To say Imperial has shaken up Marvel’s cosmic landscape would be an understatement. Jonathan Hickman’s killed off major leaders on the cosmic stage, sparked a war between various empires, and set the stage for a fleet of upcoming comics. That’s not even getting into the massive reveal in Imperial #3, but that’s a topic for another time. Even with all the big moments, Imperial can only cover so much ground, which is where Imperial War: Black Panther #1 comes in.
The Black Panther finds out that he’s the most wanted man in the universe, due to the assassinations of cosmic leaders being pinned on Wakanda Prime. This means that a very, very, very angry Hulk is on his trail, along with the rest of the empires spanning the universe. With no time to lose, T’Challa goes on a hunt to clear his name.
Imperial War: Black Panther #1 sees Hickman joining forces with Victor LaValle. While both writers do a great job of showcasing the Panther’s skills and his ability to have the upper hand even when the galaxy is against him, this comic feels a little less like a standalone story and more like setup for the upcoming Black Panther: Intergalactic title that’s coming this December. There’s a lack of the deeper character development that LaValle brought to his work on Sabretooth or Destroyer, or the larger themes that Hickman tackles in his own books.
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Despite this, there are a few moments that stand out. The first is obviously the way Panther has to stay away from Hulk, managing to not get smashed in the process. Another moment sees him coming face-to-face with the other intergalactic leaders and in true Black Panther style, issues a declaration that you’re absolutely sure he can back up. But the best moment comes toward the end, where T’Challa saves a young boy from being buried alive. It’s small, human moments like this I’d like to see more of, or at least balanced with the cosmic tapestry LaValle and Hickman are playing around in – it’s what makes the story more intriguing.
Imperial War: Black Panther #1 also looks very gorgeous thanks to CAFU’s artwork. Spaceships are sleek, metal behemoths cutting through space. Different backgrounds have a different look to them, whether it’s a rocky terrain or the inky black of space. The Panther himself stands out, thanks to his midnight black costume and flowing cape – so does the Hulk, who towers over everything in his path. CAFU also gets to illustrate various Marvel aliens from Skrulls to Kymellians, with David Curiel providing a wealth of colors for these characters and Ariana Maher giving them their distinct speech patterns.
Imperial War: Black Panther #1 mostly sets the stage for Black Panther: Intergalactic, yet features flashes of greatness that will make readers all the more excited for what’s next. However Imperial ends, it’s becoming clear that Hickman is setting the stage for a new era of cosmic Marvel – and that the Black Panther will be a major part of it.
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