After Moon Knight’s forces attack the stronghold of Wakanda, T’Challa can no longer resist Shuri and the Dora Milaje’s calls to action. Grieving and enraged, Black Panther demands to know who has been leaking information about Wakanda to their enemy…and the source shocks him to his core. And a prophecy about T’Challa threatens to upend the war and all of Wakandan life! Ultimate Black Panther #2 continues to build this different concept of Wakanda as T’Challa struggles with his role as leader.
The new Ultimate Universe has been interesting so far. In some cases, it has veered far from its source material. In others, it gives us an almost “what if” feel. Then there’s Ultimate Black Panther which takes the bones of Black Panther and places it in a new world structure.
Written by Bryan Edward Hill, Ultimate Black Panther #2 picks up on the debut issue which introduced us to the key players and gave us a Wakanda under siege. In a world carved up by various interests put in place by The Maker, Wakanda stands out resisting outside forces which have successfully destabilized it.
Hill excellently focuses on a nation under siege and a leader thrust into an uncomfortable position and forced into action which further exacerbates things. T’Challa doesn’t want to go to war but is being forced to both from within and the outside. It doesn’t help he doesn’t know who he can trust as there are traitors within his nation and that has lead to innocent individuals to be accused and rounded up. Hill, too shortly, shows us a people scared and confused due to a leader who underneath his veneer is also scared and confused.
But, Hill focuses on T’Challa who is torn about meeting this challenge on his own or relying on those he does trust around him. This is where Ultimate Black Panther feels like it’s the most different from its 616 counterpart. There, Black Panther feels like a hero first and ruler second while Ultimate Black Panther #2 shows a leader torn between his two roles and attempting to be a ruler first and superhero second.
The art by Stefani Caselli is solid. With lettering by Cory Petit, the world of Wakanda and its characters feels like the technologically advanced nation it is while surrounded by those not as much. It continues to also not feel too far out there in the tech department that it distracts. Where Caselli really stands out is the brief moments where the people of Wakanda are shown somewhat broken. You get a true sense of sadness emanating from the page.
Ultimate Black Panther #2 is a strong comic and the series is building towards something interesting. It highlights the aspect of the Ultimate Universe under control of a small group and a people under siege. T’Challa’s struggles as a leader are a highlight and the intrigue of who might betray him delivers a solid mystery. Overall, while it might seem similar to its Marvel Universe 616 counterpart, it’s delivering familiarity in a new and interesting package that’s well worth checking out.
Story: Bryan Edward Hill Art: Stefani Caselli
Color: David Curiel Letterer: Cory Petit
Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25 Recommendation: Buy
Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
Purchase: Kindle
