Novelist Nnedi Okorafor and artist Andre Araujo tackle the latest comiXology Original digital series in a comic that’s a fun read and set up. The digital series so far have all been fun, though none stand out, and this debut continues that with a story that creates a nice mystery while emphasizing what makes Black Panther and Wakanda stand out.
A monster has caused an earthquake that seems to have sucked the energy out of the Vibranium used for the power grid leaving the nation in a blackout. But, does the monster exist? T’Challa seems to have been the only one who witnessed the creature and he, and we the readers, are left to question its existence. That aspect is really fun and creates a mystery that I have no idea where it’s going.
Okorafor has a solid handle on the world of Black Panther with an emphasis on the technology and T’Challa as its ruler. There’s also a good focus on the action with earthquakes destroying some of the city and it presented in a way where it feels like the vibrations are flowing off of the screen. The comic is also a perfect entry point for new fans interested in dipping into the world of Black Panther. Okorafor also teases diving into a part of Wakanda not really explored and in a way expanding the world of Black Panther too.
The art by Araujo is solid and looks good on a screen. It’s more of a cartoonish style (not a bad thing) but what particularly stands out is the earthquake sequences which are rendered in a way where it almost feels like the vibrations are coming through the screen. It’s simple but makes the extended sequence work in a lot of ways.
The first issue is good though not great but it impressively serves to be easily accessible for new readers while expanding the world for long time fans. It’s also solid enough I want to see what’s next. The focus on the technology of Wakanda has me very interested in seeing where it’s going and what we’ll see, there’s a lot of potential there and that aspect has me excited to see what’s next.
You can purchase this digital comic now through comiXology or read it for free as part of comiXology Unlimted.
Story: Nnedi Okorafor Art: Andre Araujo
Story: 7.0 Art: 7.0 Overall: 7.0 Recommendation: Read
Marvel and comiXology provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
