REVIEW: ‘Ultimate Black Panther’ Issue #3

Ultimate Black Panther #3 is published by Marvel Comics. It is written by Bryan Edward Hill, with art by Stefano Caselli, art by David Curiel, and letters by Cory Petit. This is part of the new Ultimate Universe. As Black Panther spends time with freedom fighters, namely Killmonger and Storm, those left behind in Wakanda are getting worried in this latest issue.

Ultimate Black Panther #3 is split into two, nicely segmenting the book between what is happening in Wakanda and outside. Inside the city, the king’s absence is starting to generate tension within his inner circle, and the friction is fascinating to see. The entire section is a conversation between Shuri and Okoye, but it is enough to demonstrate the political structure within the nation.

The chapter then moves to T’Challa. Here, Ultimate Black Panther #3 gains a little spark that is reminiscent of Indiana Jones. Both treasure and history are uncovered as Killmonger guides Black Panther through an ancient temple.

The plot differentiates itself from the mainstream universe in many ways. It is determined to tell its own story. The mission is curious and certainly gripping, delving deeper into the mysterious location. However, the series is taking a long time to get anyway. The pace could be faster in both the smaller scale and the wider world. It’s not a bad nor boring world to sink into, but it feels like mere steps were taken in Ultimate Black Panther #3.

The characters are what drive Ultimate Black Panther #3. They all have such distinctive personalities and fire in their souls. This is on display immediately, as Shur and Okoye have a difference of opinion. There is defiance in both of their eyes and without T’Challa, a leadership contest arises.

As for T’Challa and the freedom fighters, there isn’t conflict there at all. Black Panther seeks to learn and doesn’t challenge Erik or Ororo. He looks out of place at many points, nervous to venture forward without protection. Killmonger has an arrogance around him. Having more knowledge about where they are going than the new King of Wakanda is an achievement for him.

The art is as inquisitive as the writing. Black Panther is taken deep into the bowels of the Earth, and the temple is constantly throwing up new elements to the story. Vast chambers contain secrets and details that are new to the wholesale universe yet must represent an ancient history. Speaking of detail, that is the word that can be used for the designs of every character. Killmonger and Storm are recognisable, but there are unique features to their costumes and presentation that set them aside from their counterparts in other universes.

It should be highlighted that Peach Momoko uses a similar trick as Caselli for one of the characters in Ultimate X-Men #2, which could be two versions of the same character. Both artists rely on earrings as part of the characters’ iconography. The action occurs early, with a brawl between Okoye and Shuri. The movement is exceptional, displaying the fantastic fighting skills of both women.

The colors are gorgeous. Curiel only uses shades when they are needed, not just to fill the pages with them. Shuri is in blue, and Okoye is in orange, differentiating the two as they launch at each other. In Wakanda, the burning, orange sky is replaced as soon as T’Challa and Killmonger enter the temple. Then comes a very pretty purple glow, which reads radiant and regal. Accompanied by that is a dark blue that fills the caverns within the temple. The sunlight seems a world away in this instance. The new Ultimate Universe’s lettering is uniform, smart, and easy to read.

Ultimate Black Panther #3 continues to explore things. Like the Spider-Man and X-Men books in the new imprint, the comic isn’t ready to provide exposition for a whole planet. Instead, the characters are crucial, and individual focuses are made clear. It can be frustrating at times, as it can feel like we aren’t seeing anything. But simultaneously, a more breathless pace could create confusion and shake off anyone trying to hang on.

Black Panther is a passenger for much of this book, allowing the others in the issue to be the talent. Overall, Ultimate Black Panther #3 opens many doors into mysteries that could reinvent the Black Panther mythos even further.

Ultimate Black Panther #3 is available where comics are sold.