Black Panther # 6

     Despite the issues in the New Black Panther being annoyingly short, the new series is fun, with good emphasis on the two unique factors that makes BP one of the best heroes around--being a monarch of a realistic African nation, and being a God-appointed leader in every sense of the world.  With T'Challah in a coma and the Dori Mijore dead, Princess Shuri (BP's sister) is entertaining as her own feisty personality provides a unique spin on the BP persona.
    For anyone who hasn't read the other issues, T'Challah refused Namor's offer to join Norman Osborn's Cabal (the Dark Illuminati).  Cabal member Doctor Doom, with Osborn's approval, then battled Black Panther and the Mijore, killing the guards and landing the king in a coma.  Meanwhile, a foolish sorcerer ressurected Morlun, the vampiric entity famous for temporarily killing Spiderman.  Morlun killed the magician as well as long-time BP foe White Ape and much of White Ape's and Wakanda's armies.  Faced with these threats, Storm appointed Shuri to go try to be a new Black Panther, and then with the help of a sorcorrer and her mother-in-law went to try and bring BP back from the Limbo dimension.  Possibly due to the spiritual aspects of T'Challah's powers, he and Storm meet the Angel of Death, who says one must stay in the Afterlife.  Meanwhile, Shuri completed the training of becoming Wakanda's hero, but then only flaunted her virtues and asked for the position as if it was an entightelment in a mystical conversation with the Panther God.  The Panther God did not kill Shuri, but refused to let her take T'Challah's place.  Heartbroken, Shuri decided to still clothe herself in the Panther garb to try and stop Morlun.
     First off, I must say the art is beautiful.  Secondly, all the characters in the storyline have been presented excellently, with the possible exception of White Ape.  Storm and BP fans will be pleased with the portrayal of T'Challah and Ororo that was twisted horrifically in "Wild Kingdom."  I was delighted that Morlun returned in his proper light (destroying divinely appointed totems, or humans with animal powers), especially after his only storyline was erased at the end of Dan Slott's "One More Day."  Doctor Doom and Namor were perfect (though I must warn readers--Victor is not in this issue).  The best three portrayals though are the Angel of Death, the BP's mother, and Shuri.
     Angel of Death is glorious and revolting, in Guiermo del Torro style grandeur.  Wakanda's other queen is actually a major hero in the book, and is just as capable and meaningful as her martial artist children.  As for Shuri, she has all the elements of the Black Panther, plus some unique things.  She is more impulsive, she swears, she is cocky, she is bolder, and she has the kind of patter that is more like Spiderman than the silent original Black Panther.  I don't want to spoil anything, but I am excited for the next issue.
     The biggest downside of the storyline is how short it is.  The action is exciting an fills a large percentage of the book, and the meaningful dialogue fits in with the blahblahblah, but it is all to quick.  Still, the comic is worth buying as fun with a bit more.