Black Panther: Who is the Black Panther by Reginald Hudlin, John Romita (Illustrator), John Romita Jr. (Artist)

From the Publisher

Deep in the heart of Africa is Wakanda, a technologically advanced civilization of great power and mystery. During the last ten centuries, as European colonial powers spread their guns, armies, and undisputed domination throughout the continent, Wakanda has stood alone as an unconquerable land inhabited by undefeatable warriors. Governing this nation is a lineage of warrior-kings possessing enhanced speed, strength, and agility. Today, T'Challa is the latest in this famed family line, the great hero known worldwide as the Black Panther. Despite the futile defeats of the past, outsiders are once more assembling to invade Wakanda and plunder its riches. Leading this brutal assault is Klaw, a deadly assassin with the blood of T'Challa's murdered father on his hands. Klaw brings with him a powerful army of super-powered mercenaries, all hell-bent on raining death and destruction on this pristine land. Even with Wakanda's might and his own superhuman skills, can the Black Panther prevail against such a massive invading force?
Collects Black Panther #1-6 and Fantastic Four #52-53.

Publishers Weekly

Though perennially a second-string player at Marvel, the Black Panther has attracted some interesting creative talent over the years. Now Marvel has brought in director Hudlin (co-creator of Birth of a Nation). But Hudlin's take is caught between a rock and a hard place. His over-the-top narrative is not likely to appeal to fans of the most recent version of the character, but it's too mired in obscure Marvel continuity to attract the more general reader. The plot manages to be convoluted without ever becoming absorbing. Rather than establish the Black Panther as a major power by giving him intelligent adversaries, Hudlin pits the African king against a series of buffoons. Hudlin shows some flair for revamping Marvel's more obscure supervillains, turning Klaw from a throwaway henchman into a hateful mercenary and giving the Radioactive Man a scary, alien quality. But overall this version deals in broad caricature rather than skillful characterization. Artist Romita (Wolverine) shows why he is considered a consummate craftsman. His sketchy line art brings a kinetic sense to action scenes, and his vivid character expressions work overtime to sell the emotional impact of an ultimately cartoonish plot. (Oct.) Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.

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