void, with the lead Progenitor’s ghostly form coldly staring at him. The contrast between the two becomes more pronounced, thanks to the Progenitors’ clammy, gray skin and inhuman features, standing apart from the Black Panther’s steely gaze and jet-black costume. Inan is also a presence throughout the issue, though a ghostly one; to match her new form, Cory Petit designs her word balloons with a scraggly red font.

Topping it all off is David Curiel. Curiel spins wildly through different palettes, using blood-red hues for the Progenitors’ dimension, golden accents for the city of Wakanda, and black and white to represent Black Panther’s inner thoughts. This mix of colors represents the different elements at play, including magic and aliens, and it immediately draws the eye to what’s on the page.

It’s the ending that sticks with me, as a conversation between T’Challa and Killmonger takes a surprising turn. It also ruminates on the nature of time and how we need to make the most of it. The irony isn’t lost on me, especially since the Ultimate Universe is moving toward its end, but it means the ending will sit with fans long after they close the pages.

Ultimate Black Panther #24 brings the series to an end with a meditation on the passing of time, and redefines the iconic “Wakanda Forever” phrase. For all the ups and downs I had with this title, I truly think it was both a unique approach to the Black Panther and a strong entry in the new Ultimate Universe.