What do you think?
Rate this book
Black Panther (2016) (Single Issues)
Black Panther (2016-2018) #1
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Graphic Novels & Comics (2016)A new era for the Black Panther starts here! Written by MacArthur Genius and National Book Award winner TA-NEHISI COATES (Between the World and Me) and illustrated by living legend BRIAN STELFREEZE, "A Nation Under Our Feet" is a story about dramatic upheaval in Wakanda and the Black Panther's struggle to do right by his people as their ruler. The indomitable will of Wakanda -- the famed African nation known for its vast wealth, advanced technology and warrior traditions -- has long been reflected in the will of its monarchs, the Black Panthers. But now the current Black Panther, T'Challa, finds that will tested by a superhuman terrorist group called The People that has sparked a violent uprising among the citizens of Wakanda. T'Challa knows the country must change to survive -- the question is, will the Black Panther survive the change?
31 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 6, 2016
172 people are currently reading
9570 people want to read
About the author
Ta-Nehisi Coates
286 books17.3k followersTa-Nehisi Coates is the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Between the World and Me, a finalist for the National Book Award. A MacArthur "Genius Grant" fellow, Coates has received the National Magazine Award, the Hillman Prize for Opinion and Analysis Journalism, and the George Polk Award for his Atlantic cover story "The Case for Reparations." He lives in New York with his wife and son.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 531 reviews
June 18, 2016
Coates writes Between the World and Me and none other than Nobel Prize winner Toni Morrison anoints him as successor to James Baldwin. The world is your oyster, Coates, crack it open. What do you want to do, Return to Go Tell it on the Mountain? Nope. Or not yet. Time to retrench and take the opportunity to call forth that comics nerd in yourself, the one that was always there, and make comics yourself! Living the geek dream, man! I smiled to see this comic as going back to the roots of who is, a comics fan, and because he can be a respected literary giant showing a wider world that comics are a good way to address important issues in the world.
So Coates knows political philosophy, as he addresses it in and though his journalism. He knows how to tell a story (his memoirs) and knows how to ground that story in character (himself and his son). He also knows the Marvel universe and how Black Panther fits into it, and how BP can potentially greater contribute to it. Black Panther as a comic predates the Black Panther organization, by the way; both came about in the late sixties, but no one knows both the activist organization AND the comic as well as Coates. All this has created major hype for this new series, just begun. What could go wrong? You have a genius at the helm! But can a great writer and thinker who loves comics also write good comics?
As we begin, Black Panther, T'Challa, is fronted by a superhuman terrorist group, The People, that has sparked a violent uprising among the citizens of the great African nation Wakanda. Okay, that much seems fine. But we don't know that much about Black Panther as a character, we don't go enough into his origins for those of us unfamiliar with this character. We also have lots of storylines to follow, much of it narrated instead of acted out. And then, not that much actually happens, either. There's a lot of threads for a first issue. More ideas than clarity. Too ambitious? Dunno. I would say it's a slow and somewhat confusing start, but I will read on. I mean, it's Coates! YOU expect him to make some innovative political commentary! I have a feeling he will, be will he do so entertainingly? Not yet, I would say, but one issue, give him a break, Dave.
So Coates knows political philosophy, as he addresses it in and though his journalism. He knows how to tell a story (his memoirs) and knows how to ground that story in character (himself and his son). He also knows the Marvel universe and how Black Panther fits into it, and how BP can potentially greater contribute to it. Black Panther as a comic predates the Black Panther organization, by the way; both came about in the late sixties, but no one knows both the activist organization AND the comic as well as Coates. All this has created major hype for this new series, just begun. What could go wrong? You have a genius at the helm! But can a great writer and thinker who loves comics also write good comics?
As we begin, Black Panther, T'Challa, is fronted by a superhuman terrorist group, The People, that has sparked a violent uprising among the citizens of the great African nation Wakanda. Okay, that much seems fine. But we don't know that much about Black Panther as a character, we don't go enough into his origins for those of us unfamiliar with this character. We also have lots of storylines to follow, much of it narrated instead of acted out. And then, not that much actually happens, either. There's a lot of threads for a first issue. More ideas than clarity. Too ambitious? Dunno. I would say it's a slow and somewhat confusing start, but I will read on. I mean, it's Coates! YOU expect him to make some innovative political commentary! I have a feeling he will, be will he do so entertainingly? Not yet, I would say, but one issue, give him a break, Dave.
May 3, 2019
Story - 3.75
Graphics 3.25
Graphics 3.25
May 25, 2016
Visually, the art is very appealing; it is both bold and slick at the same time. The story too, is something new. Wakanda has always been this technological wonderland and now it is undergoing a tremendous upheaval. Before long, this series would inform future takes on the Black Panther and it all started here.
May 17, 2016
Bullet Review:
Huh.
Yeah, I picked it up because I loved Black Panther in the movie. So shoot me.
I'm still not sure what to think. It definitely feels like I popped into the middle of a story, but it seems to be the first in a line?
You canNOT blame it for lack of representation. 1) ALL the characters are black. 2) MANY of the characters are female. 3) The one overt romantic relationship is a lesbian one.
Huh.
Yeah, I picked it up because I loved Black Panther in the movie. So shoot me.
I'm still not sure what to think. It definitely feels like I popped into the middle of a story, but it seems to be the first in a line?
You canNOT blame it for lack of representation. 1) ALL the characters are black. 2) MANY of the characters are female. 3) The one overt romantic relationship is a lesbian one.
April 21, 2016
I do not usually review an individual issue of a comic because it is like (in the modern age, the old days were different) reviewing one chapter or part of a chapter of a book. That's why my comicbook reviews are of graphic novels or trade paperbacks, it gives a complete story. I have to make an exception in this case as this may be one of the most hyped/read comics of the new millennium.
Though I know from interviews leading up to this book what Ta-Nehisi Coates is trying to do, this is only the set-up and cannot be properly scrutinized. What I will give the majority of my opinion on is the art, which is very well done. The artist Brian Stelfreeze (along with colorist Laura Martin) is bringing into this book not just a revival of the style of the Black Panther's original artist Jack Kirby, but an art style that I have been aware of for the past few years: Afro-Futurism. I will not go to in-depth until a proper volume of this series is released, but I am very interested both in the how the story is told and depicted. Coates compared making comics to how a movie is made the comicbook writer is like the screenwriter while the artist is like movie director (I guess that makes the editor the producer). It will be interesting to see how the story plays out and I hope to do a proper review in a few months time.
Though I know from interviews leading up to this book what Ta-Nehisi Coates is trying to do, this is only the set-up and cannot be properly scrutinized. What I will give the majority of my opinion on is the art, which is very well done. The artist Brian Stelfreeze (along with colorist Laura Martin) is bringing into this book not just a revival of the style of the Black Panther's original artist Jack Kirby, but an art style that I have been aware of for the past few years: Afro-Futurism. I will not go to in-depth until a proper volume of this series is released, but I am very interested both in the how the story is told and depicted. Coates compared making comics to how a movie is made the comicbook writer is like the screenwriter while the artist is like movie director (I guess that makes the editor the producer). It will be interesting to see how the story plays out and I hope to do a proper review in a few months time.
April 10, 2016
Recent events have demonstrated that the once unconquerable Wakanda is now vulnerable. The worst part of that is the threat seems to be coming from within Wakanda.
I struggle with relating to T'Challa as a character. In a group he seems outstanding, but in his solo titles I've often been underwhelmed. I'm not sure exactly why that is, because I want to like him much more than I do. Black Panther #1 revolves around turmoil in Wakanda. That part was straight forward, but their was a part involving the Dora Milaje that just made no sense to me. I even tried rereading it and the conclusion that was reached still seemed strange. I was expecting a much stronger start to the new Black Panther series since T'Challa will be making his big screen debut in Captain America: Civil War. Hopefully he'll be more relatable in the upcoming issues.
I struggle with relating to T'Challa as a character. In a group he seems outstanding, but in his solo titles I've often been underwhelmed. I'm not sure exactly why that is, because I want to like him much more than I do. Black Panther #1 revolves around turmoil in Wakanda. That part was straight forward, but their was a part involving the Dora Milaje that just made no sense to me. I even tried rereading it and the conclusion that was reached still seemed strange. I was expecting a much stronger start to the new Black Panther series since T'Challa will be making his big screen debut in Captain America: Civil War. Hopefully he'll be more relatable in the upcoming issues.
February 15, 2018
I’ve read a couple of his solo books and seen him crop up in events and team titles but I don’t know much about Black Panther - though I was honestly hoping to be blown away with this comic - and I think a number of people coming to this are in the same boat. That’s why I don’t think Ta-Nehisi Coates and Brian Stelfreeze’s much anticipated Black Panther #1 is a very good start: it really doesn’t give you a good idea of who Black Panther is and that must have been one of the primary goals of this relaunch, especially with the character’s big screen debut next month in Captain America: Civil War.
The reader’s thrown right into it from page one: Black Panther, aka T’Challa, is King of a fractured country, Wakanda. For some reason, a woman called Zenzi (who?) from the Nigandan Border Region (Wakanda’s neighbour?) is stirring up insurrection in Wakanda through… psychic powers?... by making people’s eyes glow green and fight Black Panther’s guards. T’Challa has a sister called Shuri who’s missing (though we find out where she is on the final page), and a shield maiden, or Dora Milaje, called Ayo fights for her girlfriend Aneka’s life after T’Challa’s stepmom sentences her to jail (which will probably be important in a later issue).
Oh-kay. So this is Coates’ first comic and it shows! This issue is either trying to cram in too much new story or it’s referencing old stories way too much to be inaccessible to new readers – whichever way you look at it, this issue is not a good intro to the character and hella messy from a story perspective.
First and foremost “Who is Black Panther?” (also the title of one of the two BP books I’ve read!) should’ve been answered in this issue - particularly as he hasn’t had a solo title in a while and Marvel’s done a lot in recent years to cultivate a new readership - and it’s not. He’s got weird psychic/electrical powers or something – what are those, part of his powers (in which case is he a mutant?) or the suit-thing he’s wearing? Is his outfit like an Iron Man armour? And what about the title, “Black Panther” – where does that come from and why is it so important? I got no more sense of who T’Challa is than I would from reading an issue of Jonathan Hickman’s New Avengers.
Then there’s Wakanda: why is the kingdom fractured? Why don’t some of the people accept Black Panther as their King - what are their grievances? Why does the most technologically advanced society on Earth even have a monarchy? Is this a new storyline or a holdover from something started elsewhere? And what about the supposed villains in this story: where is the Nigandan Border Region and what’s their beef with Wakanda? Is Zenzi the sole reason for the fracture or is it deeper than that? No clue to any of it.
There’s a wholly uninteresting subplot about Ayo, the “Dora Milaje” or shield maiden (I think – there’s no explanation of these casually tossed around terms), defending her girlfriend Aneka. It’s not just an uninteresting storyline – a dreary political scene with T’Challa’s stepmom takes up most of this subplot - but it also feels irrelevant considering this is the first issue of a Black Panther story. Shouldn’t the bulk of the issue be devoted to establishing him? And what exactly are “Midnight Angel prototypes” and who made them? No. Explanation. For Anything. Not that the main storyline is fascinating either – “uniting the kingdom” is too abstract to care about.
Brian Stelfreeze’s art is fine but it’s nothing standout compared to the rest of the Marvel lineup. He’s no Mike Allred, Mike Del Mundo or Skottie Young, he’s just competent - not the most exciting visual approach. Black Panther #1 looks perfectly ok.
With Black Panther #1 I was hoping for a comic that would swiftly establish who Black Panther is, give us a sense of what Wakanda is like, and set up a compelling, accessible storyline or at least show something unique, fresh or unusual to hook readers for the rest of the arc. Instead we got a vague, clumsy and boring issue that actually shouldn’t have surprised anyone given that it’s from an inexperienced comics writer, regardless of his acclaimed nonfiction work. Maybe fans much more familiar with the character will get something out of this one but for me, in one issue, the excitement I had for this series is completely gone.
The reader’s thrown right into it from page one: Black Panther, aka T’Challa, is King of a fractured country, Wakanda. For some reason, a woman called Zenzi (who?) from the Nigandan Border Region (Wakanda’s neighbour?) is stirring up insurrection in Wakanda through… psychic powers?... by making people’s eyes glow green and fight Black Panther’s guards. T’Challa has a sister called Shuri who’s missing (though we find out where she is on the final page), and a shield maiden, or Dora Milaje, called Ayo fights for her girlfriend Aneka’s life after T’Challa’s stepmom sentences her to jail (which will probably be important in a later issue).
Oh-kay. So this is Coates’ first comic and it shows! This issue is either trying to cram in too much new story or it’s referencing old stories way too much to be inaccessible to new readers – whichever way you look at it, this issue is not a good intro to the character and hella messy from a story perspective.
First and foremost “Who is Black Panther?” (also the title of one of the two BP books I’ve read!) should’ve been answered in this issue - particularly as he hasn’t had a solo title in a while and Marvel’s done a lot in recent years to cultivate a new readership - and it’s not. He’s got weird psychic/electrical powers or something – what are those, part of his powers (in which case is he a mutant?) or the suit-thing he’s wearing? Is his outfit like an Iron Man armour? And what about the title, “Black Panther” – where does that come from and why is it so important? I got no more sense of who T’Challa is than I would from reading an issue of Jonathan Hickman’s New Avengers.
Then there’s Wakanda: why is the kingdom fractured? Why don’t some of the people accept Black Panther as their King - what are their grievances? Why does the most technologically advanced society on Earth even have a monarchy? Is this a new storyline or a holdover from something started elsewhere? And what about the supposed villains in this story: where is the Nigandan Border Region and what’s their beef with Wakanda? Is Zenzi the sole reason for the fracture or is it deeper than that? No clue to any of it.
There’s a wholly uninteresting subplot about Ayo, the “Dora Milaje” or shield maiden (I think – there’s no explanation of these casually tossed around terms), defending her girlfriend Aneka. It’s not just an uninteresting storyline – a dreary political scene with T’Challa’s stepmom takes up most of this subplot - but it also feels irrelevant considering this is the first issue of a Black Panther story. Shouldn’t the bulk of the issue be devoted to establishing him? And what exactly are “Midnight Angel prototypes” and who made them? No. Explanation. For Anything. Not that the main storyline is fascinating either – “uniting the kingdom” is too abstract to care about.
Brian Stelfreeze’s art is fine but it’s nothing standout compared to the rest of the Marvel lineup. He’s no Mike Allred, Mike Del Mundo or Skottie Young, he’s just competent - not the most exciting visual approach. Black Panther #1 looks perfectly ok.
With Black Panther #1 I was hoping for a comic that would swiftly establish who Black Panther is, give us a sense of what Wakanda is like, and set up a compelling, accessible storyline or at least show something unique, fresh or unusual to hook readers for the rest of the arc. Instead we got a vague, clumsy and boring issue that actually shouldn’t have surprised anyone given that it’s from an inexperienced comics writer, regardless of his acclaimed nonfiction work. Maybe fans much more familiar with the character will get something out of this one but for me, in one issue, the excitement I had for this series is completely gone.
February 29, 2024
Although I am a Marvel fan, I didn’t know much about Black Panther going into this book- all I knew was that he was the African king of the advanced nation of Wakanda and was married to Storm. Hearing that the well-regarded author Ta-Nehisi Coates was penning this new series, made me excited to give it a try. I buddy-read this book with a co-worker because I wanted his opinion on it.
Man, I struggled with this book. I so wanted to like it, but could not muster up much appreciation of it. It is not a long book by any means, but I kept putting it down because I was frustrated with it. Thinking it was just me, I was glad when he said he was doing the same. As a gateway book, it failed. The story assumed that I knew more and I felt dropped into an ongoing storyline that was confusing. The story began to rally and come together more at the end, but it was a little too late for me to change my opinion by then.
The deep themes of the story were good, for T’Challa is not just a masked vigilante but a king, so he sometimes has to make hard decisions that might hurt some of his citizens, but for the greater good. Other questions: What are the levels of acceptable justice and retribution, as two former members of the king’s guard join together to fight rebels who are terrorizing the countryside? Finally, his opponents have some valid reason for revolt, so should his nation continue as a monarchy? As this is the first time that Coates has written in comic book form, the way he artfully builds stories in his novels needs to be adapted differently in graphic novel form. The artist Brain Stelfreeze touches on this in an interview question in regards to their collaboration, found at the back of the book, along with variant art and a reprint of the 1966 issue of when BP first appeared with the Fantastic Four.
While the storyline was not what I hoped for, I can only praise the artwork by Stelfreeze, for his work was outstanding. I felt Wakanda was a real place, and he captured the residents of this nation beautifully. There were little Easter eggs that he drew in small panels, that had Doctor Doom and Namor in them and a reference to Storm. I assume these characters will play more into future issues, so this was part of the world-building that Coates and Stelfreeze are working to achieve.
This book was a magnificent first attempt, that didn’t quite do it for me, but all the building blocks are there for the series to grow and improve in the future!
This review can also be found on my graphic novels blog: https://graphicnovelty2.com/2016/12/0...
Man, I struggled with this book. I so wanted to like it, but could not muster up much appreciation of it. It is not a long book by any means, but I kept putting it down because I was frustrated with it. Thinking it was just me, I was glad when he said he was doing the same. As a gateway book, it failed. The story assumed that I knew more and I felt dropped into an ongoing storyline that was confusing. The story began to rally and come together more at the end, but it was a little too late for me to change my opinion by then.
The deep themes of the story were good, for T’Challa is not just a masked vigilante but a king, so he sometimes has to make hard decisions that might hurt some of his citizens, but for the greater good. Other questions: What are the levels of acceptable justice and retribution, as two former members of the king’s guard join together to fight rebels who are terrorizing the countryside? Finally, his opponents have some valid reason for revolt, so should his nation continue as a monarchy? As this is the first time that Coates has written in comic book form, the way he artfully builds stories in his novels needs to be adapted differently in graphic novel form. The artist Brain Stelfreeze touches on this in an interview question in regards to their collaboration, found at the back of the book, along with variant art and a reprint of the 1966 issue of when BP first appeared with the Fantastic Four.
While the storyline was not what I hoped for, I can only praise the artwork by Stelfreeze, for his work was outstanding. I felt Wakanda was a real place, and he captured the residents of this nation beautifully. There were little Easter eggs that he drew in small panels, that had Doctor Doom and Namor in them and a reference to Storm. I assume these characters will play more into future issues, so this was part of the world-building that Coates and Stelfreeze are working to achieve.
This book was a magnificent first attempt, that didn’t quite do it for me, but all the building blocks are there for the series to grow and improve in the future!
This review can also be found on my graphic novels blog: https://graphicnovelty2.com/2016/12/0...
April 23, 2016
This might be the first literary comic I've read in a while. I'm not sure if that is a good or bad thing yet. Coates has been nothing but honest about his venture into writing a comic book. I won't hold that against anyone adjusting to a new medium. This is a revamped Panther and it's hard to judge a comic run on a first issue. I think 1-4 are usually all about set-ups anyway. Coates HAS INTRODUCED A WHOLE NEW WAKANDA, cast of characters, and villains.
I am anticipating subsequent issues and will without judgement after a #5-6 issue run. FOR NOW it's FULL THROTTLE KEEP BRINGING US DIVERSE TITLES MARVEL, mmmkay! please and thank you! <3
I am anticipating subsequent issues and will without judgement after a #5-6 issue run. FOR NOW it's FULL THROTTLE KEEP BRINGING US DIVERSE TITLES MARVEL, mmmkay! please and thank you! <3
July 24, 2016
New spin, great storytelling, amazing and beautifully drawn. Here we go!
February 18, 2018
The artwork is very appealing but the story is non existent. Nothing really happens and what does happen, takes way too long for it to occur.
November 24, 2016
My eyes glazed over while reading this. I haven't seen exposition this heavy since Chris Claremont. The type that doesn't even reference what's happening in the panel. If that weren't enough, I have no idea what's happening except that it's allegory for race relations and hatred in America. Far less exposition, more action, explanation, and dialog are needed here.
March 26, 2018
3.5 stars
I've read three comic books back to back . And this is the best of them all . Maybe I'm still suffering from Black Panther hangover . Whatever the reason Black Panther #1 is a great comic book .
The technologically advanced nation of Wakanda is marred by unrest and discontent among its people towards King T'Challa . He is trying to cope with his personal loss as well as trying to be a better ruler .
This is the debut comic of Ta-Nehisi Coates , and impresses with his story . Recommendable for Marvel comic readers and fans of Black Panther .
I've read three comic books back to back . And this is the best of them all . Maybe I'm still suffering from Black Panther hangover . Whatever the reason Black Panther #1 is a great comic book .
The technologically advanced nation of Wakanda is marred by unrest and discontent among its people towards King T'Challa . He is trying to cope with his personal loss as well as trying to be a better ruler .
This is the debut comic of Ta-Nehisi Coates , and impresses with his story . Recommendable for Marvel comic readers and fans of Black Panther .
August 18, 2019
Just finished reading my first Marvel graphic novel - blown away by the stunning artwork (and loved the “variant” pages which are an art gallery placed throughout the story - like an intermission - and I’m assuming they’re an artistic tribute to Black Panther drawn by leading comics artists). I’m new to the details of the story (although I did see the movie) so I felt like I missed some backstory - but found the complex, multi-layered story to be riveting and was surprised and thrilled to find feminist sub-themes. The inclusion of the original Fantastic Four comic that Black Panther appeared in was a fascinating contrast (and seemed geared towards a younger audience than this as well). I’ll be reading the other 3 in the series. Really curious to read the comic (I think in this series) that Roxane Gay co-authored. Thank you to book fans for the recommendation :)
April 7, 2016
Considering all the hype, I think it's a very good sign that I can say that I wasn't disappointed. Coates and Stelfreeze hit the ground running, not in terms of action-packed scenes, but in terms of complexity. This issue 1 reveals a very promising foundation for the development of multiple complex characters (family relationships, loss, personal responsibility) and socio-economic and socio-political themes.
Though the script was good (although I think that the visual flow of the script/lettering could've been a little more smooth), I think that Ta-Nehisi Coates definitely has room to grow in terms of writing comic books, since it's such a different medium, but the fact that is aware of this, loved comic books as a kid, and earnestly wants to work to do a good job is promising.
I can see Coates's influence throughout the issue, but I honestly feel like Stelfreeze does what might be a vastly under-appreciated and fantastic job with the visual storytelling, the "heavy lifting," so to speak. Coates and Stelfreeze's Wakanda, the diverse ecosystems and people, the patchwork *country* of Wakanda seems like the main character of this book more so than Th'Challa, and Stelfreeze shapes readers' conception of that complex country through his artwork.
I also feel compelled to mention that I loved seeing black bodies and black faces and black skin in their diversity and varying, believable facial expressions. Stelfreeze's manages a bulkier Black Panther than I feel like I'm used to seeing, but this physical power isn't an over-muscled stereotype of a black male; somehow power coiled and waiting to spring is communicated in every shot of Th'Challa.
Though the script was good (although I think that the visual flow of the script/lettering could've been a little more smooth), I think that Ta-Nehisi Coates definitely has room to grow in terms of writing comic books, since it's such a different medium, but the fact that is aware of this, loved comic books as a kid, and earnestly wants to work to do a good job is promising.
I can see Coates's influence throughout the issue, but I honestly feel like Stelfreeze does what might be a vastly under-appreciated and fantastic job with the visual storytelling, the "heavy lifting," so to speak. Coates and Stelfreeze's Wakanda, the diverse ecosystems and people, the patchwork *country* of Wakanda seems like the main character of this book more so than Th'Challa, and Stelfreeze shapes readers' conception of that complex country through his artwork.
I also feel compelled to mention that I loved seeing black bodies and black faces and black skin in their diversity and varying, believable facial expressions. Stelfreeze's manages a bulkier Black Panther than I feel like I'm used to seeing, but this physical power isn't an over-muscled stereotype of a black male; somehow power coiled and waiting to spring is communicated in every shot of Th'Challa.
July 16, 2016
I've been reading the work of Ta-Nehisi Coates off and on for years, so I got pretty excited when I heard the he was going to dive into comic book writing. I wasn't disappointed...well, I was: when I reached the end of this issue.
I'm a casual comic book fan (and though I'm a Marvel in tastes, I do stick to more indie stuff), so prior to reading this book, I didn't know much about Black Panther and Wakanda. This made me step back a bit and think about how frustrating it is that I know about the Marvel mythology and history of, say, Asgard, but hardly anything about Wakanda. This is a problem that I hope this series can rectify as it progresses because I want to learn about Wakanda as much as I learn about the character of Black Panther.
Aside from that, I think I'm most anticipating seeing how the side story (I guess that's what it is?) of the two Dora Milaje warriors, Ayo and Aneka. I can't wait to see how their story unfolds.
The visual side of the storytelling is really nice, too. Kind of subdued and makes use of a lot of contrast, which I found visually striking.
Overall, I'm pleased with this first issue and can't wait to read the next one!
I'm a casual comic book fan (and though I'm a Marvel in tastes, I do stick to more indie stuff), so prior to reading this book, I didn't know much about Black Panther and Wakanda. This made me step back a bit and think about how frustrating it is that I know about the Marvel mythology and history of, say, Asgard, but hardly anything about Wakanda. This is a problem that I hope this series can rectify as it progresses because I want to learn about Wakanda as much as I learn about the character of Black Panther.
Aside from that, I think I'm most anticipating seeing how the side story (I guess that's what it is?) of the two Dora Milaje warriors, Ayo and Aneka. I can't wait to see how their story unfolds.
The visual side of the storytelling is really nice, too. Kind of subdued and makes use of a lot of contrast, which I found visually striking.
Overall, I'm pleased with this first issue and can't wait to read the next one!
March 30, 2017
I didn't know this dude could write comics. I've read some of his stuff from The Atlantic, but hey nice crossover appeal.
Regarding issue #1, it was a good, solid read. I'm way behind on Marvel's hijinks, so I was a little lost.
Honestly, what I love about this book is that it is SELF -CONTAINED. Thank god there wasn't the obligatory Captian America/ Iron Man/ cameo. To be quite honest, thank god there weren't any Americans or white people at all! What they need to do now is KEEP EXPANDING. It's such a shame that only books set in NEW YORK have lasting appeal. I love Marvel's ideas, but their sense of setting is narrow! I'm from Wisconsin and all we get are the Great Lakes Avengers, (whom I love by the way).
Mr. Coats, if you are reading this: Fuck editorial pressure! Keep your book authentic! Don't give in to unnecessary cameos to further a MOVIE STUDIO'S agenda. I know you're probably in New York as I write this, but keep the book true. You can single handedly expand and leave a profound and lasting impact on what is bound to be the next MAJOR character.
Don't sell out man. Stay gold.
Regarding issue #1, it was a good, solid read. I'm way behind on Marvel's hijinks, so I was a little lost.
Honestly, what I love about this book is that it is SELF -CONTAINED. Thank god there wasn't the obligatory Captian America/ Iron Man/ cameo. To be quite honest, thank god there weren't any Americans or white people at all! What they need to do now is KEEP EXPANDING. It's such a shame that only books set in NEW YORK have lasting appeal. I love Marvel's ideas, but their sense of setting is narrow! I'm from Wisconsin and all we get are the Great Lakes Avengers, (whom I love by the way).
Mr. Coats, if you are reading this: Fuck editorial pressure! Keep your book authentic! Don't give in to unnecessary cameos to further a MOVIE STUDIO'S agenda. I know you're probably in New York as I write this, but keep the book true. You can single handedly expand and leave a profound and lasting impact on what is bound to be the next MAJOR character.
Don't sell out man. Stay gold.
July 3, 2017
YASsss! I am completely living for this interpretation of T'challa and the visual representation of Wakanda's technologically advanced society. It is refreshing to see a world fully inspired by the creativity, intellect, and landscape of the African continent. I am looking forward to reading issue #2.
June 30, 2016
While there's no big bad villain in this issue, and actually focuses more on what I think are King Tchalla's bodyguards, (I think Iv seen them in other volumes, only reason I know) and the problems in Wakanda, this issue leaves me far from impressed, but on the other hand if this issue is this good without much.. 'villainy' going on, I think it's a promising start.
April 10, 2016
Even more...
I thought the Illuminati arc and New Avengers fleshed out the society in Wakanda well. But this series is going to do the world building that Black Panther deserves. Awesome writing and a dynamic art style that is refreshing to see again. #WeAreWakanda
I thought the Illuminati arc and New Avengers fleshed out the society in Wakanda well. But this series is going to do the world building that Black Panther deserves. Awesome writing and a dynamic art style that is refreshing to see again. #WeAreWakanda
May 30, 2016
Not that good but loved the art.
January 6, 2020
I had a whole ton of opinions back a few years ago when I read this, about art and literature, and about who it's made for and why that matters, and whether it's possible to revive a cultural property in a way that makes it accessible to new audiences while also being deeply meaningful to the ride-or-dies, and whether I, fitting into basically none of the possible demographics for this book, have any right to have thoughts about it at all, and whether writing something that essentially excludes the vast majority of the reading public is an act of resistance or one of cowardice, given which populations are being excluded here, and what an artists responsibility is toward a canon, a genre, a marginalized readership, particularly when (or whether!) that artist is himself representative, by his particular moment and his particular skill and his particular reach, of the populations he belongs to and speaks to (or for)....
But I didn't write them down then, and the discourse around all of this has gotten ever-more fraught, and look, this was never my fight because this was never my book and I'd probably do much better to keep all those noisy opinions to myself and instead keep reading, keep listening, and keep quiet. So.
Here's our spread from the Jugs & Capes meeting on this, ft. burrata, shoo-fly pie, Parker House rolls with pecan-brown-sugar butter, and on and on.
But I didn't write them down then, and the discourse around all of this has gotten ever-more fraught, and look, this was never my fight because this was never my book and I'd probably do much better to keep all those noisy opinions to myself and instead keep reading, keep listening, and keep quiet. So.
Here's our spread from the Jugs & Capes meeting on this, ft. burrata, shoo-fly pie, Parker House rolls with pecan-brown-sugar butter, and on and on.
March 29, 2017
As someone who wasn't raised to read comic books and is certainly new to the genre, rather than focusing on the plot and the adventure, I was far more intrigued by the concepts of race posed in this book. Black Panther, is all about Race, and yet is not about race at all. Meaning, Wakanda is a fictional African nation, where race move beyond skin color, and is categorized more by culture, ancestry, and region. Yet, this story is a reflection of our real society where race is a tool for power. Race without power means nothing; power cannot exist without hierarchy. Thus, race is a vehicle for power. Race, particularly focused in America, is a tool people can use to organize power. But to be clear, "race" is essentially meaningless and is in itself, nothing. Racism is power.
Read my full review on my website: http://www.dominiqueluster.com/booksh...
Read my full review on my website: http://www.dominiqueluster.com/booksh...
September 16, 2020
Good Read
This was my first read by this author and first comic in eBook form. First time reading a superhero comic and I love Coates and I'm glad I have it a try. Good job Ta-Nehisi Coates.
This was my first read by this author and first comic in eBook form. First time reading a superhero comic and I love Coates and I'm glad I have it a try. Good job Ta-Nehisi Coates.
May 12, 2017
For years I thought I just didn't like the comic book form (The Complete Maus excepted). Then I learned that no, graphic novels were fine, what I didn't like was superhero comics. Unfortunately, reading all the Hugo nominated works has me reading superhero comics again . . . and confirming I still prefer my caped crusaders in movie format.
So: if you are super into superhero comics, this is probably great. As a more or less Marvel novice, though, the vast parade of characters who I assume I'm supposed to recognize but don't and blink-and-you'll-miss-them references to every plot point from fifty years of backstory brought no flashes of pleased recognition but instead a sense of disengagement from the story. And while I liked a lot of the character designs (especially the two lesbian revolutionaries and the Queen Mother), I found the panel layouts cluttered and hard to follow.
I'm still excited about the upcoming Black Panther movie, but I won't be continuing to read this series.
So: if you are super into superhero comics, this is probably great. As a more or less Marvel novice, though, the vast parade of characters who I assume I'm supposed to recognize but don't and blink-and-you'll-miss-them references to every plot point from fifty years of backstory brought no flashes of pleased recognition but instead a sense of disengagement from the story. And while I liked a lot of the character designs (especially the two lesbian revolutionaries and the Queen Mother), I found the panel layouts cluttered and hard to follow.
I'm still excited about the upcoming Black Panther movie, but I won't be continuing to read this series.
November 7, 2019
The first issue is just a few pages long (I borrowed the combined issues 1-4) and introduces us to the Black Panther and 4 female characters and one other male but doesn’t give us a lot of clarity yet on what’s going on except that Wakanda is in a state of anarchy and needs to be reunited.
I’ve never read a superhero comic before but I love Coates so I’m excited for this series.
I’ve never read a superhero comic before but I love Coates so I’m excited for this series.
September 7, 2016
Love the art. The storyline is rather "grand" introducing large scale events and many different story threads that haven't quite come together yet but you get the sense that it will down the line. Also YAY CANON LESBIAN REVOLUTIONARIES!!
June 8, 2017
Was mesmerized page to page by the beautiful art.
A fan of Ta-Nehisi Coates, a big reason too why I picked this up. I think he did pretty well for a first comic writing gig.
Hope it only gets better...
A fan of Ta-Nehisi Coates, a big reason too why I picked this up. I think he did pretty well for a first comic writing gig.
Hope it only gets better...
April 28, 2016
Les illustrations sont absolument magnifique !
May 25, 2016
Exciting beginning - I can't wait to see how the storylines develop!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 531 reviews