Wolverine: Killable TPB

I must admit to being a bit disappointed in this storyline. I generally like Paul Cornell’s stories. I adore Alan Davis’ artwork. But this Killable arc never really rises much higher than “OK.” I’m not sure if that is because of the dialogue, the boring villains, or the fact that the story seems better in idea than execution.

Wolverine without his healing factor is "Killable," and everyoen knows it. Friends and enemies are lining up to get a moment with Wolverine while he's down and out. Unfortunately, the villains behind Wolvie's weakened state never seem worthy of the "important" story arc we're getting. The side moments with existing Marvel characters are more compelling than the core plot. 

As the story rolls on, Wolverine teams up with Storm, Shadowcat, and Black Panther. That’s a pretty stellar group of guest-stars. Even better, Cornell does a wonderful job with Black Panther in particular. T’Challa is smart, reasonable, and totally a hero throughout a pretty rough situation in Wakanda.

SHIELD plays a pretty big part too, mainly through the eyes of Maria Hill, but I wasn’t totally invested in those sequences. I really like Director Hill, but I need some new Howling Commandos to root for too. It was great to see Dum Dum Duggan, Jimmy Woo, Jasper Sitwell, and Gabe Jones back in the day. If those guys aren’t options now, we need more named agents. The new Nick Fury is fine too; I like the idea of a super-agent Fury as the lead field op rather than the boss. But still… I need some more people to care about.

The main villains in the arc, well, the story-motivating villain, is the sentient mind-control sickness from the opening arc. They aren’t tremendously interesting to me. The lack of a clear visual for the infected along with the lack of any sort of “leader” makes it hard to get angry at them with focus. I was more annoyed that this faceless villain is going to get the credit for taking Wolverine down.

Sabretooth, Mystique, Silver Samurai, and Batroc(!) fare better. They are nice, visual threats that Wolverine and his friends can throw down with. I’m less clear on the powers of The Host, the illness controlling villainess who eventually takes out the sentient illness. I guess the non-visual, non-simple powers are confusing me once again. Just like mind powers, I just can’t wrap my head around the powers of someone who talks to illnesses.

Alan Davis’ artwork is wonderful, as always. His costumed heroes and villains look awesome (look at that Black Panther above!) The sets are usually nicely set up for action sequences, and I love the way his bystanders and innocents always have varieties of body types and facial features. Davis’ worlds are populated with “real” looking folks, it is a nice change. Plus, no one does big action better.

Unfortunately, the spectacular art can’t make up for the lackluster story. This is only an AVERAGE for me. 

New Avengers #5

Until the final page of this issue, this comic is all talking. The story of cosmic destruction and universal balance could literally star any scientist type characters. Iron Man doesn’t need his armor until the last page.

I mean, I know New Avengers is going to have a more cerebral tone than Avengers, but man! Terrax the Tamer is in this issue, and he spends pages and pages talking! Terrax! Best of all, it isn’t even really Terrax; rather it is an alternate reality version of the character.

Hickman seems to have a great grasp on the core cast. I dig the way he writes Black Panther as an ever-ready bad ass. Tony Stark has that right level of arrogance, and Reed Richards thinks he’s the boss even in a room full of leaders. Dr. Strange’s mystic tomes and interactions with Wong seem dead on also.

But the whole alternate Earth conflict, complete with ominous Galactus in the distance is so abstract. There is no villain in the book so far, so all of this is just sort of happening. As I said in yesterday’s review, I might just be a simpleton, but I don’t come to comics for man vs. nature battles. I want a villain! I’m sure Hickman has one, but we should know more about Black Swan and her motivations than we do right now. I think it is a question of pacing more than anything else, perhaps in a trade these answers will come out right away.

Steve Epting draws such cool looking super-heroes, it makes me sad that they spend so much time talking. It seems obvious to me; Tony Stark in space is not as cool as Iron Man in space. Thankfully, T’Challa is rocking his Black Panther costume all the time, so there is always one cool costume hanging around. Dr. Strange wears his a lot too, actually. I like Epting’s Beast more than the version in the X-books; he’s got a bit more of the class ape-face.

Fair

New Avengers #3

It is going to be hard to talk about this issue of New Avengers without mentioning a pretty big spoiler. I have a definite opinion on the “big” event of the issue, including the callback to Identity Crisis and my problems with heroes acting like this. I’m not sure I agree with Jonathan Hickman that out of all the “leader” types in the Marvel U, only Cap is a straight arrow.

Plenty of other stuff happens leading up to the big moment. Beast is recruited into the Illuminati, taking the place of the deceased Professor X. Beast is a good fit, and he adds some nice color to the panels. His redesign is not that jarring when drawn by Steve Epting.

Black Panther is still a mover and shaker in this title, but this is a lot more of an ensemble book than the first issue. I hoped for more of a focus on T’Challa, but perhaps that is not meant to be. I can hope though; Epting’s Panther is a revelation, and I’d love to see him in more action!

Action is a key point for me in a lot of Hickman’s stories. It seems like Hickman has a fair amount of action, but it never has the same weight as in other comics. I mean, this issue has a reformed Infinity Gauntlet repel the invasion of an alternate Earth. That’s big time! But it feels like it just sort of happens in a detached way, something I’ve found in other Hickman work.

Epting brings a lot of style to the proceedings, but I think the clinical approach of the leads is wasting his talents. Sooner or later, Epting needs to be able to cut loose and draw some people punching.

But that shocking ending kept me thinking about this book for awhile. That deserves a bump in the rating.

Good

New Avengers #2

Hmm. This was a lot slower paced than the first issue. I can certainly understand why; Jonathan Hickman has a lot of information he’s trying to dump in this one.

I always enjoy Hickman’s charts and diagrams when they feel like bonus material, but I’m not sure I love it as much when so many actual story pages are used. (I think three or four pages are largely taken up by these images.) I also worry that the plot is a bit… dense. I mean, there’s a lot of comic book science being thrown around as the Illuminati sit around the table. There’s not a lot of action to go along with it.

That’s a complaint about this whole comic. There is an awful lot of sitting around and talking. Even the confrontations, while well-written, are just talk. Who hasn’t wanted to see Black Panther confront Namor? Well, there’s some sparkling dialogue between the two, but not punches thrown. I’m confident Hickman knows what the audience wants, because it is there in the dialogue. And speaking of dialogue, Hickman does a great job with both the Panther and Namor. The others don’t have quite as much a chance to shine, but I like stand-up guy Cap, too.

The closing pages show off what Steve Epting could do with a little more action; those red-washed battle scenes are stunning. Epting’s Black Panther is fantastic, looking regal and powerful even when he’s just strolling around. I can’t wait to see a full-figure drawing of Iron Man; you know that will look great. I am unsure on the current look for Dr. Strange. It looks like he’s Sorcerer Supreme again, which is good, but that third eye is gross!

I think my only issue with this book is the pacing. I had the same complaint with Secret Warriors, SHIELD, and Fantastic Four from Hickman in the past. I do like his writing; I just think it works better in trade format.

Fair

New Avengers #1

Why didn’t anyone tell me that this is basically Black Panther #1? Now maybe that is just the first issue, but I sure hope not. Jonathan Hickman clearly has a great take on the character and I want to see BP in his own book again. Hickman gives T’Challa a major boost in powers; in this one issue he teleports, generates a Cap-like energy shield, and turns invisible. That’s all in addition to his regular strength, speed, and vibranium claws.

T’Challa is drawing together the Illuminati in order to address a strange, inter-dimensional incursion that starts in Wakanda. It’s hard to say exactly what the invaders’ goal is, but thanks to a well-designed new villain (Black Swan) and some quick deaths, there is already some emotional weight to the story. Hickman doesn’t have much time to make us care about his new Wakandan creations, but he uses his pages wisely.

So far the Illuminati is Captain America, Tony Stark, Namor, Reed Richards, Dr. Strange, and Black Bolt. I thought I read that Beast would be taking Professor X’s place, but maybe that is still to come. (I’d rather see Cyclops or Magneto!)

Steve Epting is a known quality for most comic fans. His art is dynamic, with thick blacks and great use of shadows. He does tend to draw young-looking women, and Black Swan is no exception. But his Avengers look great; I hope to see him drawing Black Panther for a long time.

Good

AvX Versus #5

This many issues in, the whole core concept for this series is starting to fall apart a bit. At the start of AvX, there were a lot of good chances for the individual members of both teams to break off and have some good battles. Now the interaction is a bit more forced.

I think the first part of the story takes place after Spidey’s break-out at Magik’s prison? If so, why did Hawkeye stay behind? He sort of seems like a bully, just sticking around to torment Angel for a bit before running off. Hawkeye’s roguish charm is what makes him so fun, but seeing him comment on how cute Psylocke is and then gut-shoot Angel? Those just make him seem like a jerk. I’m starting to wonder if I like Matt Fraction’s take on the character. Leinil Yu is another in the long list that can’t make Hawk’s new costume look good. It’s still terrible. I’m also behind in my Angel continuity. He’s got his metal wings while in human form now? And is he supposed to be younger or something? I’m confused.

The second half of the book is sad, if rushed. Black Panther and Storm never totally made sense to me as a couple; they were kind of thrown together. But then after Dwayne McDuffie’s great run on Fantastic Four, I found myself coming around to the concept. They did work as a new top couple in the Marvel U. Seems like that’s over now, as the events of AvX have split them apart. It’s too bad, because they are both so proud I can’t imagine either party ever really apologizing. Jason Aaron does a nice job with that idea with both characters’ internal monologues. If these two would speak about their feelings, they might have a chance together. But they are both too proud. I can't imagine this is the last word on the marriage, though. I'd figure this has to get more page time in something in Marvel NOW.  Tom Raney does a solid job with the artwork, but I’m not positive he’s quite the draw the other artists on this series have been.

Fair

Fantastic Four #608

So this is sort of interesting. I’m not sure what the goal of this little two-part story was, but Jonathan Hickman has essentially brought T’Challa back to the Black Panther role without removing his sister Shuri, the current Black Panther.

Now, I’m such a BP fan that I’ve basically avoided reading any and all Shuri as BP stories. I’m a purist; I want T’Challa wearing the uniform. And in fact, many creators at Marvel seem to agree since they show T’Challa still serving in the role Hickman’s approach fixes that. T’Challa will now be the Black Panther of Legend, or something, channeling the experience and fighting abilities of all the Panthers that have gone before him. (Note that if he’s also getting their strength, he is actually going to be super-human now!). Shuri will continue being the Black Panther of the Living, getting her powers from the heart-shaped root per the classic origin. I suppose that’s fine, as long as I can just keep reading about the real BP. I do wonder if this is a long-term plan for Black Panther to serve on Hickman’s Marvel NOW Avengers.

There are a few elements that I’m less certain about in the story. First of all, tying BP’s return to power to the AvX makes sense, considering how devastated Wakanda is in that series. That said, I always liked the Panther off on his own, basically running this one corner of the world perfectly. I’m also fuzzy on the inclusion of Egyptian deities into the history of Wakanda. Have we had clues in the past that the Panther God is really Bast, of Egyptian fame? That just seems a tad odd. Again, I liked the Panther God as its own thing, a totem of power for this Marvel-specific country.

The FF mainly observe in this story, and the resolution has very little to do with any of our protagonists. This whole thing is a set up for Bast to get T’Challa ready to help inspire Wakanda after Namor screws it up during AvX.

Giuseppe Camuncoli’s art is always a treat. His lantern-jawed heroes tend to do better with a lot of action, and this issue is a bit talky, but everything is still clear. Seeing his take on the classic, capes & stripes Black Panther uniform really makes me wish we were seeing a bit more his take.

Fair

AvX #8

So in my opinion, there is no coming back for Namor after this. I know the Phoenix Force is influencing its five hosts pretty severely, but man, there is no way Namor can show his face with the X-Men or Avengers after he attacked Wakanda like this. I mean, he’s blasting tidal waves through the main streets and sending sea monsters to attack the populace. I don’t care if he’s mad at the Avengers for not respecting the X-Men’s new role in world power; this is a bad guy move plain and simple. I’m not sure if that’s Bendis’ take on the situation or the official Marvel direction, but I had been cheering for the X-Men until now.

Captain America says it straight out, with Namor’s attack, all support for the X-Men as good guys is basically gone. The X-Men have acted like tyrants, like the Avengers feared all along. The Marvel U populace and all the readers need to realize the Avengers are the protagonists here.

As for the actual fight, it’s nice and brutal. Red Hulk comes out of it the worst, with Namor handing out more damage than Rulk has ever absorbed. Bendis puts together a great team of heavy hitters to confront Namor. Beast, Vision, Rulk, Spidey, DD, Thor, Falcon, Thing, Dr. Strange, Valkyrie, Scarlet Witch, and Quicksilver show up to aid Black Panther and Cap. That’s one heck of a powerful lineup! Honestly, I could have read another 10 pages of these guys battling each other.

I’m intrigued at how Cyclops is reacting to this attack, since he clearly wasn’t aware of it. It seems Emma Frost is fine, but I’d hope at least Cyclops and Colossus are showing some remorse. It sure doesn’t feel like it when they show up and chase off the Avengers, though. As for the boost in power that the Phoenix Four now feel? I wonder if any of the remaining hosts might try to take out his or her peer to taste a little more power? Talk about a bad guy move…

Adam Kubert is a great artist, but some of this feels a tad rushed. Cap looks skinnier than normal in the panels where he’s running around fighting Atlanteans. My bigger problem is some confusion during the battle. Scarlet Witch and Namor are in a power-blast facedown, and the next panel has Vision flying away with Wanda. Was she hurt? Exhausted? What happened? That said, most of the battle is well-laid out, especially the bruisers’ moments. When Thor, Thing, or Rulk are going toe to toe with Namor, it looks nice.

Good

AvX #6 & 7

So the X-Men are still pretty much the bad guys, right? I mean, Cyclops is doing his best to maintain his boyscout status, but clearly, the rest of the Phoenix Five are not doing so well. I suppose Colossus might still be OK, since he hasn’t done anything, but Namor, Emma Frost, and Magik are all looking a lot like villains.

Emma Frost full-on torches Hawkeye, and while we know he survives, that’s got to be a pretty traumatic experience. I’m also amazed that Scarlet Witch retained her “break people apart/House of M powers.” She touches Namor and he makes like the Thing and crumbles! It’s an interesting twist that she’s the one Avenger the Phoenix Five fear, but c’mon, couldn’t we have seen a bit more of the reunion? This lady has been dead for a long time, and last I saw (in issue 0 of this very series) she was not on good terms with the team!

It’s amazing that with a 12 part series, I can still feel like I’m missing stuff. When did Namor and Emma start cheating on Cyclops? I guess the X-Factor and other X-people reunion happened off-screen somewhere, since Havok and Polaris are now clearly with the X-Men? It’s like I missed the pieces where Cyclops put his plan into action, and we’re already in the middle of it. This really feels like a series written by a bunch of different people. “I thought YOU were writing Cyclops’ master plan!”

There are some great elements in here. Black Panther is back where he belongs at the forefront of the Avengers. Tony Stark’s self-obsession is always entertaining. Captain America seems a lot more ragged than I can remember. As I said above, I really like Cyclops trying to toe the line and prove the X-Men are still a force for good.

(And we’ve got some wonderful set up for the next couple issues of Versus, no doubt about that.)

Olivier Coipel’s pencils are still an acquired taste, but I really like his stuff now. His Black Panther is simply awesome, and I love the cutaway shots of Utopia with Magneto floating serenely, guarding his kingdom. Best of all, Coipel’s Hawkeye actually looks pretty cool before he pulls a Johnny Storm.

It’s funny. I’m so clearly supposed to be cheering for the on-the-run Avengers that I find myself pulling for the X-Men. The Avengers had their chance!

Fair

Fantastic Four #607

I never get to see Black Panther. Basically, I’ll at least try anything he appears in, since he’s relegated to guest-star status once again. I’m glad I decided to give this book a chance, because while Jonathan Hickman’s big ideas can sometimes disappoint, they don’t this time. Instead, his penchant for grand ideas and secret societies is adding a new level of mystery to Wakanda and a visually exciting new threat for the Panther to deal with. Factor in the FF, and this is a recipe for fun. (I always loved the old issues where the FF would visit Wakanda and be re-impressed every single time.)

This time, Reed Richards and the Future Foundation are certain that they have been summoned to help Wakanda overcome its lack of Vibranium. Instead, the Black Panther has kept the economy booming and he needs the FF’s help with a bunch of skeletons and zombies dressed like Egyptian deities. A simple misunderstanding!

(Note that I’m referring to T’Challa as Black Panther. His sister Shuri is technically the Panther right now, but she has no dialogue or role in this story so far. She’ll never be the Black Panther to me, anyway!)

Giuseppe Camuncoli has been a fave of mine since his Captain Atom series. I sure hope he gets to draw T’Challa in uniform some more next month. He does a nice job here, but I want the real costume! I like his square-jawed Reed Richards, and those white FF uniforms look fantastic.

If Hickman keeps this story focused on exploring cool corners of the Marvel U with sweet guest stars, I may be buying this book again!

Good

Black Panther #529

Ugh. Time to say goodbye to one of the best runs I’ve ever read. David Liss has gone from an unknown (to me) to a writer I will seek out from now on. The Black Panther has been a favorite of mine since I started reading, and I never would have guessed he’d work so well in Hell’s Kitchen. But here we are, and boy, has it been a great ride.

T’Challa shows off why he’s Marvel’s Batman, outmaneuvering Kingpin at almost every turn. I loved seeing Falcon, Cage, and Shuri admiring the masterpiece of manipulation that T’Challa employs to take down Kingpin’s entire organization. I love that Typhoid Mary and Lady Bullseye put the Panther on his heels a few issues ago, but when the odds are even, Cage and Falcon have absolutely no problem dropping them both.

I feel that Liss may have rushed the conclusion a tad. The last few pages of the comic include DD taking back the reigns to NYC, the Panther announcing his return to status quo in Wakanda, and protégé Sofija heading to Wakanda to join him. That closing shot is wonderful. I real cheer-able moment.

I appreciate that Jefte Palo came back to draw those last few pages, it gives the book a nice sense of closure. I do wish Francesco Francavilla could have come back, his distinctive art was instrumental in establishing the tone of this book. Shawn Martinbrough does a great job with the Kingpin wrap-up, too. I loved seeing Cage just snatch katanas out of ninja hands. There are a couple pages here I’d love to try and hang on my walls.

Nice job, David Liss. This will hold up as one of the best Black Panther stories of all time. Heck, I think it might be one of my favorite runs of all time, too. It’s only 2012 and I think we have a best-of-decade contender right here.

Excellent

Black Panther #528

What’ s awesome about David Liss’ epic battle between Kingpin and Black Panther is that it is different than the other Kingpin fights we’ve seen over the years. Daredevil rarely actually outsmarts Kingpin, relying on his stubborn pride and ability to take a beating to outlast the big man. Spider-Man has always been able to taunt and annoy Kingpin into making a mistake. But Black Panther just straight-up out-plots the guy. The Kingpin is a criminal mastermind that gets by with his brains first, brawn second. And Black Panther operates exactly the same way!

I find it a bit odd that T’Challa’s sister Shuri shows up and has such an important role in this issue. She hasn’t had a whiff of impact on the series so far, but here she is zooming in with an extremely plot-altering role. I didn’t read the last series where she was introduced, so I know nothing about her, so maybe I’m more confused than other BP fans.

I also hope there is a tad more for Luke Cage and Falcon to do next issue. Surely they can fight Lady Bullseye and Typhoid Mary while BP faces down Kingpin next month?

Michael Avon Oeming’s style is too unique for him to come in and wrap up the closing chapter of this story. David Liss’ book has had an extremely consistent look from the beginning; Oeming is good, he’s just too different. His use of shading works fine, but his simple lines don’t carry the same weight as the other artists on this run.

Good

Black Panther #526 & 527

Oh man, is that the coolest cover in months, or what? I've been loving these pulp-style images for BP over the last few issues, but this one takes the cake. You know Kingpin is in some trouble when the Panther actually goes and gets some friends.

I'm really enjoying David Liss' last story arc for a few reasons. I don't think I've ever seen Kingpin match up against BP before, and both characters are such excellent planners that they make good adversaries. I'm also quite pleased with the ever-expanding cast for this final arc. Falcon, Cage, Typhoid Mary, and Lady Bullseye are enough to almost turn this into a team book.

The best part about this arc has to be how seamlessly Wakandan politics and plot points are weaving into post-Shadowland New York. Wakanda is such a cool element of the Marvel Universe that I was sad seeing it neglected in BP's solo title. That's finally being rectified now. My only hope now is that Vibranium becomes a resource for Wakanda again and we get a bit of a reset for BP's status quo.

With Francesco Francavilla moving on to Captain America & Bucky, it seems Black Panther's title is the unlucky one. Shawn Martinborough does an admirable job imitating Francavilla's style, but Michael Avon Oeming's pencils are so unique that he ends up making the book his own a bit too much. I've always liked Oeming's art, but his style is so recognizable, issue 527 doesn't quite fit in with the rest of the run. That's the price we pay for two issues in one month, though.

Good

Avengers #19

It pains me to admit this, but the newest issue of Avengers was actually pretty decent. Bendis does these types of issues well; there is no fighting, but we get a long of interpersonal interaction as Captain America puts the new team together.

I admit to being a tad disappointed that Black Panther isn’t rejoining the team, especially since his solo book just got cancelled. (Don’t get me started on all the recent Marvel cancellations!) However, adding Storm is a brilliant move. She’s a powerhouse, so she fits right in as a great replacement for Thor, and she’s of course well-acquainted with Wolverine (I loved their casual greeting.) What I’m really excited about is all of the new interaction that Storm can have with all these new characters. She’s a gorgeous queen, mutant, and superhero; she’s going to shake the team up nicely.

Bendis hits another high spot with his return for the Vision. This isn’t Kid Vision from Young Avengers, this is the real deal. And Viz is in a weird spot, he can appreciate his friends being happy to see him, but for him, he just got taken out during Disassembled. He’s missed everything since. What a great new POV character for the team!

I haven’t read enough about Quake to know how she’ll fit in on the team, for now I can just declare that I want her to get a real costume.

Daniel Acuna’s art is still wonderful. That giant mural of the old Avengers team is fantastic, and his Storm is striking. I think he draws Red Hulk smaller than I imagined, more athletic than muscular. Vision looks sleek and classic.

I’m going to keep getting either Avengers or Justice League. Let’s see who wins the week.

Good

Black Panther #525

Man, the Marvel street books are some of the most riveting on the stands right now. David Liss delivers yet another brilliant comic, again showing how skilled the Panther is, but he doesn’t short-change the villains either. BP is on the run for most of this comic, dragging along a wounded Wakandan citizen (who still calls him “king” in a nice touch). Things are tough enough while BP is facing down a crew of Hand ninjas, but they’re just the warm-up.

The two ladies on the cover do show up; Lady Bullseye is tough enough on her own, but when Typhoid Mary shows up, BP is overwhelmed. Liss has another brilliant touch when describing Mary’s powers as “Telekinesis. Pyrokinesis. Craziness.” That’s about right, isn’t it? Mary’s days on the Avengers Initiative never seemed so far away!

Shawn Martinbrough does a fantastic job keeping the art consistent. I was worried when Franco Francavilla moved on to another title, but it seems things are in good hands. Martinbrough has delivered some fantastic pencils over the years and it looks like Black Panther is going to be just fine.

Good

Black Panther #524

So I haven't been reading Spider-Island, but I think I can get the gist of it after reading this issue of Black Panther. (It seems like a fun idea, at least!)

I'm a tad worried about David Liss' overall plot in this book, since we've had four or five issues of tie-ins now. I understand the need to get new eyeballs on this book to raise sales, but I'd like to see T'Challa's own story moving forward a tad more. There are definitely seeds laid here, with Kingpin involved in both Hell's Kitchen and in more Black Panther-based interests.

The strongest aspect of this issue is how powerful BP seems to be right now. Overdrive is the POV character, so perhaps we're seeing a more impressive version of T'Challa, but man, BP is in control for this entire issue. There is literally nothing that Lady Bullseye or Overdrive can do to try and stop the Panther. I love it. If Liss keeps writing him this way, BP really will be Marvel's Batman.

The Spider-Island aspects of the story didn't really add anything, but they didn't ruin the issue either. I would have preferred a normal, two-armed BP, but whatever.

Francesco Francavilla's art has seemed a tad rushed these last few issues. The art in general seems huge or something. Not bad, the style and shadows that make Francavilla's art so dynamic are all there, but there is even less detail than normal. That said, the fantastic cover makes up for just about any faults in this comic. Do you know how long it has been since I saw a cover that actually showed me what happened in the issue? Awesome!

Good

Black Panther: The Most Dangerous Man Alive .1

I find the whole .1 initiative pretty funny, but man, is it annoying. I have a home-written Access database I use to track all my comics, and it isn’t programmed to recognize decimal point numbers. So I have to enter these special issues as one-shots. (I know, the trials of a nerd, huh? How do we get by?)

In any case, David Liss makes the most of his opportunity to grab new readers. His done-in-one story stands nicely on its own, but he brings in a fairly popular villain from T’Challa’s past. I enjoyed seeing BP take down another bad guy without much of a sweat; after a few issues of seeing BP struggle to win his fights, he seems to be getting his confidence back. I’m sort of rooting for a Kraven re-match too, I think BP can do better! Surely fans old and new can see what they’re missing on this title. The level of quality and respect for the history of the Marvel U that Liss displays here is a given on this consistent title.

It’s interesting that BP is developing into even more of a Batman type now that he’s cultivating a relationship with the cops in Hell’s Kitchen. BP has never been this gritty, and at least part of the change has to be location. I mean, Daredevil moves out of the Kitchen and suddenly he’s doing snow angels on the cover of his own book!

Jefte Palo is back, and that means the hulking Black Panther is too. He draws a much bigger protagonist than other artists, but as I’ve said before, it works. I kind of dig the sloped cat-ears that make T’Challa look even more like the Marvel U Batman.

Good

Black Panther #523

Wait one darn second. Is Marvel still putting out comics? I thought everyone agreed that they'd sit out for September!

David Liss does a nice job wrapping up his Fear Itself tie-in that actually had very little to do with Fear Itself. This is the type of tie-in book I loved as a kid, because while it did sort of crossover, it actually just told a kick-butt story about the main character.

After all the online hoodoo about the American Panther, it was kind of nice to see T'Challa just kick his butt. Very few folks should have a chance against the Black Panther, and the ol' AP is not one of those guys. I do like that Liss leaves the option open to use the character again, and it will be fun making guesses on who could take up the role in the future. (Not Casper Cole, right? Who else is a good fit?)

The Panther is lucky to have so many tough ladies in his life. When the super-villains come calling, Storm is a handy pal to have in your corner. For the more street-level conflicts that usually fill this series, Sofija the waitress is pretty darn capable herself! T'Challa got lucky that she's a good waitperson and knows how to handle herself in a fight. Liss keeps the balance throughout the book; this is clearly T'Challa's show, but there is room for the competent supporting cast.

Francesco Francavilla continues to display why he's the best artist for this book. The heavy inks look fantastic for T'Challa's street-level conflicts. This issue does seem a lot more rushed than some of his other issues; there are a lot of pages with no backgrounds. But since many of those simple pages consist of night-vision-fighting, I think it works.

This continues to be one of the better titles coming out every month, give it a try when it becomes Black Panther: The Most Dangerous Man Alive next month!

Good

Black Panther #522

Wow, this is one of the best comics on the stands, bar none.

David Liss continues his barely connected Fear Itself tie-in, keeping the focus on Hell’s Kitchen and the Panther. Hate Monger returned thanks to Fear Itself, but he’s spent this entire crossover keeping things on a small scale, and other than a quick mention of panic in the streets and the Thing rampaging around New York, this is a totally self-contained comic.

There is so much to love in this comic. The Hate Monger is absolutely despicable, he’s a manipulative, evil jerk who relishes his ability to demean even his most loyal followers. And the poor American Panther, he’s a bad guy, but you have to feel a bit sad for a guy who knows he’s being mentally dominated and controlled. And the few times he can speak up for himself, the Hate Monger will make him pay for it. (The other ringleader is an even better slimeball, I don’t want to ruin what makes him so great.)

Of course, the real star is still the Black Panther. T’Challa is getting his mojo back, and about halfway through this issue he just sort of states that he’s going back to doing things his own way, and you KNOW that’s bad news for the bad guys. T’Challa has had a hard time over the past few months, I’m looking forward to him handing out some butt-kicking next issue.

Franco Francavilla’s art is still wonderful. This issue looks more painted, the colors are even more washed out than normal, but of course, it works great for this particular story.

Excellent

Black Panther #521

I love the ham-fisted politics of this issue. I suppose in this day and age, I'm sure someone is going to be offended by this issue, but frankly, that's their problem. David Liss has a nice, safe out by having all these hateful phrases coming from the Hate-Monger, even if we all know that there are real people out there saying the same thing.

And wow, were we all wrong about the American Panther. It's a tremendous move by Liss, I'm not going to spoil it here, but wow, talk about the potential to add something significant to the Marvel U...

And I love that this is a Fear Itself tie-in. I guess in Hate-Monger's last appearance, his life force was banished into space. In this issue, his essence hitches a ride on Ben Grimm's "worthy" hammer. That's it. I hope people do come looking for a tie-in, though, because I think they'll be pleased with what they find.

Francesco Francavilla returns this issue, and I couldn't be happier. This run belongs to him, his moody, dark pencils define Hell's Kitchen for me now. Jefte Palo is good, but Francavilla is incredible.

Excellent