REVIEW: ‘Black Panther: Intergalactic’ Issue 1

Black Panther Intergalactic Issue 1 is published by Marvel Comics. Written by Victor LaValle, with art by Stefano Nesi, colors by Bryan Valenza and letters by Ariana Maher.

In Black Panther Intergalactic Issue 1, Black Panther finds himself in alien territory, with his sister tracking him across the stars. This issue begins in media res, starting in the middle of the action. Black Panther runs through alien territory, finding monstrous creatures, and has no idea how he got there.

This provides an exciting start to Black Panther Intergalactic Issue 1, one that doesn’t require much familiarity with what came before. But then the comic moves to another area of the Wakandan Empire, with Shuri, M’Baku and others in the supporting cast.

It’s at this juncture that it becomes clear that this series is a direct sequel to what Imperial and the Black Panther tie-in. T’Challa’s story begins with trying to bury a man who died in that event. It’s helpful to know what happened, but LaValle’s writing does an excellent job of explaining everything we need to know. A split narrative then ensues, with Black Panther trying to survive and Shuri trying to find him.

The structure and timeframe of the issue are anything but linear, bouncing back and forth to fit in as much of the story as possible. Despite the confusion, T’Challa moves at a speed that helps maintain a fast pace. Black Panther’s ordeal is interesting because there’s so much intrigue about who he’s fighting.

It’s a perfect fusion of what the Black Panther himself represents: nature and technology. Despite the cosmic location, Black Panther Intergalactic Issue 1 doesn’t yet feel like a true space opera. Whilst there are alien figures, there are still many connections to Earth, rather than venturing further into the universe.

The dialogue is intriguing, especially when the main character is on his own for the entirety of Black Panther Intergalactic Issue 1. T’Challa has both narration and spoken dialogue. The narration helps with the exposition, whilst the dialogue is to keep him sane. He talks to bells that don’t talk back, trying to figure out answers. Even when they are animals, he treats them with respect. The narration is surprisingly funny, too. We saw glimpses of that in the Imperial one-shot, and it has resurfaced here.

T’Challa can be glib and sarcastic, delivering amazing one-liners even in the most dire of situations. He’s always confident, and you can see him trying to work out where he is and what he’s facing. Meanwhile, LaValle is also writing the other Black Panther. Shuri has confidence, too. She is easily agitated, straight to the point, and suspicious of everyone. When she realizes her brother is missing, she becomes driven and determined.

The art has moments that are excellent and others that falter. When the Black Panther is wearing his mask, he looks awesome. The cat-like expressions are very impressive and fantastic. Over time, the Black Panther’s costume has been updated with patterns, weapons, and details that look amazing. But with the mask off, faces can sometimes look misshapen and peculiar. Not always, but it happened more than once: the facial features were off-putting across multiple characters.

The monsters and alien creatures look spectacular. They’re huge and ferocious, larger versions of Earth’s animals. Snakes, dinosaurs, and more all want to take a bite out of the returning Wakandan emperor. There’s more than meets the eye with some of them, as their natural appearance is only skin deep.

The colors try to encapsulate the idea that the planet Black Panther is very far from home. The sky is a mix of orange and purple, darkening the ground beneath it. But Black Panther is comfortable in the dark, with his silhouette given a small hint of red by the other elements of his costume. The lettering is smart and easy to read.

Black Panther Intergalactic Issue 1 is a seamless transition from Imperial. It’s a direct continuation, actually going back to the scenes of horrific tragedy to pay respects. The pacing and the fights against the creatures are exciting, and LaValle’s writing of both Black Panthers is exceptional.

However, Black Panther Intergalactic Issue 1 doesn’t feel quite adventurous enough. It’s an alien jungle, yes, but it’s still just another jungle. It doesn’t quite seem like Wakandans establishing themselves in the stars again; instead, it’s a lost emperor trying to find his way home.

Black Panther Intergalactic Issue 1 is available where comics are sold.