The real problems with Black Panther lie in many different areas. For starters, the Reginald Hudlin’s story is both awkward and full of plot holes. It starts with 5th century Africans saying “Kiss my butt” and “stay cool.” Also, the Wakandans apparently have huge crossbows, also known as arbalests, but these are special in that they can shoot their bolts at a target they can’t even see from well over the horizon. And when did America start attacking nations that have no fly zones, especially nations in Africa? Lets not forget a strange robot-thing that can cause flintlocks to misfire. Another problem was the seriously lame artwork. I will say that in certain cells, John Romita’s art was an amazing, line-focused display. However, most of the book seemed rushed to the point of being painfully inconsistent and even poorly drawn (check out the various cells involving the board discussing the Wakandans in modern times, or the ridged and awkward fight with Captain America). The saving grace for this comic was actually the colorist, Dean White (especially when it came to the guns firing/misfiring).

Black Panther #1 is actually a brief history of the Wakandan tribe; in which the Black Panther seems to be the guardian of what is apparently their one and only city. Through this mysterious nation’s history, many have tried to conquer it, but all have failed. Rival tribes, to greedy white guys, and even Captain America have all reached the land of Wakandan only to have their butts handed to them, and by “handed” I, of course, mean speared. Yet apparently some guy has a plan, and that somebody is the KLAW, who is a guy with a mettle hand that can turn into what looks like a power converter with little mettle doodads sticking out of it. (Note: The hand, at no time, becomes or resembles a claw.)

With all said and done, this comic just wasn’t that great. I’ve read worse, but not after having paid for it. So I’m not saying don’t get this comic; all I’m saying is that you probably have a friend that will just give you his copy. And by “friend,” I mean me.