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Black Panther by Ta-Nehisi Coates
Black Panther, Vol. 2: A Nation Under Our Feet, Book Two
Counting down the final days of the kingdom of Wakanda! As Zenzi and The People poison Wakanda’s citizens against the Black Panther, a cabal of nation-breakers is assembled. And Ayo and Aneka, the Midnight Angels, are courted to raise their land to new glory! His allies dwindling, T’Challa must rely on his elite secret police, the Hatut Zeraze, and fellow Avenger Eden Fesi, a.k.a. Manifold! And with T’Challa’s back truly against the wall, some old friends lend a hand: Luke Cage, Misty Knight and Storm! But Wakanda may be too far gone for this all-new, all-different crew — and there’s one job the Panther must handle alone. Only he can voyage into the Djalia! Getting there is hard enough, but can he even find his sister Shuri inside Wakanda’s collective memory? Collecting BLACK PANTHER (2016) #5-8, plus JUNGLE ACTION #6-7 and bonus content.
144 pages, Paperback
First published January 24, 2017
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2332 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 387 reviews
May 22, 2017
This book intrigues me more than I actually enjoy it.
I like the expansion and exploration of Wakanda's history and culture. I like the philosophical aspects. I like the artwork. I liked the ending to this volume.
I'm not as keen on the somewhat glacial pacing. I didn't like T'Challa justifying why he put a team together consisting entirely of black superheroes. I felt like the writer was trying to justify his choices to the reader and he really didn't need to. It felt false, somehow.
Still, like I say, I am intrigued to see where this is going.
I like the expansion and exploration of Wakanda's history and culture. I like the philosophical aspects. I like the artwork. I liked the ending to this volume.
I'm not as keen on the somewhat glacial pacing. I didn't like T'Challa justifying why he put a team together consisting entirely of black superheroes. I felt like the writer was trying to justify his choices to the reader and he really didn't need to. It felt false, somehow.
Still, like I say, I am intrigued to see where this is going.
December 10, 2017
T'Challa facing difficulty from within his country seeks help from outside it.
A Nation Under Our Feet Book 2 suffers from the same problem as book 1, they are trying to fit a story seemingly made for a novel into a comic. There aren't enough bubbles, boxes, or pages to make that all fit. The storytelling is simply too slow for a comic book. This is essentially volume 2. Only two things have happened and only one problem has been resolved. It's just holding my interest enough to continue even though I imagine this story will have one great concluding volume.
A Nation Under Our Feet Book 2 suffers from the same problem as book 1, they are trying to fit a story seemingly made for a novel into a comic. There aren't enough bubbles, boxes, or pages to make that all fit. The storytelling is simply too slow for a comic book. This is essentially volume 2. Only two things have happened and only one problem has been resolved. It's just holding my interest enough to continue even though I imagine this story will have one great concluding volume.
March 24, 2021
Black Panther takes Ezekial Stane out of the equation, brings his "Crew" of black heroes in briefly, and lots of boring stories between Shuri and her mom before T'Challa goes to get her back.
The Good: Chris Sprouse's art is very good. I've been a fan since his Legion of Super-Heroes days.
The Bad: Coates continues his glacially slow pacing. I don't understand how this award winning artist can write such stilted dialogue.
The Ugly: This is one of the most boring ongoing books I've ever read. Also it's only four issues long with 2 reprint issues in the back. If I wanted to pay for random reprints of comics, I'd buy that collection instead.
The Good: Chris Sprouse's art is very good. I've been a fan since his Legion of Super-Heroes days.
The Bad: Coates continues his glacially slow pacing. I don't understand how this award winning artist can write such stilted dialogue.
The Ugly: This is one of the most boring ongoing books I've ever read. Also it's only four issues long with 2 reprint issues in the back. If I wanted to pay for random reprints of comics, I'd buy that collection instead.
June 1, 2017
Book 2 is more action-packed than Book 1. We've often been told that the Panther is a king, but this series is the first time I can recall where we've actually gotten a sense of what that means. Coates gives us a sense of the real responsibilities of kingship, what it means to the people of Wakanda to have their leader off on adventures with the Avengers and so on. I think my favorite scene in the whole book was the confrontation with Zeke Stane ...
The book is rounded out by some classic reprints from the Don McGregor/Rich Buckler era Black Panther from Marvel's old Jungle Action series. It's quite a contrast with the rest of the book, although it holds up reasonably well for its age. It's interesting to compare the two maps of Wakanda that appear in this book as they look nothing alike. In Ta-Nehisi Coates' version, Wakanda is inland, along the Western shore of Lake Victoria. In the McGregor version, Wakanda is on the West coast of Africa--the Atlantic Ocean on its Western border, and no sign of Lake Victoria anywhere ... although there IS apparently a Piranha Cove. In Africa. Oy.
In all, this is looking to be a great series. I'm definitely looking forward to the next volume.
The book is rounded out by some classic reprints from the Don McGregor/Rich Buckler era Black Panther from Marvel's old Jungle Action series. It's quite a contrast with the rest of the book, although it holds up reasonably well for its age. It's interesting to compare the two maps of Wakanda that appear in this book as they look nothing alike. In Ta-Nehisi Coates' version, Wakanda is inland, along the Western shore of Lake Victoria. In the McGregor version, Wakanda is on the West coast of Africa--the Atlantic Ocean on its Western border, and no sign of Lake Victoria anywhere ... although there IS apparently a Piranha Cove. In Africa. Oy.
In all, this is looking to be a great series. I'm definitely looking forward to the next volume.
February 10, 2017
http://www.un.org/en/events/africande...
This book is the second trade paperback of Ta-Nehisi Coates' Black Panther and finally everything is starting to click in the right direction creatively. We find T'Challa on the back foot as the rebellion against him on two-fronts is no longer manageable by him-alone. He makes a further bad gamble that his enemies capitalize on and use to further undermine his legitamcy with the Wakandan people. Luckily, being an Avenger has its perks. At the same time, the comatose Shuri is finally starting to make her way back to the land of the living and she is coming back much more prepared than she was before.
The Dora Milage have established their own state north of Wakanda's Captial while the main antagonists are marching on the Golden City from the south. Wakanda's been here before, but this time it seems the damage will be much more permanent.
I was sad to see Brian Stelfreeze come off of official art duties, but I was very happy to see how well Coates' prose had developed since the previous volume. The borrowing from history (mainly the First Italo-Ethiopian War), hip-hop, and, of course, more borrowing from Christopher J. Priest I am very excited to see how this will all end.
This book is the second trade paperback of Ta-Nehisi Coates' Black Panther and finally everything is starting to click in the right direction creatively. We find T'Challa on the back foot as the rebellion against him on two-fronts is no longer manageable by him-alone. He makes a further bad gamble that his enemies capitalize on and use to further undermine his legitamcy with the Wakandan people. Luckily, being an Avenger has its perks. At the same time, the comatose Shuri is finally starting to make her way back to the land of the living and she is coming back much more prepared than she was before.
The Dora Milage have established their own state north of Wakanda's Captial while the main antagonists are marching on the Golden City from the south. Wakanda's been here before, but this time it seems the damage will be much more permanent.
I was sad to see Brian Stelfreeze come off of official art duties, but I was very happy to see how well Coates' prose had developed since the previous volume. The borrowing from history (mainly the First Italo-Ethiopian War), hip-hop, and, of course, more borrowing from Christopher J. Priest I am very excited to see how this will all end.
March 13, 2017
Still not sure about this. There are things that I like: the Panther's "voice", political problems in the kingdom. Right now the theme seems to be about leadership and ruling: how do you keep people happy? How do you deal with rebellious people, a gentle hand of friendship or the iron fist of retaliation?
For some reason, I'm having a problem following the multiple subplots. I don't think it's me, having read and watched many things like this. I suspect it is the writing, but I can't pinpoint what the problem is. There's still quite a bit being thrown at the reader, specifically the various tribes, names and exactly what their issues are.
Coates is also creating a lot of depth and history for Wakanda, which is wonderful, but it isn't clear how important it is to know and remember all of it, leading back to the idea that there is a lot for the reader to take in.
This volume only has 4 issues, plus a couple issues from way back in the Jungle Action series. It seems this is the end of the "setup" on Coates' initial run, wrapping up a couple of those subplots and perhaps the next volume will be more focused.
For some reason, I'm having a problem following the multiple subplots. I don't think it's me, having read and watched many things like this. I suspect it is the writing, but I can't pinpoint what the problem is. There's still quite a bit being thrown at the reader, specifically the various tribes, names and exactly what their issues are.
Coates is also creating a lot of depth and history for Wakanda, which is wonderful, but it isn't clear how important it is to know and remember all of it, leading back to the idea that there is a lot for the reader to take in.
This volume only has 4 issues, plus a couple issues from way back in the Jungle Action series. It seems this is the end of the "setup" on Coates' initial run, wrapping up a couple of those subplots and perhaps the next volume will be more focused.
July 15, 2017
Pleasure reading shouldn't feel like a chore. 3 stars out of respect for the art and the world-building, but that's as far as it goes for me.
October 7, 2017
Again, it had potential but it's all over the place.
OVERALL GRADE: C plus to B minus.
OVERALL GRADE: C plus to B minus.
December 11, 2018
Another really slow volume that does more setting up than knocking down. Digressions in the form of tribal legends and long conversations and a lack of action made this a really slow read.
February 14, 2018
Well I liked this one better then the first, and the artwork is gorgeous, and I love how they are blending myth and legend into futuristic Sci-fi, BUT I still can’t say it’s awesome. I’m beginning to wonder if it’s Coates, he’s a great author, but not exactly known for his action/adventure/sci-fi. Maybe they should have tapped Binti’s Okorafor or The Broken Earth’s Jemisin instead? I love the world they’ve created, but this story isn’t grabbing me.
February 23, 2018
Great potential in the story here - such a cool world - but the storytelling and pacing continue to be a challenge for the reader.
February 14, 2018
This actually has two different portions --- one written by Ta-Nehisi Coates and an older story line originally written by Stan Lee. I found the portion written by Coates to be rather slow-moving with the Black Panther being given to long-winded soliloquys and too much introspection. It made me think of Hamlet if he was an Avenger. To be honest, I'm new to the Black Panther stories, but, from the Avengers: Civil War movie, I've been under the impression that Black Panther is a man of action so I expected a story line more like that.
And I think that this is what the Black Panther's original creator, Stan Lee, intended also. When you read his story in this book, Black Panther is swift, agile, intelligent --- and the story where he battles Erik Killmonger and Venom moves at a brisk, engaging pace.
Unfortunately, Coates did not, and it had some sections in it that I found downright puzzling and out of place, given Black Panther's character. Such as convening a meeting of various secret police, foreign intelligence thugs, and counter-insurgency experts to advise T'Challa how to suppress "The People" revolt in Wakanda --- who predictably recommend he use brutal, barbaric tactics a la Kim Jong Un and Josef Stalin. Not sure why this was even in there --- it's obvious that Black Panther will reject such advice before the meeting even was held.
The art work in both story lines is good, but the story by Coates is a bit slow. Hopefully, the next book in this series will be better.
And I think that this is what the Black Panther's original creator, Stan Lee, intended also. When you read his story in this book, Black Panther is swift, agile, intelligent --- and the story where he battles Erik Killmonger and Venom moves at a brisk, engaging pace.
Unfortunately, Coates did not, and it had some sections in it that I found downright puzzling and out of place, given Black Panther's character. Such as convening a meeting of various secret police, foreign intelligence thugs, and counter-insurgency experts to advise T'Challa how to suppress "The People" revolt in Wakanda --- who predictably recommend he use brutal, barbaric tactics a la Kim Jong Un and Josef Stalin. Not sure why this was even in there --- it's obvious that Black Panther will reject such advice before the meeting even was held.
The art work in both story lines is good, but the story by Coates is a bit slow. Hopefully, the next book in this series will be better.
February 25, 2018
Prompted by the excellent new Black Panther film, I'm catching up on all of the Ta-Nehisi Coates' run! This second volume continues the political and thematically heavy storyline that finds T'Challa struggling with an insurgent group who continue to question his leadership. There's also the continuity-heavy inclusion of an Iron Man villain that works quite well given the villain's M.O. The art here is good, though not as tight and appealing as Brian Stelfreeze's art from the first book.
My big problem with these collections is that they seem purposefully cut-off at four issues (with some 60's-era reprints) when this is obviously a twelve-issue story. I wish they'd have just released A Nation Under Our Feet as a single trade or HC, but I suppose the financial gain wouldn't be as impressive. All the same, there's the same promise of the first volume, but this is undoubtedly the middle chapter of a story that requires a reading of the final volume.
Luckily, I've got volumes 3 & 4 waiting for me to dig in. I'm excited to see how Coates' wraps up his ambitious and cerebral first story.
My big problem with these collections is that they seem purposefully cut-off at four issues (with some 60's-era reprints) when this is obviously a twelve-issue story. I wish they'd have just released A Nation Under Our Feet as a single trade or HC, but I suppose the financial gain wouldn't be as impressive. All the same, there's the same promise of the first volume, but this is undoubtedly the middle chapter of a story that requires a reading of the final volume.
Luckily, I've got volumes 3 & 4 waiting for me to dig in. I'm excited to see how Coates' wraps up his ambitious and cerebral first story.
February 8, 2017
SO GOOD. I've never read such a well-written graphic, it's like I'm reading a richly dialogue-laden novel with beautiful artwork serving as the supporting storyteller (which, now that I think on it, is how all graphics should be). I skipped the Black Panther throwback snippets after the story ended because I heard they were terrible (and the artwork was just so outdated, it was a huge turn off... I assumed the text would feel the same). I kind of wish I'd waited for this to be released as a compendium, it deserves to be fully absorbed all at once.
January 20, 2018
Gorgeous art, ambitious theme, a nation fighting for its freedom, a king struggling to find his role, warring factions, stunning women and men, a celebration of African heritage. This is a lovely volume to look at and ponder, however the story is scattered, the writing is heavy and vague. I will be continuing the series, but I wish I would not have to read everything three times in order to follow the story.
March 24, 2017
Really digging his style! (would be 5 stars) The only thing that really beefs me is that this volume was only 3 issues!? Some might argue that they provide older issues to supplement the lack of issues, but I don't know. To me it seems like Marvel has no problem donating money to an ethically bankrupt administration and charging nerds to cover the bill..
July 13, 2020
Considering that it's been four years since I read and reviewed Vol. 1, I think it's safe to say that I stumbled pretty hard on continuing with this storyline. I picked up Vols 2 and 3 immediately, but just couldn't hack them. Making sense of Vol 1 was a lot of work, and a lot of it was propelled by loving Stelfreeze's art, so the fact that he steps back on this volume is a letdown. This is also the book where Coates just starts adding Marvel Universe characters without a ton of explanation why (basically to set up Black Panther & The Crew), which was another reason I had a hard time finding my place in a series that already requires a lot of commitment to make sense of.
But aside from those stumbling blocks, Vol 2 is generally an easier read, and has some really interesting threads. Particularly, I found myself feeling like the revolution-inciting villains of the piece, despite their bloodlust, were arguably more sympathetic than T'Challa (but I feel the same way about Killmonger in the Black Panther movie, so maybe problematizing the hero is just a feature of BP comics that I'm not aware of). And while Shuri doesn't run around with cool crocodile headdresses and laser fists like she does in the movie, she does have an engaging spirit quest subplot that ends in a still-pretty-good costume upgrade.
I guess I feel like the inclusion of The Crew diluted this book a little, but I continue to appreciate the comic's supporting cast, as well as its overall commentary on how a society functions. As I said when I read Vol 1 -- it's not what I expected when I started reading this book, and I'm sort of surprised at the critiques Coates is making here. But unless I'm reading his villains totally wrong, I think there's also a thoughtful slew of different perspectives on the nature of power that I find compelling.
But aside from those stumbling blocks, Vol 2 is generally an easier read, and has some really interesting threads. Particularly, I found myself feeling like the revolution-inciting villains of the piece, despite their bloodlust, were arguably more sympathetic than T'Challa (but I feel the same way about Killmonger in the Black Panther movie, so maybe problematizing the hero is just a feature of BP comics that I'm not aware of). And while Shuri doesn't run around with cool crocodile headdresses and laser fists like she does in the movie, she does have an engaging spirit quest subplot that ends in a still-pretty-good costume upgrade.
I guess I feel like the inclusion of The Crew diluted this book a little, but I continue to appreciate the comic's supporting cast, as well as its overall commentary on how a society functions. As I said when I read Vol 1 -- it's not what I expected when I started reading this book, and I'm sort of surprised at the critiques Coates is making here. But unless I'm reading his villains totally wrong, I think there's also a thoughtful slew of different perspectives on the nature of power that I find compelling.
May 13, 2018
If you didn't like vol.1 because there was too much talk there's little chance you'll like this one better. Revolutions are talking affairs.
Coates somehow managed to cram a political novel into 12 comic books so of course it's laden with dialogues. His talent is to make them resounding and not annoying.
The stakes and motives are clear, as well as the schematic of a revolution turning into terror. The allegiances and their evolution are clearly exposed. The personal conflicts and desires of the characters are taken into account. It makes for a good-novel-actually-turned-into-a-comic-book.
The resolution of conflict is of course a bit idealized, but that's what revolutions are for, arent't they?
Ta-Nehisi Coates also brings depth to the wakandan lore. Mixing ancient characters and dynasties, parables and a bit of mystic it's a rich and interesting addition to the story of the country. Of course the parables add even more captions to the book but I was drawn into them and didn't find them bothersome.
I have spoilery interrogations, maybe doubts, about the fate of Shuri. That was maybe a bit too much. We'll see in next volume I reckon.
What's good with this book is that the art is on par with the plot. Chris Sprouse illustrates most of the book, one issue being done by Brian Stelfreeze. Both are great pencillers so, with the beautiful colors of Laura Martin, it makes for a gorgeous book.
Coates somehow managed to cram a political novel into 12 comic books so of course it's laden with dialogues. His talent is to make them resounding and not annoying.
The stakes and motives are clear, as well as the schematic of a revolution turning into terror. The allegiances and their evolution are clearly exposed. The personal conflicts and desires of the characters are taken into account. It makes for a good-novel-actually-turned-into-a-comic-book.
The resolution of conflict is of course a bit idealized, but that's what revolutions are for, arent't they?
Ta-Nehisi Coates also brings depth to the wakandan lore. Mixing ancient characters and dynasties, parables and a bit of mystic it's a rich and interesting addition to the story of the country. Of course the parables add even more captions to the book but I was drawn into them and didn't find them bothersome.
I have spoilery interrogations, maybe doubts, about the fate of Shuri. That was maybe a bit too much. We'll see in next volume I reckon.
What's good with this book is that the art is on par with the plot. Chris Sprouse illustrates most of the book, one issue being done by Brian Stelfreeze. Both are great pencillers so, with the beautiful colors of Laura Martin, it makes for a gorgeous book.
July 23, 2018
It’s been a while since a marvel comic book run has made me laugh, cheer and cry all in one Volume.
This one did.
There was a specific surprise that popped up in here, and as soon as it happened this immediately became a 5-star read.
I love this run and I need to get my hands on all of the volumes!!!!
This one did.
There was a specific surprise that popped up in here, and as soon as it happened this immediately became a 5-star read.
I love this run and I need to get my hands on all of the volumes!!!!
February 24, 2018
This series continues to not blow me away. It sucks because there are really cool elements (the introduction of The Crew), but they get bogged down in a quagmire of boring subplots that I just can't muster the energy to give a crap about.
Artwork continues to be sublime!
Artwork continues to be sublime!
September 13, 2017
Ta-Nehisis Coates - writer
Chris Sprouse - illustrator
Another solid effort from writer Coates. He makes progress towards becoming a good comic book writer in this volume, but still has a ways to go. Sprouse takes over on pencils for Stellfreeze, who handled art in volume one. Sprouse does a solid job, and his style is very similar to Stellfreeze. The story still tends to move a little slowly and the world-building, while impressive in scope and epic in tone, tends to drag the pace down even more and make it difficult for the reader to keep up. I'm optimistic about this series, but have a little trouble drumming up any excitement to read the next volume.
3/5
Chris Sprouse - illustrator
Another solid effort from writer Coates. He makes progress towards becoming a good comic book writer in this volume, but still has a ways to go. Sprouse takes over on pencils for Stellfreeze, who handled art in volume one. Sprouse does a solid job, and his style is very similar to Stellfreeze. The story still tends to move a little slowly and the world-building, while impressive in scope and epic in tone, tends to drag the pace down even more and make it difficult for the reader to keep up. I'm optimistic about this series, but have a little trouble drumming up any excitement to read the next volume.
3/5
January 2, 2018
Ta-Nehisi Coates continua sua empreitada para dar uma cara mais verossimilhante a T'Challa, o rei de Wakanda, também conhecido como o super-herói Pantera Negra. Entretanto quem rouba a cena nesse segundo volume não é T'Challa, mas sua irmã Shuri. Ela está presa no Djalia, o local que guarda toda a memória do povo Wakandano. Lá ela se fortalece para vencer seu estado atual - literamente entre a vida e a morte. No Djalia, Shuri é guiada pela Mãe, uma avatar griot que se assemelha muito a ela. As duas trocam histórias sobre mitos e lendas wakandanos, dos quais Shuri vai adquirindo sabedoria, mas não só. Ela também adquire os poderes que os personagens dos mitos e lendas de suas terras adquirem nas histórias. Dessa forma, quando o Pantera Negra e Eden Fesi, o Dobra, se transportam para o Djalia, Shuri já está refeita e é uma nova pessoa. Enquanto Shuri completava sua jornada, o Pantera contava com seus amigos Tempestade, Misty Knight e Luke Cage para enfrentar inimigos dispostos a depô-lo do trono, juntos eles formavam o The Crew, que no Brasil ficou traduzido como A Gangue. Nisso, o Pantera Negra se prepara para um grande confronto contra os rebeldes de seu governo, liderados por uma casal de ex-Dora Milaje e também por um grupo de feiticeiros e mutantes poderosos que desejam não só governar Wakanda, como extrair suas riquezas. Neste volume, Brian Stelfreeze é substituído por Chris Sprouse nos desenhos que, na minha opinião conseguiu dar o mesmo valor aos personagens e cenários. também nesse volume, temos duas edições da extinta revista Jungle Action, a primeira revista-solo do Pantera Negra. É gritante a diferença entre o mapa feito por um escritor branco nos anos 70 e por um escritor negro nos dias atuais. Peço atenção para o nome dos lugares, uma pequena amostra do olhar do colonizador sobre os colonizados. Entretanto, nada que afete nossa diversão. Agora é aguardar o último volume desta saga e se preparar para o filme do Pantera em fevereiro.
February 2, 2017
Another powerful narrative by Ta-Nehisi Coates that explores the complexity of the Black Panther and ideas of kingship, citizenship, and critical belonging. Coates opens up critical questions about revolution and belonging, nationhood and resistance, proposing a rethinking of the notion of nationality itself.
Coates' Black Panther is a character who is caught between multiple identities and roles that he has to perform from the super heroic to the role of king and his own emotional depth as a person with others who rely on him. He is a figure who exudes power but must constantly question his power and explore the influence he has over his citizens.
Yet, this is also a narrative that explores the roots of power with the people, with the populace who confers power on their leaders. Coates explores power from the citizenry but also from the spiritual realm, examining the way that spirits teach and change those who encounter them, inviting the powerful to remember that their rule comes from the land and from the people who live on that land.
As much a philosophical discourse as it is a superhero comic, Coates' Black Panther comic illustrates the power of narratives (whether they are folk stories told to people or whether they are comics that are themselves a different kind of folk story) to change people and invite questions.
Coates' Black Panther is a character who is caught between multiple identities and roles that he has to perform from the super heroic to the role of king and his own emotional depth as a person with others who rely on him. He is a figure who exudes power but must constantly question his power and explore the influence he has over his citizens.
Yet, this is also a narrative that explores the roots of power with the people, with the populace who confers power on their leaders. Coates explores power from the citizenry but also from the spiritual realm, examining the way that spirits teach and change those who encounter them, inviting the powerful to remember that their rule comes from the land and from the people who live on that land.
As much a philosophical discourse as it is a superhero comic, Coates' Black Panther comic illustrates the power of narratives (whether they are folk stories told to people or whether they are comics that are themselves a different kind of folk story) to change people and invite questions.
February 7, 2017
Yeah, I'm cheating I'm doing the reviews for the floppies under the TPB.
The main reason I keep trudging through this book every month is because Coates is an award winning author. But, I don't think Coates has caught onto the difference between writing essays, books, and a monthly comic.
A writer can get away with a slow build in a novel, but with a monthly comic you need to give that reader a reason to come in every month. The story needs to move at a different pace than a Stephen King or George R.R. Martin book.
And, Coates really hasn't figured that out yet. I've been sticking with this out of stubbornness, not intelligence. I keep hoping to see a country that intrigues me, a T'Challa who grabs my attention. A weak T'Challa doesn't work for me (also points a finger at Reggie Hudlin and Jon Mayberry who took earlier turns with the character).
A year in and arguably nothing has happened. I'm not engaged in the romantic relationships, or the rebellion. I'll give it a couple of more months for Coates to convince me he has some writing chops and is not an over-hyped mainstream writer trying his hand at comics (and in part was hired on political correctness grounds).
The main reason I keep trudging through this book every month is because Coates is an award winning author. But, I don't think Coates has caught onto the difference between writing essays, books, and a monthly comic.
A writer can get away with a slow build in a novel, but with a monthly comic you need to give that reader a reason to come in every month. The story needs to move at a different pace than a Stephen King or George R.R. Martin book.
And, Coates really hasn't figured that out yet. I've been sticking with this out of stubbornness, not intelligence. I keep hoping to see a country that intrigues me, a T'Challa who grabs my attention. A weak T'Challa doesn't work for me (also points a finger at Reggie Hudlin and Jon Mayberry who took earlier turns with the character).
A year in and arguably nothing has happened. I'm not engaged in the romantic relationships, or the rebellion. I'll give it a couple of more months for Coates to convince me he has some writing chops and is not an over-hyped mainstream writer trying his hand at comics (and in part was hired on political correctness grounds).
December 13, 2017
It's difficult for me to say I am enjoying this comic. The learning curve to this world is steep, and even after reading the first book, who's who is not entirely clear to me. This is a very political work, though it does not take the obvious political bent one might expect. T'Challa uses the means of a dictator to hold onto power, though even his enemies are not quite the democratic stalwarts they might have people believe. Still, are we supposed to root for T'Challa? He is an unclear person, lacking emotional connection with the people and the reader. For a superhero comic, one thing this story lacks is charisma, and even bringing in outside superheroes like Storm and Luke Cage does little to change this. T'Challa's search for his sister was also confusing. This is my first Black Panther story, so maybe my lack of knowledge of the Black Panther universe is what is holding me back, but while I appreciate the intellectual pursuits of Coates, a little more accessibility would be nice.
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February 14, 2017A much more satisfying experience than the first volume, in which Coates seems to be settling in to the subtly different art of writing comics rather than prose, and the story feels like it's meshing much better with Wakanda as previously seen. Though for once, the old issues stuffed in the back to fill out a slender collection really help with that: I'd never read any of Panther's Rage before, but if that was Coates' formative vision of the character where mine was the Priest run, then no wonder I'm a little at cross purposes with his take. A mention is also needed for Stelfreeze's work, of course, not least the wonderful faces he supplies in scenes where a complex emotional transition hinges entirely on the acting.
March 28, 2020
After such a strong start I am now convinced Ta-Nehisi Coates must be Panther King manifest. Whereas the initial chapters had me a little confused at moments from so much to take in and get caught up on, this arc drives forward in full swing with just a perfect dose of humor laced into its action and intrigue. I want more!
February 4, 2017
I read the individual issues when they came out and really enjoyed them, though I was slightly confused at the time. I am re-reading both this collection and the previous to see how well it all flows as a continuous story.
January 16, 2017
Coates starts to find his sea legs in this set of issues. #7 is particularly good; I think he'd do better on the Crew as a team book than Black Panther. Also his Hickman-isms really crank in issue 8.
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