The second chapter of Ultimate Black Panther wastes no time as the war between Wakanda and Khonshu escalates, taking over nearly all of Africa. But Ultimate Black Panther #8 goes a step further to further address questions raised in previous issues, chief among them the nature of vibranium: if Khonshu possesses a metal that can reshape the world, could the same be true of Black Panther himself? And who exactly is the Sorcerer Supreme?
The answers are sure to be revealed slowly, as Brian Hill keeps things intriguing throughout the script. Part of the appeal of the new Ultimate Universe is seeing how certain characters might have turned out differently after their creator nearly wiped out all of Earth-1610’s superheroes. That means Stephen Strange might not be the Supreme Sorcerer, or magic might work differently in this world.
If you were hoping to see the Wizard of Marvel, you’ll probably have to wait until a future issue. But the idea of vibranium being a living thing is a very interesting element Hill introduced, which could give T’Challa the edge he needs in his battle with Khonshu. One element I’d like to see explored is the disagreement between T’Challa and Shuri on how to fight Khonshu, which was hinted at in Ultimate Black Panther #3 but never really explored. Fighting for a kingdom is one thing, but fighting for your sister? A story full of potential.
Marvel Comics
No matter where the story goes, Ultimate Black Panther #8 remains a beautiful-looking book, thanks to Stefano Caselli. Caselli opens the issue with a massive battle scene pitting Dora Milaje against Khonshu soldiers. Spears and swords clash, often piercing flesh, while a village burns in the background. All of this is rendered in David Curiel’s rich colors: the silvery blues of Khonshu’s soldiers, the red and black uniforms of Dora, and the golden-orange embers of the burning battlefield all blend together.
Black Panther is at the center of it all, especially in a hallucinatory dream sequence that occurs after he is stabbed by one of Khonshu’s troops. To say any more about this scene would spoil the surprise, so suffice it to say that Caselli enjoys playing with mythology and metaphor, considering the Black Panther’s roots in African mythology. This is what makes Ultimate Black Panther #8 a good read; it’s a comic that dangles questions in front of the reader and lets them know that getting the answers will require some effort on their part.
Ultimate Black Panther 8 begins to unravel the mystery
Ultimate Black Panther #8
Ultimate Black Panther #8 is a comic that dangles questions in front of the reader and lets them know that they will need to work hard to get the answers.
Stefano Caselli starts off this comic with a fantastic fight scene.
A collection of colours that complement each other without ever clashing.
Brian Hill begins to unravel some of the book’s central mysteries, and even reveals one more thing about the Supreme Magician’s true identity.
There are potential story elements that need to be developed further, especially as they could shake up the entire book.
