The Ultimate Black Panther #17 is amazing for all the right reasons. This provides a radically covered plot twist, but recontextualizes the series. It actually drives the story forward. And it shifts the focus from T’Challa to Erik Killmonger. But how will Killmonger deal with protecting a kingdom that is not him, especially when his enemies are in the middle of him?
The way Brian Hill gets closer to Killmonger’s traits is truly persuasive. Not only does Killmonger maintain the desire to share Wakanda’s resources, but his insights have actually been taken into consideration and sometimes implemented. Hill also writes a huge dynamic between Okoe and Killmonger. The former expresses frustration with Wakanda tradition, while the latter is in charge of surprising things. The best character dynamics often come from the most unexpected pairings, and Hill keeps this in mind.
In the end, things lead to a big plot. Part of me feels like I should have seen it come, but another part of me is intriguing to see where things go. The Hills have been the subject of invasion from the Knights of Revenge, owned by the spirit of revenge, and now challenged within the sphere of that rank, so they have greatly lifted the Earth 6160 version of Wakanda. This political plot required more side quests that had fallen into past problems.
Amazing
Ultimate Black Panther #17 shows Stefano Caselli is back in the interior. The level of detail that Caseri stuffs into his art is incredible, whether Killmonger is trying out a black Panther helmet or Dora Miraje jumps into the fight. This is especially pronounced in groups of cyborg soldiers appearing at the midpoint. Their robotic parts are grafted into their bodies, less than humans. One of them only has a few strips of flesh covering his face. The rest is metal, creating a terrifying sight.
The comic also sings thanks to David Curiel’s color art. Curiel creates a great piece of shadows, especially on the opening page, as Killmonger stares at a row of Black Panther suits. In a way, it’s as if the shadow of the Black Panther was enveloping him. This leads to the final set of pages where the sun breaks over Wakanda, signaling the dawn of a new era. Color is an important part of the storytelling of the comics, and Curiel confirmed that he is an important part of the ultimate Black Panther.
Ultimate Black Panther #17 shakes up the current state of the series. Now, more than ever, I want to see how it is put together and what happens to Wakanda when the dust settles from all of these different conflicts.
“Ultimate Black Panther” #17 finally gets steam
The Ultimate Black Panther #17
Ultimate Black Panther #17 shakes up the current state of the series. Now, more than ever, I want to see how it is put together and what happens to Wakanda when the dust settles from all of these different conflicts.
The current situation will take another major blow, but it will bring about exciting storytelling.
Hill sets out the Killmonger spotlight and does some fantastic character research.
Kasselli returns to the book, conveying epic action and introspection.
A great use of colours that signifies Wakanda confusion.
