Black Panther, Vol. 4: Avengers of the New World, Part One

Black Panther by Ta-Nehisi Coates

by Ta-Nehisi Coates, Wilfredo Torres (Illustrator), Brian Stelfreeze (Cover Art)

Collecting Black Panther (2016) #13-18.

Where next for the Black Panther? Find out as a sensational new arc begins! Eons ago - before Black Panthers, before Wakanda, before time itself - there were only the Orishas! The pantheon of gods and goddesses from which the world as we know it was manifested: Asali. Ogutemeli. Bast. But now, when Wakanda burns, they are silent. When she was flooded, they were silent. While her people war amongst themselves, ever silent they remain. Where have all the gods of Wakanda gone? T'Challa means to find out... MacArthur Fellow and national correspondent for The Atlantic, Ta-Nehisi Coates (Between the World and Me) is joined by rising superstar Wilfredo Torres (Moon Knight) - and together they set out to redefine faith and theology for the Marvel Universe!

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Marvel, Fiction, Superheroes, Fantasy, Graphic Novels Comics

143 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 21, 2017

About the author

Ta-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.

Reviews

[Paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this one but there were parts that seemed a little muddled and parts that seemed a little nonsensical. Why, for example, when faced with what seemed to be a magical/mythological threat did T'Challa not go to his contacts in that area of expertise? He knows Jericho Drumm, Stephen Strange and a good few more who inhabit that world but instead went to... Storm of the X-Men.

Still, I liked the last chapter reveal and am looking forward to the next volume.

[Chad · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel with this new storyline, Coates is finally getting a feel for writing comics. The art is no longer obscured by the heaps of text Coates was throwing on each page. The last arc was like reading a textbook with a few illustrations. The pacing is much better and so is the action. My one complaint is that there are WAY too many characters in the book. I can't keep them all straight. Coates would do well to label the characters as they appear in each issue like Matt Fraction used to do with Uncanny X-Men.

[Matt Quann · Rating 4 out of 5]

That's more like it!

This volume of Black Panther takes the story established in A Nation Under Our Feet uses it as a backdrop for some seriously good superhero storytelling. Having proven that he is playing the long game and will be writing a different type of story, Coates takes this volume to show he can play the hits too.

The Wakandan Gods: the Orisha

With the introduction of the Orisha, Coates drew me in with the promise of some crazy, Kirby-like creatures and a fantastical story. Seeing T'Challa and company facing off against a threat against Wakanda instead of from within it makes for a breath of fresh air after the past three volumes. What makes it really rewarding is how Coates uses his new cast and the shifting Wakanda political landscape to his advantage. The duty of a king, the fractured state, and a way for Wakanda to move forward and grow are still central themes.

But man, does this volume ever feel like a lot more fun than its predecessors. Now that Coates has set the stage, you can tell he's ready to play around in the Marvel sandbox. I'm loving the multiple threats that are coming down the pipe and looking forward to the next volume in a few months.

[Ona · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can't wait for the movie https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vt9UZ...
I feel it's gonna be EPIC!!!

[James DeSantis · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just can't seem to get into Coates black panther. This one was pretty boring. Basically about some gods or something but it was so boring I couldn't even really get through more than half. It's not that Coates is a bad writer, I LOVE his Captain America, but his storylines for Black Panther have not been interesting. I am excited to try the one in space cause looks fun. This is meh. 2 out of 5.

[Malum · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unlike the previous three volumes of this run, This one actually resembled a Marvel comic. We had fights, monsters, and things being shown (rather than told in endless exposition).

I am still not in love with Coates' run (or the artwork), but at least it's getting better.

[charlotte, · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rep: African setting and characters

[The Black Geek · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am thoroughly enjoying Ta-Nehisi Coates' development of the Black Panther character and the mythical world of Wakanda. I have enjoyed being on this journey with T'challa and bearing witness to his internal dialogue and constant negotiation between power, leadership and ancestral connection.

It amazes me how Coates adeptly integrates a Pan-Africanist view within the storyline that includes so much of the rich cultural history, political struggles (past and present) and religious symbolism of Africans throughout the diaspora. Also, I have truly appreciated the art throughout this series, in particular, the map of the land of Wakanda has been extremely useful. At times, it feels as if Wakanda is a developing "character" in the story. In addition to the map, as a bibliophile, the drawings of the Wakandan libraries have me in my permanent geeky "feels".

At this time, my only critique is that I would like for the language of science and technology in the story to be as developed as the language of spirituality. Since Wakanda is the most technologically advanced nation in the world that it inhabits, I want more information of the specific mechanisms that have made this a possibility.

[Keith · Rating 3 out of 5]

In some ways more ambitious than the first arc, but most ways not -- Avengers of the New World is ultimately a villain team-up book, and in that sense the story does a dance through a bunch of D-list characters time forgot, has them all punch each other, and is generally kind of hokey. But because Coates' Black Panther always seems to maintain about five different storylines at once, there's another thread that is more interesting, in which Wakanda's gods are disappearing and being replaced by new ones.

The fact that the story's central conceit is that pantheism is real is, to me, sort of an interesting baseline to establish. It isn't like this is Wonder Woman or something -- I mean, Black Panther has, like, ghost-kings and stuff, sure, but in general it's very Weird Science kind of book, and "the gods have forsaken us!" isn't exactly the storyline I'd expect from, uh, Weird Science. So there's something sort of revolutionary in this basic idea, and the fact that no one questions it within the story stands out to me as well. I don't quite know what to make of it.

In practice, though, it's mainly about just fighting man-spider monsters from other dimensions, but y'know -- the idea is interesting, as I said.

Oh, and also Storm is in it and does a bunch of Storm stuff. Which is fine.

[Ma'Belle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm SO glad Ta-Nehisi Coates is writing Black Panther, and that he keeps getting better at handling the medium. Granted, the first two volumes were difficult, but vols. 3 and 4 are both fantastic.

My only complaint is of the lack of a comprehensive prologue explaining the many major events that are continuously referenced but would involve digging up years of back issues that probably haven't even been collected into trades. There's the war with Doom, the time Namor destroyed much of the country, and some other thing involving Thanos scouring Wakanda. At some point I guess the Avengers were in hiding in Wakanda? I don't know about ANY of this shit, and my Google searches keep resulting in media preview hype pieces. That over-arcing complaint that's more aimed at Marvel than this particular title aside though, this is a really enjoyable, solid book.

[Nick · Rating 4 out of 5]

It ends on a cliffhanger (ugh) but is otherwise a good read. The Oromo/Storm dynamic with T’Challa is, for my money, the best part of this particular volume. There was less concern for the nature of power and authority in this volume, and more focus on the personal — as well as some major, ancient developments — and it was still an engrossing read.
I’ll certainly keep reading the series at least through the next volume, not simply for resolution of the cliffhanger.

[Sadaf · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was hands down my favorite volume in this series, I'm glad the whole civil war business is over and we can now focus on important things like Storm, yeah I'm a tad biased, storm is legit my favorite character in MCU and I'm team T'challa and Storm forever, not even sorry.

[Josh · Rating 4 out of 5]

With Wakanda's civil war finally over, Book 4 of Coates's "Black Panther" takes the story in new directions as a threat tied to Wakanda's past and rooted in their spiritual beliefs threatens their newfound way of life. This volume works as a satisfying follow-up to what Coates has done before--still recognizing some of the themes he addressed so directly in the previous arc while allowing the characters and story to find fresh life.

As such, the story has a sightly different tone from the politically-driven previous installments. The dialogue writing isn't flawless, but Coates generally tells an effective and complex story. I continue to be pleased with what this creative team develops, and its exciting to see the possibilities for what may be coming from this title.

[Saphirablue · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's been a bit long since I've read the previous part so that I had some issues with remembering what happened. /o\ But, some of it came back while reading and I enjoyed it. :)

I love, love, love that Storm has been in this part. <3

I like the mystery with what happened to the gods and what that means for the people and country.

I really like the art. <3

[Lekeisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love the dialogue between characters; I actually found myself laughing a lot, despite the challenges they faced. Plus, T'Challa and Ororo together had me swooning. African mythology plays a big role in this story, so I can't wait to read the next installment.

[Maggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read in one sitting--still not positive what's happening 24/7, but I don't think it's necessary to the story, as I'm continually riveted and wanting to know how T'Challa will deal with the next threat. (So I guess this means I do kinda know what's going on?)

[Nicole Westen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love reading stories that have African mythology in them. There isn't nearly enough of that in literature today.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this, love the artwork, love the strong women, I just couldn’t follow the whole story.

[Anders · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cool.

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

MAN!!!! Wakanda is under attack by ancient creatures that travel through doorways (or do they?). A new deity has been summoned in the absence of the old gods. Also thought it was pretty cool to see Jacen's work in this collection.

[steph · Rating 1 out of 5]

what a mishmash. nonsensical references of deities, poor art. 0 stars. i am only reading this as preparation for nnedi okorafor's take on the black panther. i am now really scared to watch the movie.

[Emilia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story arc is so amazing, can't get enough of it!!!

[Craig · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think he's definitely figured out this comic-writing thing. This is a lot more interesting and faster-moving than previous arcs. I just wish the art was maybe a bit stronger throughout this...

[Sarospice · Rating 2 out of 5]

After so much political intrigue it's nice to see Tchalla and co. just use Wakanda tech and panther powers to fight something even if this volume is just a build-up for the return of Klaw!

[Helena · Rating 3 out of 5]

The next arc of Black Panther (2016) comics seeks to answer one question: where have all the gods of Wakanda gone? Wakanda has faced many hardships but the gods remain silent and have seemingly abandoned their people. Portals are opening throughout the nation and mythical beings are coming through them to wreak havoc. T’Challa and Shuri turn to friends old and new to solve this mystery.

The premise of this arc is interesting and unique, and the creative team continues to take Black Panther in new exciting directions. However, volume 4 is too slow paced, and it mostly sets-up the events in volume 5. It's not very exciting on its own so I recommend reading volumes 4 and 5 back to back.

Rating: 3.25/5

[Henry Blackwood · Rating 2 out of 5]

Parts of this really interested me but most of the time I was pretty bored reading this. Which sucks because there’s interesting things here that you could do with BP in this setting but idk its just not happening. Parts of this really made me cringe too so I really gotta be harsh on it for that.

I mean it’s fine. But so is a lot of other things.

[k · Rating 5 out of 5]

YASSSSS

[Nicole Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent comic that takes the storyline to a very interesting place with art that is amazing.

http://nicolewbrown.blogspot.com/2018...

[Christopher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Black Panther, Vol. 4: Avengers of the New World, Part One continues straight on from the previous book with T'Challa having to deal with the fallout from the Civil War in Wakanda! Black Panther, Vol. 4: Avengers of the New World, Part One delves in to the past of Wakanda which has come back to bite the future with the arrival of the Orishas! This makes for a plot line that jumps around the timelines in a brilliant way that really brings home how Wakanda got started and what it is capable of!

Black Panther, Vol. 4: Avengers of the New World, Part One pace never lets up with us getting backstory as well at the same time getting to see how in the future the characters deal with the reemergence of the Orishas! This pans outs the the origins of Wakanda and how their culture has taken things from the Orishas! At the same time the reemergence of the Orishas makes for a gripping political and military situation! This really put Wakanda through its paces! It brings to the fore the battle about who has the right to the land that they are on! This works brilliantly with the Wakandan civilisation being clearly established but the Orisha seeing themselves having a claim which produces conflict between the peoples! At the same though this allows T'Challa and Shuri etc to explore the possibility of different approaches to the conflict as well! Shuri's knowledge of the past keeps her front and centre in the events and put her on an equal footing to T'Challa showing what a team that they make! Black Panther, Vol. 4: Avengers of the New World, Part One flows brilliantly with the characters all thriving in their roles! This shows them in the leadership roles they are in! The marshalling of the Wakandan forces and the tactics taken against the Orishas are brilliantly handled! Wakanda and the T'Challa, Sura etc really show why they are the rulers! This works brilliantly with them representing a state as well as being heroes! This adds a great tone of daring do to the books other tones of adventure, action etc and works brilliantly!

At the same time the art neatly ties into the script! Characters and their actions are all clearly seen which marries up perfectly with the script! The are reflects the Epic frenetic pace of the script that never lets up from the beginning! The framing of the panels dovetails perfectly with the script that is relentless never letting up for a second! Black Panther, Vol. 4: Avengers of the New World, Part One is relentless in it different locations, which are epic, and gives us a great look at Wakanda and the different parts that it has! It also add tones of exploration and world building from the start! This makes the setting of the book epic in every way and provides a great backdrop for the politics and battles that take place throughout! The characters are all three-dimensional and developed from the start! T'Challa, Suri etc don't get a chance to stop and this adds to the tones of the book! Black Panther, Vol. 4: Avengers of the New World, Part One really paces Wakanda and its place in the world and it origins and and where it is going with the future of the world! This adds to the scale of the conflicts as well as placing Wakunda as one of the most advanced nations that the Orishas have had to confront! This makes for epic adventure and action from the start! Black Panther, Vol. 4: Avengers of the New World, Part One is relentless and full of action across an epic territory! Black Panther, Vol. 4: Avengers of the New World, Part One at the same time builds up the tension and mystery from the start the will keep you guessing and up late to see what happens!

Black Panther, Vol. 4: Avengers of the New World, Part One is full of Wakandan cunning and action from the start! Black Panther, Vol. 4: Avengers of the New World, Part One is relentless and full of mystery, backstory, Political Conflict, Conflict character development, world building, exploration, heroics, adventure and action! Brilliant from the start! Crisp High Five! Get it if you can! :D

[Morgan Dhu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Black Panther Book 4: Avengers of the New World, Part One is the beginning of a new narrative arc in the Black Panther comic written by Ta-Nehisi Coates. The rebellion is ended in Wakanda. A new constitution, a new, more representational form of government is being forged. But T’Challa and his people face a new crisis - the disappearance of the Orishas, the gods of Wakanda, who have until the recent rebellion been an active force in Wakandan life. But now prayers and entreaties go unheard, and not even the Black Panther can commune with his patron orisha, Bast, as he has in the past.

But there are other threats. Strange, violent reptilian beings have begun appearing, entering Wakanda through portals that Wakandan science cannot control, and Wakanda’s shamans cannot close without facing their own deaths. All that is known is that these Simbi are ancient enemies from Wakanda’s far-distant past. And the Simbi are not alone. Other creatures appear, giant ape-like creatures called Vanyan, the spider-men known as the Anansi, and other dooms from the past.

Guided by the spirits of former Black Panthers, T’Challa seeks out a potential ally, the ancient sorcerer Zawavari, who appears to know something about what is going on. He manages to close a gate, killing a troop of invading Vanyan, but falls into a coma - first uttering the chilling words that the gods are dead, and predicting that the Originators will return. With Zawavari unable - temporarily, they hope - to help, Shuri persuades T’Challa to seek the help of his former wife Oromo, the warrior goddess known as Storm.

As the crisis worsens, news is brought to T’Challa of a new religious cult - in the name of the “twice-risen” god Sefako - sweeping the land, filling in the gap left by the disappearance of the orishas.

And there are other enemies circling Wakanda as well - Zeke Stane, Doctor Faustus, Fenris, and the rebel Zenzi are planning to take advantage of Wakanada’s unrest. The first dign of their involvement comes when T’Challa learns that Fenris has kidnapped T’Challa’s old friend Asira and given her to Wakanda’s enemies, the Azanians. Aneka and Ayo of the Dora Milaje are sent to rescue her, but are taken prisoner by Doctor Faustus and Klaw.

It’s an action-filled, tense beginning to the next Black Panther adventure. I find the missing orisha plotline more engaging at the moment, but that’s probably because I lack context for all these villains and their history with the Black Panther. I’m certainly enjoying the fact that in Black Panther, we have a hero surrounded by women without whom he would be quite lost. And I find the idea of Wakanda, an uncolonised African nation, ever resisting, very powerful.