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I've been reading comics for over twenty years now, and in that time there have been a number of titles that I was very fond of. Darkhawk, Quasar, DP7 and PsiForce of the "New Universe" and many other titles that tended to meet their demise early on (I'm a magnet for this stuff, just ask my friends). However, there are only two titles to date that I sincerely miss and they are the first run of New Warriors and Christopher Priest's run on Black Panther.
I was not happy with the second run of New Warriors at all. It seemed poorly planned, and never felt "right." The end of Priest's Black Panther was bittersweet because a title I sincerely enjoyed was coming to an end, but I really couldn't see anyone else handling the character the way Priest did So, while I had seen two titles I cared for disappear, I was fairly "protective" of what each title established during its respective time.
Recently Marvel made the decision to bring back the Warriors (third time is a charm . . . or three strikes and you're out . . . funny how that works, huh?) and the Black Panther once again. The major difference between these new titles is that the Warriors' title would take place after the last failed run, while the Panther's return would be a re-imagining/retcon of the character and his history. Needless to say, I was less than thrilled hearing this. I still hadn't gotten all of the taste of the last Warriors run out of my mouth. Plus, finding out that the Panther's new writer's resume includes writing and directing the movie "House Party" (which was funny to some degree) and directing "Boomerang" and "The Ladies Man" . . . doesn't exactly instill confidence.
So, now that I've read the first three issues of the New Warriors limited series and the first story arc of Black Panther (the first six issues) what do I have to say? I'm impressed. I will openly admit that my concerns were unwarranted. Both titles have been MUCH more than I could have expected. As I said last month I have no problem eating crow when I deserve to, and this is a time that I do. So, what's so great about each title?
The current New Warriors title starts out strong for one big reason, it makes no reference to the second run. I'm not sure if they're acting like it never happened, or they just aren't talking about things, but whatever they have decided it's working for me right now. Another great factor is the humor. During its first run New Warriors had some funny moments, but for the most part it was a fairly serious look into young heroes finding their place in the world as heroes and people. As someone who was in his late teens when the series first started I identified with many of the personal things the characters went through. This new run is a much lighter look at the Warriors but it doesn't do anything to hurt the first series, it's almost like looking at the charters at two points in their lives.
Zeb Wells is responsible for the great writing of the current New Warriors title and he does it well. Plus, he's came up with a nice little concept for this run, he had the team become the focus of a reality television series. The Warriors, the cameramen and the suits in the industry are all hilarious and some of the things that have happened must be seen to be believed. Speaking of being seen, I don't know if I've been watching the "Teen Titans" television series too much or what, but Skott Young's pencils bring out the humor and "youth" factor of the team extremely well. I can't say the style is for everyone, but for the way the title is written I think Young's artwork only serves to strengthen the title overall.
As far as the current Black Panther title goes, the best way I can describe it is "solid." It is very reminiscent of Priest's run and in my opinion it even pays homage to it in some ways. Something to keep in mind is that there are some major discrepancies in the history of not only the Black Panther, but other Marvel characters. Usually this would seriously frustrate me, but with the current "House of M" thing going on I'm actually of the mindset that the first six issues are telling us what the Black Panther's history will have become once the Marvel Universe reverts to "normal." I could be wrong, but I'm pretty good at denial sometimes and it's working for me in enjoying this series.
Reginal Hudlin's writing is smart and sharp. Plus, he's just as good at getting political as Priest was. I'll admit I think Priest's writing showed a bit more "complexity" when it came to politics and similar elements, but the series is just getting started and Hudlin has plenty of time to expand on his writing. In the art department I've survived the first six issues. I know a lot of people out there don't get it, but I just don't like John Romita Jr.'s. style. Something about it bothers me. However, when the story is strong I've always been able to stride through Romita Jr.'s style. I'm not sure if he will be returning to the title later, but in the least he's take a few issues off. I'm sorry to say that I just am not up on current news right now, so I'll find out as I order my issues.
What are my recommendations to those of you who haven't picked up either title? Trades. I think that if you were a fan of the first New Warriors run you'll be pleasantly surprised with the current run, and I'm guessing it will be collected. My recommendation for a trade on Black Panther is for those who liked the last series and those who never read it, but for different reasons. I realize that may of Christopher Priest's fans hold his Panther run in high regards (as do I), but I don't think all of us are willing to see his work "wiped out" through a retcon. Me, I can appreciate what this current run is while remember Priest's work. You folks who never read Priest's run I recommend an investigation by trade because politics isn't everyone's "cup o' tea," but it wasn't mine when I started Priest's run either. It was just smart writing at the start, and that was enough.
Right now I'm going to continue enjoying each of these titles for as long as they go. I'm hoping the Warriors might end up with a new ongoing series, but I won't hold my breath. I must say though that I'm glad I didn't treat either of the title's best (for me) runs as some kind of hallowed ground that should be avoided and left as it was. I think these new takes work and the writers and artists (yes, even Romita Jr.) should be commended for their efforts in breathing new life into these characters and concepts while respecting what came before.
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