There are a lot of comics out there, but some just stand out head and shoulders above the pack. With “Don’t Miss This” we want to spotlight those series we think need to be on your pull list. With the Intergalactic Empire of Wakanda’s war against Wakanda Prime underway, it’s time to show why you shouldn’t miss Ta-Nehisi Coates’ run on “Black Panther.”
Who’s This By?
The current run of “Black Panther” is written by Ta-Nehisi Coates, a writer who has mastered both fiction and non-fiction. While comic readers might also be familiar with his work on “Captain America,” he’s also published the novel “The Water Dancer,” as well as several non-fiction books, and is well-known for his work for numerous magazines and national publications. Under his pen, “Black Panther” has tackled a range of topics, from identity to imperialism, all within an engaging comic book story.
It’s illustrated by Daniel Acuña, an experienced comic book artist with a number of Marvel comics to his name. Whether on Earth or in space, Daniel’s work shines with vibrant imagery and memorable designs for heroes, villains, and everything else. His work gives each page an almost painting-like quality to it, especially since he frequently handles the color work as well. This makes the art almost soft in design, while still utilizing strong, bold line work to make each image clear.
What’s It All About?
Ta-Nehisi Coates’ “Black Panther” started off in space, focusing on the Intergalactic Empire of Wakanda and its slave rebellion. As the story goes on, we learn how T’challa found himself a prisoner of the Empire, follow him as he recovers his memories, leads people to freedom, and returns to Wakanda. Now, the Empire is on the attack, lead by Emperor N’jadaka who also happens to have a symbiote, possessed Killmonger’s body, oh, and has the powers of Bast on his side.
But “Black Panther” didn’t accomplish all that in just a single story arc. This has been one ongoing story, years in the making from the very start of Ta-Nehisi Coates’ run. Along the way, it’s introduced a number of new worlds and characters, developed those we know, and expanded the world of the “Black Panther” comics significantly.
Issue #24 is the second to last issue, so if you want to catch up before the grand finale next month, now’s the best time.
What Makes It So Great?
“Black Panther” is top-notch comic with a team of pros at the helm, creating a massive and engaging story that keeps you interested in every issue. Ta-Nehisi Coates is an expert storyteller, taking the comic in shocking new directions while still keeping the characters true to who they are and helping them grow. When I heard Ta-Nehisi Coates was going to be writing “Black Panther,” I was excited to see what he had in mind, but never did I suspect we’d get a space-faring fight for freedom against an evil offshoot of Wakanda. But it works oh so well, crafting an ongoing epic that brings new dimensions to Wakanda and the legacy of the Black Panther.
We get space battles, fights for freedom, dramatic sacrifices, plots and conspiracies, and so much more, all while exploring what it means to be a hero and a king. The mystery of the Intergalactic Empire was revealed slowly over time, making each issue a must-read.
Along the way, “Black Panther” explores a range of important themes – legacy, duty, mythology, memory, freedom, facing the past, fixing mistakes, identity, sacrifice, and so much more. There’s some masterful storytelling about, made possible thanks to the work and collaboration of everyone involved in creating the comic (Coates often shares writing credit with the artists and other collaborators, to it is a beautiful team effort).
All the while, the artwork has helped keep the comic visually delightful. While Daniel Acuña has not illustrated every issue (artists including Kev Walker, Ryan Bodenhaim, and Chris Sprouse have also illustrated several issues) the series begins and ends with his pencils. In addition to the painting-like quality of his illustrations, Daniel makes good use of dynamic lighting to emphasize key moments, highlights around characters to make them stand out, and color work that adds an otherworldly, mythic feel to scenes as needed.
Continued belowWhether set in Wakanda on Earth, the Empire of Wakanda in space, on the starships and worlds the comic takes us to, the artwork remains engaging and powerful, working together with the story perfectly. This is a Black Panther story like no other, but one that will define the Wakandan mythos for ages to come.
How Can You Read It?
“Black Panther” is published monthly by Marvel Comics, and is available at your local comic book store, or purchased digitally on platforms like Comixology and Marvel.com. You can find them in single issues or trade paperbacks for the first four volumes, which collect up to issue 18.
