Review: Shuri Vol. 1 The Search for the Black Panther
Anyone who has seen the movie Black Panther can’t deny just how important and excellent the movie was. It was a watershed moment. It became the first time since Blade, that comic book fans got a serious film adaptation of a black superhero. It was also the first time in Marvel Studios history, where it had a primarily black cast. The centerpiece of the story involved a black protagonist and black antagonist. Another important part of the movie is that it didn’t involve until after the end credits any of the other major characters from the MCU to tell its story.
The fact that the movie’s plot was so self-contained is part of what made the movie so good and so unique. One of the best parts of the movie, was the introduction of Shuri, T’Challa’s sister, Princess of Wakanda and possibly the smartest character in the Marvel Universe. As comic book fans know that the character has donned the Black Panther in Deadliest Of The Species, but has not been seen since that epic series. Thanks to the movie, comic book, and movie fans, get to witness her return in Shuri; The Search for Black Panther as she faces the crisis of holding Wakanda together without the Black Panther.
We catch-up with Shuri, as we find out how she beat back Thanos Black Order, as she gained knowledge from her ancestors during her trip to the Djala, a journey which has made her stronger and wiser. As T’Challa leaves for Wakanda’s first space mission, the sovereign duties fall to the Wakandan princess, a role she is not completely sure she can do. Unfortunately, T’Challa, goes missing and a clandestine council takes it upon themselves to ask Shuri to step up and become the Black Panther. A role she is reluctant to take up, as Storm comes to help her, she tries some alternative methods to find him, which leads her to astral project her conscience into Groot. T’Challa’s absence has also caught the attention of “Africa Forever” a collective that represents the communication between Wakanda and the rest of Africa, as an expanding black hole opens up in Timbuktu, which brings Tony Stark to Africa. By book’s end, Shuri has averted trouble, stopped a local villain and finally is ready to become the Black Panther.
Overall, an engaging reintroduction to the character, as this version offers readers a more comprehensive look at one of the Marvel Universe’s most interesting characters. The story by Nnedi Okorafor is enigmatic, complex, and compelling. The art by Leonardo Romero and Jordie Bellaire is alluring and vivid. Altogether, an exciting book which will gain this character, more fans.
Story: Nnedi Okorafor Art: Leonardo Romero and Jordie Bellaire
Story: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy
The Black Panther has disappeared, lost on a mission in space. And in his absence, everyone’s looking at the next in line for the throne. But Shuri is happiest in a lab, surrounded by gadgets of her own creation. She’d rather be testing gauntlets than throwing them. But a nation without a leader is a vulnerable one – and Shuri may have to choose between Wakanda’s welfare and her own.
