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X-Men: Wakanda Forever #1 is technically the second chapter in the story after the Spider-Man one-shot. In this story a mysterious woman named Nakia is in America causing havoc and she’s the Dora Milaje problem that can’t seem to contain. She’s coming for Storm in this issue, but may not realize what she’s bargained for.
So what’s it about?
Read our preview right now to find out more.
Why does this matter?
Ever since this issue was teased I couldn’t wait to see what writer Nnedi Okorafor was going to do. Not only does it have one of the coolest fighting groups to ever appear in Marvel Comics, but it features Storm, who has her own close ties to Wakanda. This issue also fleshes out the villain who tangled with Spider-Man just last month.
Fine, you have my attention. What’s good about it?
Nakia is kind of insane.
This issue explores Nakia’s backstory which adds a bit more weight to her narrative. I barely knew who she was or what she was all about in the Spider-Man one-shot so getting more info about her here is welcome. In a bit of a surprise, seeing Storm and Rogue go food shopping was a highlight in the issue. They are going about Storm’s favorite grocery store and it’s rather cool to see them chatting about food and whatnot. It grounds the characters and makes them feel real.
The art by Ray-Anthony Height keeps things clean and realistic looking. The opening scenes with Nakia are very well done and Height captures the sci-fi technology melded with Africa aspects well. I also deeply respect how Height draws our heroes in street clothes. Seeing Storm fly up in jeans is a nice touch.
It’s interesting to see the heroes in street clothes shopping.
It can’t be perfect can it?
Where do I begin with this issue? I’m continuing to have an issue with Nakia and how I couldn’t care less about her journey. She comes off as erratic in the opening pages due to her tears at assuming Black Panther was dating Storm. The entire character hinges on her jealousy which isn’t very becoming. It’s like her entire identity relies on a male character. Not a good look.
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The pacing of the issue is strange as well. There’s a lot of time spent on two patrons of the grocery store that seems entirely pointless to the story or what is going on. I guess it’s interesting to see superheroes interact with average folks, but I found it boring. The Dora Milaje appear late in the issue seemingly just because they’re on the cover, not because it makes sense to the story. This same thing happened in the Spider-Man issue which seems very strange given the book is about them. Instead Nokia takes focus with a smattering of Storm.
Is it good?
This was a difficult book to enjoy due to pacing issues, a boring villain, and a misguided focus. The weirdest thing about this book, and the Spider-Man one too, is how the Dora Milaje clearly deserve the focus and yet are barely in it. Give us the Dora Milaje the covers promise!
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