T’Challa, banished and labeled a fugitive in his own land, refuses to give up on Wakanda. In Black Panther #1 by Marvel Comics, discover how the Black Panther fights for his people, even when they have turned their backs on him.

BLACK PANTHER #1

Writer: Eve L. Ewing
Artist: Chris Allen and Craig Yeung
Colorist: Jesus Aburtov
Letterer: Joe Sabino
Editor: Wil Moss
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $4.99
Release Date: June 14th, 2023 

Previously in Black Panther: A new era began as King T’Challa led the Intergalactic Empire of Wakanda to war, only to return and find his home transformed into a parliamentary democracy. However, a scandal involving Akili, the parliament, and T’Challa led to his exile and plunged Wakanda into civil war. After a tumultuous journey and a falling out with the Avengers, T’Challa finally makes his triumphant return home.

In Black Panther #1, T’Challa roams the streets of Birnin T’Chaka, a city named after his father, and apprehends a thief. Yet, he can’t help but feel like an outsider in his homeland. Despite this, T’Challa becomes intrigued by N’Yobi Umaru, a recent law graduate known for his pro bono work in a city where many are in need. While investigating N’Yobi, T’Challa uncovers the presence of the Ibis Cult, a prevalent force in the area. As N’Yobi returns to his office, struggling to keep up with rent, he is attacked by a debt collector. The Black Panther swiftly intervenes, scaring off the attacker. T’Challa engages in a brief but meaningful conversation with N’Yobi before retreating into the streets. Meanwhile, N’Yobi’s office is robbed of essential documents.

Black Panther #1 presented a mixed experience for me. The abundance of inner monologue and philosophical musings made it challenging to discern what was truly significant and what was not. I found myself rereading pages in an attempt to grasp the narrative. Additionally, I had to conduct extensive research to catch up on the overarching plot. The juxtaposition of a street-level adventure featuring a hero known for his grandeur proved somewhat implausible. It was hard to believe that after his cosmic exploits and time as an Avenger, T’Challa would focus on mundane street crime. Moreover, the artwork felt overly busy, leaving me unsure of where to direct my attention.

Despite these reservations, my curiosity remains piqued. I enjoyed Eve L. Ewing’s Ironheart series, and her ideas in this issue show promise. Although I primarily know Dr. Ewing as a professor rather than a writer, she has previously delved into topics such as racism and Chicago in her work. I anticipate encountering unique perspectives within these pages. As I often tell my writing students, art often serves as a reflection of the world, and I believe this issue will adeptly convey that. However, I think we need to move past the cluttered nature of this initial installment to delve into the story’s heart. Overall, it is commendable work.

Black Panther #1 holds considerable potential but requires a significant investment in understanding the character’s history. Since T’Challa’s space adventures, I had lost touch with the main title. Nevertheless, the creative team is taking the character in intriguing directions that could redefine the Black Panther’s legacy. However, I found that, at times, the artwork felt busy, making it challenging to discern the focal points. Despite this, I must commend the immaculate new costume and character design of Black Panther, adding a visually captivating element to the story. Considering all factors, I rate Black Panther #1 with 3.5 out of 5 stars.

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Black Panther #1

70%

70%

Promising Premise

Black Panther #1 introduces intriguing new ideas but stumbles when delivering the necessary exposition.

• Writing

  7
• Art

  7
• Coloring

  7
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