How well do people know Black Panther? The average person not too well versed in his comic history might think he's just a cool-looking guy in a black suit that has a tendency to kick butt. He's clearly a much more complex character than that and Ta-Nehisi Coates does an excellent job in conveying that in the first issue of this new series.
T'Challa may have spent a lot of time in superhero adventures with the Avengers and Fantastic Four, but there are heavier layers to who he is and what his responsibilities are. The political climate in Wakanda is in turmoil. The fighting that ensues is not something we normally see in a comic book. As Black Panther attempts to put a stop to the dire situation, we get a good sense of how complicated things can be. This is an important aspect of who Black Panther is. Tapping into the different culture and the problems that arise is a key factor in making this book stand apart from the countless others on the store shelves.
Coates doesn't simply focus on T'Challa. We get a look at other characters in his life and country. There is some set up going on for a bigger story, but it's an intriguing set up. You may have come to see Black Panther, but you be sticking around to see what develops with the others. With the complex nature of Black Panther and the political conflicts in Wakanda, there are some moments of setting up the bigger picture. We do jump around and it feels a little jarring, but it's safe to assume it will all pay off.
Brian Stelfreeze's art captures the regal nature of the ruler of a country along with the strife that can explode at any moment. Wakanda has a fascinating landscape. Stelfreeze depicts the mix of advanced technology, the primitive jungles, and futuristic cities. Stelfreeze art is extremely expressive in showing the raw action along with more serene moments where characters are deep in conversation.
I wasn't too sure what to expect with this series after it was announced. I purposely avoided reading what Coates had planned in order to be able to take it all in. That decision paid off big time. Stelfreeze's art is perfect for this book, and I can't wait to see him get to unleash further. There's a lot to take in and several characters to get to know. I can't remember the last time I was so curious to see what the next issue would deliver. Coates and Stelfreeze are giving us the Black Panther we didn't realize we wanted.