Avengers #20 is one of those rare moments in modern comics, a one-shot story that readers can pick up without hesitation. Considering the work that Jed McKay has put into this comic and all the other series he’s written, it’s a testament to his talent that he can pull off an art that is more or less disappearing. For him to do that with Black Panther would be awesome.
Avengers #20 finds Panther in a living prison known as Meridian Diadem to see what happened to the prisoners. It turns out that after the Avengers defeated the Ashen Combine, the inhabitants of Diadem split into two factions. They are the “Loyalists” who try to protect Meridian’s distorted law and order, and the “Free Gangs” who seek a new law and order. life.
What follows is an apocalyptic story in which Panther tries to give the free gangs the inspiration they need, primarily by helping them defeat the Loyalists. This is where McKay shines. He is able to get inside T’Challa’s head and show readers how Black Panther works. “The goal here is not to win the fight,” he mutters during the fight. “It’s about winning hearts.” This is the kind of statement that comes from a man who is used to being ten steps ahead of everyone else, and who once ruled a kingdom. That’s the kind of thinking Meridian needs.
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McKay is rejoined by Farid Karami, who is quickly becoming one of my favorite Black Panther artists. The way Karami depicts the panther is, dare I say it, majestic. Whether he’s soaring across the meridian wastes, triumphing over fallen foes, or sitting around a campfire, he has the grace of a king. The Panther’s jet-black armor stands out even in the dusty wastes of Meridian, thanks to Federico Brie’s color art.
Ultimately, what makes Avengers #20 such an interesting read is that it continues the thread that McKay and Karami picked up in the previous issue. How do superheroes know when to step in and when to step back so people can fight for themselves? It also provides new issues that we hope will be touched on in the future. It also continues to parallel the work Grant Morrison did on the JLA, which I’d say is “good”. There are far worse books you can look to for inspiration.
Avengers #20 puts Black Panther in the spotlight while underscoring how important one-off stories are to the comics medium. Next issue will see the return of Valerio City (and a battle between the Avengers and the X-Men), but we hope this isn’t the last time McKay and Karami work together.
‘Avengers’ #20 focuses on Black Panther as a standalone story
avengers #20
Avengers #20 puts Black Panther in the spotlight while underscoring how important one-off stories are to the comics medium.
It’s a story where Black Panther takes center stage and reminds everyone why he’s such a formidable foe.
McKay continues to draw plot threads from his own escapades, touching on the influence of superheroes.
Karami portrays the panther as dignified as possible, which is a plus.
