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Black Panther . . . a title that has received numerous positive reviews and yet still sits "one phone call away from cancellation" according to at least two articles I've read. Why does this book sit in such an odd place? Close to the heart of reviewers and a world away from most readers' spending habits. Let's take a look at this book, which is only the second book I have EVER anticipated between issues. Don't worry about the first one, I'll talk about that in a future rant.
Let's start at the beginning, or the "why" for lack of a better word. Once there were these guys named Joe and Jimmy who wanted people to become interested in comics again. Not just any comics, but Marvel comics without the letter "X" or word "Spider" in the title (that's my reality anyway). They sought out the necessary talents they thought were needed for the job and the first breed of "Marvel Knights" was born. In this first breed of knights was the Black Panther, a character who really wasn't too well known or "important" to the flow of the Marvel Universe and thus easily able to be brought into a new era at high speed. What does that mean? Think about what changing the concept of the character Blade did for the movie, and you're on the right track. Now we've got the "why", let's get to the "how."
We're talking comics here folks, and comics need art, which gives us the first part of the "how." The Black Panther has had a great run of regular artists in my opinion. Mark Texeira provided the art for the first four issues, followed by Joe Jusko in issues six thru eight. Starting in issue #13 we have the regular team of Sal Velluto at pencils with Bob Almond at inks, and they are continuing that work until at least what looks like issue #45 (#42 is currently scheduled for early March). I will admit that originally Sal Velluto's style was a bit rough to me, but since his first issue his art has taken great strides in my eyes and I have a hard time picturing Black Panther without him.
Now for the other, and to me the largest, part of the "how." Black Panther is written by Christopher Priest, and has been since issue #1. I wasn't too familiar with Priest originally except for his GREAT writing on Quantum & Woody (which really needs to have the last issues printed someday). Since that time, I've discovered that he's been around in the world of comics for about 25 years and has been both a writer and an editor. Besides Black Panther, Priest has also done a run on Deadpool recently, which allowed for a hilarious two issue crossover between the titles. While I could rave about Priest's writing ability, I think I would do the most justice to his writing by describing the Black Panther and his world as I've come to see it.
"He comes here all the time. Hangs out at the Avenger's Mansion--orders up some ribs--"
- Everett K. Ross - Black Panther #1
This quote pretty much sums up what I imagine most folks know about Black Panther . . . nothing. Ross' remark is SO off target it's tough to believe. First, it's a stereotype that as far as I know has been attached to African-Americans. The Black Panther, whose real name is T'Challa, is not from America, he's from Wakanda. You would figure that as someone who works with foreign diplomats Ross would have more of a clue, or at least tact. Luckily, Ross has had time and room to grow.
Don't get me wrong about Ross' comment. It's there for two reasons, they're called awareness and humor. The comment shows Ross' low level of awareness and slaps you in the face by asking, "what's your level?" while still being funny. I'll be honest in saying that I laughed out loud, and hard, when I first read that statement. Why? Because I can't believe that anyone would say such a thing, much less write it.
That's where Priest's writing style really hits though. He's not afraid to touch issues like race or stereotypes at times, and better yet, he makes it funny. How does he get away with it? It may be because he's black, he's said as much himself. If that is the case . . . great, more power to him. He hasn't once exploited this "power." Or, maybe he's just writing a great book . . . what a scary concept. Either way he's created a great character, a character people aren't reading about.
" . . . He's not a "hero" at all--"super" or otherwise!"
-Everett K. Ross - Black Panther #30
OK, now get rid of the idea that just because someone puts on a cape, spandex, or uses high-tech devices they're a superhero. If you can do it, good . . . if not, you're missing the point. T'Challa is a king first, foremost, and at all times. What he wears isn't to scare criminals, or hide his identity. What he wears is the clothing he is supposed to wear as chieftain of the Panther Clan, which also happens to be the ruling body of Wakanda. By wearing the mantle of the Black Panther he is doing his duty to his nation and its people.
Don't think the mantle of the Black Panther is just given over due to line of succession either. When T'Challa's father died it was just the beginning of the path he would have to take in becoming the Black Panther. T'Challa had to become a great thinker and a skilled fighter to be who he is. He is as deadly without weapons as he is with. Plus, as the Black Panther he gets to eat a special heart shaped herb that gives him heightened senses. All together now . . . "It's good to be the king."
So he's the king . . . great right? Wrong. While T'Challa is above race and stereotypes, those in his nation are not. They aren't big on anybody that isn't them, and I'm not talking skin color . . . I'm talking being from Wakanda. So why not just leave them alone? Because we (being the world) need something they have. Wakanda has this nifty little element you may have heard of called vibranium that is very important to the earth of the Marvel Universe. People around the world want vibranium, Wakandan's don't like the rest of the world, and the Black Panther is stuck in the middle. So why doesn't the rest of the world just go in and get the vibranium or why doesn't the Black Panther have a mental meltdown keeping everything together?
"You have contingency plans in case GALACTUS shows up--?"
- Everett K. Ross - Black Panther #14
If you don't know who Galactus is find out, then come back and finish reading. Now that we all know who Galactus is we can agree when I say "WHAT?" Yes, it's true that Wakanda does have such a plan. This is why nobody can just go in and do what they want with regards to Wakanda. They have that plan and have the technology to most likely back it up. In case you didn't know Wakanda produces the Avenger's Quinjets, and that is just a small taste of what kind of technology and power they have shown in the pages of Black Panther.
Now on to the king himself. How can he rule a nation, fight assorted types of villains (including Mephisto), and use all of those cool gadgets? One word . . . no, not bran . . . intelligence. T'Challa is always playing chess, in every aspect of his life and he's almost always at LEAST three moves ahead of the other person. It doesn't matter if it's a villain, another nation, the leader of a revolt, or Nightmare. His mind never stops working, and his mind is probably one of the best working ones in the world.
You may be looking at the Black Panther at his point and see the fighting skills, the brains, the technology and just ask "When is he going to take over?" and let me tell you that you aren't the only one asking that question. To date in the current series the Black Panther has admitted to joining the Avengers to spy on them, screwed up the world's economy for a short period and almost started a world war. Plus, he isn't really a hero, he's just doing what's expected of him by his status. However, T'Challa doesn't let his status dictate what he is.
"--if you look beyond the mask--you will find a man of great compassion and great nobility. Heroism, to be sure, but much more than that--he's us. The man I could be. The man I should be."
- Everett K. Ross - Black Panther #30
This is part of what makes Black Panther such a great read. The character of T'Challa is us at our best. He is logic, emotion, and spirituality working in synch. He defends his nation while trying not to disrespect others. He keeps his nation involved in a world they dislike because he knows an open mind is more powerful than a closed mind. He fights his personal battles and does his best not to let it take priority over his duties as a king. He is trusting, yet mindful. He fights the good fight shoulder to shoulder with his friends and brothers, making sure to hold their hand the whole time and not let go (I think most of us forget that last part). T'Challa also does one more thing . . . he gets scared, and admits it. It isn't easy but he has done it, and in doing so kept himself rooted in his humanity.
Let's not forget Ross though. He's also us, but at our most clueless. He is learning how to look beyond the obvious. He's learning not to create barriers or see colors. He's learning to look at character while developing his own. He's us learning the answers to the questions we're afraid to ask.
Black Panther also has a great and evolving supporting cast of characters, each of which is entertaining when in the hands of Christopher Priest. You don't believe me? Then let me offer up this tidbit on the man's writing skill. He got me to root FOR Gyrich. Yes, as in Henry Peter Gyrich. If you know who he is you understand how getting someone to root FOR him, even for an instant, is so impressive. Plus, "guest stars" to the book don't seem to be there as an attempt to bolster sales. They're actually an integral part of the story and cause no disruption to the overall flow. They arrive with purpose and leave when it's gone.
I hope that I haven't created a picture that Black Panther is just about reflection and learning, those are just very powerful things in my opinion. Black Panther also has one more powerful thing in its pages, humor. Humor is a major driving force of this book. Battles, politics, heroes, and stereotypes now and then wrapped in a delicious humor shell. Not so often that you get sick, but just enough to make you anticipate the next helping. Another great factor is that Priest seems to thrive at times off of making fun of himself and his stints in other books. Those instances are funny in their own right, but even better for those that catch the inside jokes.
With all of this said I hope you are willing now to check out Black Panther and find out what you've been missing. Issue #41 is/was the start of a new story arc and would probably be a good jump on point. Just in case you were wondering, right now I choose issue #30 as the pinnacle of Black Panther issues. It's more reflection and learning than humor but it's a very powerful issue to me. It stands alone very well and I highly recommend you read it at some point if you can get your hands on it . . . even if you don't plan on getting into the series.
Finally I am compelled to say one last thing regarding Black Panther. Others may share these views, but these are my words and if you don't like them then you need to contact me. I think some people need to get a certain preconceived idea about Black Panther out of their heads. It's not a "black" thing. It never has been. If you thought it was, stop it. If you want it to be one, give it up. It's about a man trying to do "right" on multiple levels, who just happens to be seen as a hero because of it.
My personal thanks to Christopher Priest for writing such an incredible title.
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