REVIEW: ‘Ultimate Black Panther’ Issue #1

Ultimate Black Panther #1 is published by Marvel, written by Bryan Edward Hill, with art by Stefano Caselli, colors by David Curiel and letters by Cory Petit. This is part of the new Ultimate Universe. As the rest of the African Continent suffers from the wrath of the Moon Knight, Wakanda stands tall but is shut off from the rest of the world. But it is about to open its doors.

The second ongoing series within the new universe, this book seeks to explore what is happening in the rest of the world. America is reeling from the Maker’s attack, and his council is spreading its influence over the rest of the world. One of the biggest changes in the universe so far is that Moon Knight is actually two individuals, Khonshu and Ra, whose oppressive forces are slaughtering and treating other whole communities in Africa. The pacing is slow within this bumper-sized first issue, but a nation is being rebuilt.

The nation is recognisable, but there are noticeable changes to its constitution. People are still alive and have been dead for decades, which is a similar theme within Ultimate Spider-Man too. T’Chaka is present but no longer king. Okoye is Queen.

There is another order within Wakanda that thrives on superstition and belief. Hill brilliantly keeps the different factions apart whilst the rules of the region are established. The status quo needs to be known before it can be torn down. The action appears in sudden bursts, becoming more alive by the last moments. The final moment has some massive surprises, as well as an explosion that will completely change Wakanda.

The characters aren’t overly emotional in this first issue, but much can be learned from the most important figures. At the core of Ultimate Black Panther #1 is T’Challa. Throughout the first chapter, the young king seems bored and faced with inner turmoil. It’s not explicitly stated, but it doesn’t seem like he has been on the throne very long. He is not so respectful of the traditions of Wakanda yet. This helps them be explained as he resists many of them.

In particular, he is dismissive of the Vodu-Khan, the order that utilises dreams and claims to have a connection to the gods. Black Panther’s refusal and resistance to lean into that faith only has its roots planet at this early stage but will evidently grow into something much bigger.

War is on the horizon for Black Panther and Wakanda. That is clear from the start. And within the royalty of the family, the response to the Moon Knight is causing friction. Some demand action, whilst T’Challa is hesitant to lead Wakanda into a conflict where his own soldiers will die. Is there paranoia? Of course, a king never wants to go to war. But much of it is T’Challa biding his time. There are hints at Black Panther’s tactical, methodical brain that needs to know all of the facts before making a decision.

The art captures this version of Wakanda in all its glory. The nation looks stunning, a technological metropolis hidden among impassible mountains. Caselli’s lines are immaculately clean. The lines give the characters and the location a regal quality. All of the armor and ceremonial attires have been altered and look sensational. They can be both classical and advanced, traditional and sci-fi at the same time.

Early in Ultimate Black Panther #1, two Wakandan scouts provide the first glimpses of what soldiers will wear. The individualised details are exquisite. The first examples of what the fight scenes will look like bring energy with them. This comes from someone other than Black Panther, unveiling one of the most surprising twists. These redesigns may be the most fascinating and provide interesting conundrums for the art team to answer.

The book does not shy away from startling and shocking images of what’s happening outside of the borders of Wakanda. The concept for the Moon Knight is one of the most intriguing of the Ultimate Universe, and it has entirely reinvented the character. The ferocity and intensity of these scenes instantly raise eyebrows. The brutal and devastating events in Sudan and Congo resonate in the pages of Ultimate Black Panther #1, although that could be coincidental. The circumstances of the comic could sadly have inspiration from many real-life events.

The colors are very prominent. Curiel takes the tones beyond naturalism to intensify the scenes. There are bright primary colors alongside the greys and silvers of skyscrapers within Wakanda. Those shades are largely in the background, and what happens in front of them suddenly becomes easier to focus on. The lettering is part of a font that seems to be the house style for the Ultimate Universe, and it is very easy to read.

Ultimate Black Panther #1 is an impressive beginning. With the foundation of America’s heroes so badly damaged by the Maker, it could fall to Africa’s finest to step up and save the world instead. Enough remains true to the lore of Black Panther to create that familiarity readers have, but there are different threads from every character to truly count as a different life for them.

War is coming fast, and there are already two viewpoints created in Ultimate Black Panther #1 that are surely going to clash very soon. The art is gorgeous, bringing the landscape to life. The themes are all young but starting to fester and cause conflict early. This universe lacks worthy warriors, and yet Black Panther is ready-made. This will be extremely useful in times to come.

Ultimate Black Panther #1 is available where comics are sold.