Since the launch of Ultimate Black Panther, it has been teasing its collection of storylines. There is a conspiracy in the Kingdom of Wakanda, especially Boducan. There is an evil spirit that lives in Wakanda’s vibranium, and now Africa is free and terrified. Finally, the appearance of Storm and Eric Killmonger shook the life of the Black Panther, especially as there is friction between Storm and the King of Wakanda. In Ultimate Black Panther #18, all of these separate threads start to come together.
Brian Hill has to give him credits on how he began to connect those dots. Ultimate Black Panther was a start and stop from a storytelling perspective, but there is actually a lot of forward momentum in this issue. The Vodu-Khan manipulation has been revealed to be part of a prophecy they have followed over the years. The setup may have been bumpy, but the reward is well worth it.
Speaking of payoffs, Hill finally brings to his head the strain of boiling between the Black Panther and the Storm. It really makes the classic Marvel romance fresh, and Hill makes them very different. T’Challa grew up to be king in a land that knows nothing but prosperity, but Ororo endures implicit difficulties and wants to make sure no one is suffering like her. Their return and back of dialogue is just as fascinating as the battle scenes. This is not an easy feat, but Hill pulls it apart.
Amazing
Speaking of battle scenes, Stefano Casselli depicts the hell of the battle scene in the middle of the book as the Black Panther sneaks into the Nigerian Prime Minister’s office. Protecting this office is a group of armed soldiers trained to kill intruders… but they have proven to be no match for the Black Panther. In one page space, Casselli shows how the Panther moves with the grace of the gymnast and the ferociousness of the Panther who gives him the same name. The bones broke, his face slammed against the concrete, and his rifle torn from his hand. Topped with the moment when Panther finally enters the prime minister’s office as Casselli gets the full page to show all his glory.
David Curiel also takes on the challenge, using a wide range of colors across a variety of scenes. The kiss between the Black Panther and the Storm is properly backlit in response to white lightning and flashes of dark rain, but the Panther God’s bastard is shown in a hazy, dreamy environment. However, the spirit of vibranium is outstanding. Their pale metal skin immediately catches the eye and hints at unnatural properties. It matches the demonic face that Casselli gave them, and is further tied to the world of magic and spirituality built by the ultimate Black Panther.
Ultimate Black Panther #18 finally began putting all the plot threads together, resulting in a series of revelations that sway the book to its core. Now, Hill and Kasseri need to maintain this momentum as the book is heading towards the next story arc.
“Ultimate Black Panther” #18 gives revelation after revelation
The Ultimate Black Panther #18
Ultimate Black Panther #18 finally began putting all the plot threads together, resulting in a series of revelations that sway the book to its core.
Hill eventually brings together all the individual plot threads, bringing a series of great revelation.
The action sequences by Caselli have a lot of vibrancy thanks to the Panther’s unique fighting style.
Curiel’s work in colour brings life to the background, including stormy nights.
A truly unique look about the relationship between Black Panther and Storm.
Stop at the good part.
