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Black Panther (2016) (Single Issues)
Black Panther (2016-2018) #3
The most anticipated Marvel series since Whedon & Cassaday's Astonishing X-Men! The Midnight Angels continue the liberation of Wakanda with extreme prejudice, and T'Challa's indecisions could cost him more than just the throne. Coates and Stelfreeze weave a quintessential Black Panther tale that will change the tapestry of the Marvel Universe forever.
24 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 29, 2016
About the author
Ta-Nehisi Coates
284 books17.8k 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 32 reviews
June 29, 2016
T'Challa languishes in his doubts while forces are emerging from Wakanda to not only save the people, but to take over.
I want to like the Black Panther, but his comics aren't helping. This issue is demonstrating that T'Challa is quite fallible and many are tired of it. He needs help, but has none of seems. He dares not seek outside help because he's already being viewed as an outsider and a man who conspirers with an outsider who drowned Wakandans. It's all falling down for T'Challa and I can hardly be moved to care. It's a shame.
I want to like the Black Panther, but his comics aren't helping. This issue is demonstrating that T'Challa is quite fallible and many are tired of it. He needs help, but has none of seems. He dares not seek outside help because he's already being viewed as an outsider and a man who conspirers with an outsider who drowned Wakandans. It's all falling down for T'Challa and I can hardly be moved to care. It's a shame.
July 2, 2016
Coates doesn't need me whitesplainin' his comic set in the African country of Wakanda. And it's not really about race, anyway. But here goes: It's--in my white middle class view here--about African culture and spiritual heritage and what Africans (and maybe African-Americans, by implication) need to do to reclaim or reestablish more firmly its proud heritage. It would seem huge in the superstructure of its various plot threads and ideological intentions. It's about the Soul of the Race, finally, a spiritual and cultural focus.
Coates is the MacArthur-award-winning journalist and memoirist on the subject of race; he is steeped in the reading of political philosophy and Critical Race Theory and grew up as a. . . . Marvel comics nerd, able to repeat the storylines of minor characters of the whole Marvel multiverse. (Hey, he says, you aren't talking about Black Panther as a minor character here, are you?! Because I am going to show the central importance of Black Panther and elevate him in the Marvel Universe to his rightful place!).
Coates is not as far as I can tell a fictional storyteller by trade, and this is her first (and famous, wildly anticipated) foray into comics. He's an idea guy, he can turn a phrase in a memoir of racial politics, but so far, the language in this comic doesn't yet match the level of the ideas. It's elevated, but we have to get to know these characters as human beings. and we really don't yet. Still, this is the best of the three issues so far, too, so maybe. . . and the dude can write, so maybe he willful it off.
I am coming to love the dramatic operatic artwork of Brian Stelfreeze in this series. It matches the huge operatic intentions of Coate's story. It reminds me of Alan Moore's prologue to The Sandman in its High Intentions, all ethereal and abstract and nothing really happening yet. Though I liked that prologue, and while liking this not as much I am starting to like it. It is the third issue and it is mostly talk and rumination and building of conceptual framework. Not a Marvel Action comic yet, nope. But I'm still reading.
Here is Coates blogging on Black Panther, his own comic.
http://www.theatlantic.com/notes/all/...
Coates is the MacArthur-award-winning journalist and memoirist on the subject of race; he is steeped in the reading of political philosophy and Critical Race Theory and grew up as a. . . . Marvel comics nerd, able to repeat the storylines of minor characters of the whole Marvel multiverse. (Hey, he says, you aren't talking about Black Panther as a minor character here, are you?! Because I am going to show the central importance of Black Panther and elevate him in the Marvel Universe to his rightful place!).
Coates is not as far as I can tell a fictional storyteller by trade, and this is her first (and famous, wildly anticipated) foray into comics. He's an idea guy, he can turn a phrase in a memoir of racial politics, but so far, the language in this comic doesn't yet match the level of the ideas. It's elevated, but we have to get to know these characters as human beings. and we really don't yet. Still, this is the best of the three issues so far, too, so maybe. . . and the dude can write, so maybe he willful it off.
I am coming to love the dramatic operatic artwork of Brian Stelfreeze in this series. It matches the huge operatic intentions of Coate's story. It reminds me of Alan Moore's prologue to The Sandman in its High Intentions, all ethereal and abstract and nothing really happening yet. Though I liked that prologue, and while liking this not as much I am starting to like it. It is the third issue and it is mostly talk and rumination and building of conceptual framework. Not a Marvel Action comic yet, nope. But I'm still reading.
Here is Coates blogging on Black Panther, his own comic.
http://www.theatlantic.com/notes/all/...
July 12, 2016
2.5
I really believe Ta-Nehisi Coates has prepared something incredible for this comic series, but right now I feel like all the storylines have difficulties to fit in such a short issue; failing to convey Coate's ideas with strength. The political and cultural aspects are well presented and very interesting but this issue, as whole entity, feels a little disjointed.
I'm curious to see how Coate's will continue to develop this story, but I'm not sure I'll continue to read it individually... I'd rather wait for a collected trade paperback.
Ps. The art remains wonderful.
I really believe Ta-Nehisi Coates has prepared something incredible for this comic series, but right now I feel like all the storylines have difficulties to fit in such a short issue; failing to convey Coate's ideas with strength. The political and cultural aspects are well presented and very interesting but this issue, as whole entity, feels a little disjointed.
I'm curious to see how Coate's will continue to develop this story, but I'm not sure I'll continue to read it individually... I'd rather wait for a collected trade paperback.
Ps. The art remains wonderful.
March 23, 2018
The only thing that has become clear is that there are more than 2 sides in this civil war, and while it seems safe to assume the feminist Aneka and Ayo are “good guys,” all of the other sides, including the Black Panther himself, are ambiguous.
June 30, 2016
The art is amazing and the ideas are interesting, however, the characters and world don't have quite enough depth to support the apparent complexity of the story. It may be that reading this series issue-by-issue rather than as a complete volume is causing the story to trip-up. The concept behind the separate stories happening in this series are intriguing, but there simply isn't enough development on the page to fill out those ideas. At least not for me. Issue 1 was very promising and I loved it; something hard to describe is lost in issues 2 and 3.
July 1, 2016
First 5 star review from me in awhile. This is definitely the strongest Black Panther issue so far. It's focussed and you can see the pieces coming together that I expect will eventually lead to a good payoff. I'm definitely looking forward to more from this creative team.
December 4, 2017
Revolutions are slow things....
Some almost-interesting discussions about taking Wakanda back for "the people" and you can kind of see Coates struggling to meld his own political philosophy, which isn't entirely in line with a benign tyrant like T'Challa, into a comic book narrative arc.
Not bad. But not yet compelling.
Some almost-interesting discussions about taking Wakanda back for "the people" and you can kind of see Coates struggling to meld his own political philosophy, which isn't entirely in line with a benign tyrant like T'Challa, into a comic book narrative arc.
Not bad. But not yet compelling.
August 15, 2016
I have a booktube channel now! Subscribe here.
Now that I've read the first 3 issues, I think I may have to take a step back and wait for the full volumes. The concept, atmosphere and art are all amazing here. The artwork gives me really good nostalgia for 2001's Atlantis, actually, albeit with greater cultural authenticity. Likewise, Ta Nehisi's vision is phenomenal here, but reading it in individual issues, for me, is really cramping his style. The scope is far too vast, and the storylines presently too diverse, to be digestible in this format.
For casual comic book readers or those unfamiliar with the Panther's heritage, you may be frustrated at first but stick with it. I foresee great things in this comic's future, if we could step back and give Coates some breathing room to tell his story.
Now that I've read the first 3 issues, I think I may have to take a step back and wait for the full volumes. The concept, atmosphere and art are all amazing here. The artwork gives me really good nostalgia for 2001's Atlantis, actually, albeit with greater cultural authenticity. Likewise, Ta Nehisi's vision is phenomenal here, but reading it in individual issues, for me, is really cramping his style. The scope is far too vast, and the storylines presently too diverse, to be digestible in this format.
For casual comic book readers or those unfamiliar with the Panther's heritage, you may be frustrated at first but stick with it. I foresee great things in this comic's future, if we could step back and give Coates some breathing room to tell his story.
July 5, 2016
I want to like this, but my interest is flagging with this issue. I think that part of the problem is that three storylines feels like too many to maintain in something released in 20-24 page issues. Ta-Nehisi Coates's ideas are interesting; Stelfreeze's visual storytelling is good (though I'm not a huge fan of the art). There's definitely skill involved in the fact that the creative team is managing to convey cultural, political and personal themes with nuance, but this issue wasn't *fun* to read. This series might be better read as a collected trade paperback :/
June 30, 2016
This series is so frustrating because Coates clearly wants to do a lot and it's pretty clear so far that he'll probably do something really incredible, but it's all to disjointed and figurative right now.
July 2, 2016
Things are finally starting to come together. This issue was by far the strongest in my opinion. Now the pace is picking up. I have to admit I'm kind of worried that the storyline may not live up to my expectations but I'm anxious to see what comes next in Wakanda. Waiting is the hardest part.
July 9, 2016
I really liked the War Dogs. Everything else was just okay.
Read
July 27, 2016There is still too much going on and none of it very coherent.
September 6, 2018
A great addition to the Black Panther series.
November 7, 2020
Treason
Good color artwork. One of three hundred comics marvel gave out on national read a book day, Sept six. This would be easier to review if it was 32 pages. Vito corleone says " the saddest thing about treason, is that it never comes from your enemies ". These people who are tryingq to destroy T'challa should be helping instead. That nature priest is helping with cropland for power, not decency.
Good color artwork. One of three hundred comics marvel gave out on national read a book day, Sept six. This would be easier to review if it was 32 pages. Vito corleone says " the saddest thing about treason, is that it never comes from your enemies ". These people who are tryingq to destroy T'challa should be helping instead. That nature priest is helping with cropland for power, not decency.
February 27, 2020
Graphic novel for grades 3 and up. I know this will be an appealing check-out for students and the marvel graphics are on point. I did not like the jumping around of the story and the way it leaves things hanging. I guess this is a marketing technique, but if you cannot afford to have the entire series the story doesn't make any sense.
April 10, 2020
The (possible) villain who seems to be deeply in line with nature, more specifically Africa paired with the Memory Plane and the history lesson on the story of Wakanda made this issue better than the 1st 2, in my opinion.
September 17, 2020
Good Read
Now that I've read the first three issues, it seems like things are finally starting to come together. It's picking up the pace and I'm so enjoying the artwork. Really liking the War Dogs. Good job Ta-Nehisi Coates.
Now that I've read the first three issues, it seems like things are finally starting to come together. It's picking up the pace and I'm so enjoying the artwork. Really liking the War Dogs. Good job Ta-Nehisi Coates.
January 3, 2018
Such a beautiful series! highly recommend it!
April 2, 2019
Waiting rooms (and family gatherings lol) are for reading on the Kindle app lol
June 5, 2021
Best opening ever.
September 25, 2021
T'Challa definitely feels like Shuri's death hit him hard.
July 14, 2016
The Best of: Black Panther #3
1. "Once when I was a tree, African sun woke me up green at dawn. African wind combed the branches of my hair. African rain washed my limbs. Once when I was a tree, flesh came and worshipped my roots. Flesh came to preserve my voice. Flesh came honoring my limbs. Now flesh comes with metal teeth, with chomping sticks and fire launchers. And flesh cuts me down and enslaves my limbs to make forts, ships, pews for other gods. Now flesh laughs at my charred and beaten frame, discarding me in the mud, burning me up in the flames. Flesh has grown pale and lazy. Flesh has sinned against the fathers. Now flesh listens no more to the voice of spirits talking through my limbs. If flesh would listen, I would warn him that the spirits are displeased and are planning what to do with him. But flesh thinks I am dead, charred and gone. Flesh thinks that by fire he can kill, thinks that with metal teeth, I will die. Thinks that all the voices linked from root to limb are silenced. Flesh does not know that he does not give me life, nor can he take it away. That Is What the spirits are singing now. It is time that flesh bow down on his knee again."
2. Ramonda being a great mother and giving her son some pretty sound advice and encouragements. I love all the strong women in the Black Panther series so far.
3. Aneka and Ayo vowing to take back their country, creating an army to protect the innocent if no one else is going to do it. Again with the super badass women here.
4. The fight between T'Challa and Tetu. Finally, a little action!
5. The end scene with the little girl and her father. A little hope to end a rather serious issue.
1. "Once when I was a tree, African sun woke me up green at dawn. African wind combed the branches of my hair. African rain washed my limbs. Once when I was a tree, flesh came and worshipped my roots. Flesh came to preserve my voice. Flesh came honoring my limbs. Now flesh comes with metal teeth, with chomping sticks and fire launchers. And flesh cuts me down and enslaves my limbs to make forts, ships, pews for other gods. Now flesh laughs at my charred and beaten frame, discarding me in the mud, burning me up in the flames. Flesh has grown pale and lazy. Flesh has sinned against the fathers. Now flesh listens no more to the voice of spirits talking through my limbs. If flesh would listen, I would warn him that the spirits are displeased and are planning what to do with him. But flesh thinks I am dead, charred and gone. Flesh thinks that by fire he can kill, thinks that with metal teeth, I will die. Thinks that all the voices linked from root to limb are silenced. Flesh does not know that he does not give me life, nor can he take it away. That Is What the spirits are singing now. It is time that flesh bow down on his knee again."
2. Ramonda being a great mother and giving her son some pretty sound advice and encouragements. I love all the strong women in the Black Panther series so far.
3. Aneka and Ayo vowing to take back their country, creating an army to protect the innocent if no one else is going to do it. Again with the super badass women here.
4. The fight between T'Challa and Tetu. Finally, a little action!
5. The end scene with the little girl and her father. A little hope to end a rather serious issue.
February 7, 2017
Reviews Issues #1-7
In issues one through seven and we see things get seriously, seriously awesome, tense, and so politically complicated.
I've often said it's very challenging to properly write a character like T’Challa. As both a hero to the world and ruler of a country, it’s hard to write a character that as a leader can put his country above all, while simultaneously championing for the world.
In this story arc, T’Challa is now in Wakanda and he is facing a lot of social upheaval. The country that was once impenetrable and conflict proof is facing some homegrown problems that with some outside help are attempting to overthrow the peace that Wakanda strives to continue to enjoy.
Combining a great story and coupling it with incredible art make Black Panther a must read.
Rating 4.5 out of 5
Read@Book
In issues one through seven and we see things get seriously, seriously awesome, tense, and so politically complicated.
I've often said it's very challenging to properly write a character like T’Challa. As both a hero to the world and ruler of a country, it’s hard to write a character that as a leader can put his country above all, while simultaneously championing for the world.
In this story arc, T’Challa is now in Wakanda and he is facing a lot of social upheaval. The country that was once impenetrable and conflict proof is facing some homegrown problems that with some outside help are attempting to overthrow the peace that Wakanda strives to continue to enjoy.
Combining a great story and coupling it with incredible art make Black Panther a must read.
Rating 4.5 out of 5
Read@Book
July 30, 2016
Pet peeve because this months cover is somewhat misleading but that's also a very Marvel thing to do so I digress. This issue adds a few more pieces to the multi-layer puzzle this story has become. Ta-Nehisi said in an interview that he wants to make Wakanda feel like a real place. I think that's very ambitious and I believe that such a goal is going to take a long run of issues and other supplementary works to accomplish. With news of another comic in this world being released soon "World of Wakanda", Mr. Coats may see the vision come to fruition sooner.
Writing and Politics aside So what about the comic itself?
There are some really nice writing and beautiful art in this issue. I'm becoming a bigger and bigger Brian Steelfreeze fan with each issue. The bookend sub-plot has me intrigued. There are not many fights in this series so far as the book is more about T'Challa and Wakanda's internal struggle with himself/itself over it's past and future. So in many ways the run of issues has turned into a philosophical and political book more so that a typical superhero vs villains book. While I'm cool with that, I'm not sure the typical comic fan will be. Time will tell.
Writing and Politics aside So what about the comic itself?
There are some really nice writing and beautiful art in this issue. I'm becoming a bigger and bigger Brian Steelfreeze fan with each issue. The bookend sub-plot has me intrigued. There are not many fights in this series so far as the book is more about T'Challa and Wakanda's internal struggle with himself/itself over it's past and future. So in many ways the run of issues has turned into a philosophical and political book more so that a typical superhero vs villains book. While I'm cool with that, I'm not sure the typical comic fan will be. Time will tell.
July 13, 2016
The poetry and visual art of Issue #3 is stunning; the cultural context and landscape of Wakanda is being developed with extreme care and detail. I am looking forward to learning and understanding how memory and deeply rooted ancestral connection unfolds throughout the rest of the series.
July 12, 2016
I want to like this so bad but I'm not really warming up to it... not giving up hope though. I'll keep reading.
August 9, 2016
This was better, but it's still trying too juggle far too many things to be as coherent as it needs to be.
August 14, 2016
The story is building in this issue.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews