MCU T'challa/Bucky Meme

Art: Black Panther MCU + Comic Combo Suit by Nork

Second Ongoing Added- Black Panther: World of Wakanda

I have mentioned many times over the last year the following statement:

"What a time to be alive for a Black Panther Fan"

And it has been true. T'challa was front and center in a flagship title for 4 years, he was in Original Sin, he was in the middle of Secret Wars, he appeared in Captain America: Civil War and was perfection, there has been merchandice out the wazoo because of it...

And then he got his own solo book by a non-fiction literary titan TNC. He then proceeded to be the #1 selling title when it was first release and continues to be one of the best solo selling titles in comics right now.

(Of course, now is the time to say that Coates' run has been abysmal and a detriment to T'challa but, gonna stay positive for just a second because I am almost tired of talking about its failings.)

You can now add, "second Black Panther book" to the list for the first time ever.

Marvel announced "Black Panther: World of Wakanda," written by Coates, Roxane Gay, and Yona Harvey. Gay and Harvey because the first black female writers at Marvel IN THEIR HISTORY (seriously?) and Gay is also bisexual and a self proclaimed feminist.

The book will focus on Ayo and Aneka (the Midnight Angels) including their relationship and why the basically rebelled in Coates run. I believe Zenzi will be apart of this as well.

Is this enough positivity? We all good? Ok... time for despair.

I never thought I would live in a world where I heard "2nd BP book!" and become worried. I don't want this book, at all. It feels as if Coates' entire run so far has been filled with agenda after agenda and it appears one of his undercover agendas was to get his pals on a book.

His run has been so vague (disguised as beautiful prose!), filled with so much "tell not show" that I don't know how else to take it. The first issue starts with Aneka getting executed for... reasons. No backstory really, nothing at all. Now we know why because his friend is gonna fill it in instead.

World of Wakanda is just going to be another book where they just make T'challa look like shit (while at the same time disregarding the fact T'challa hasn't even been king for years and the country was ran BY A WOMAN!) just so they can prop up "there" characters. It is so ass backwards and infuriating that after years of no Black Panther books, we will get two that shit on the main character and shit on the idea of Wakanda as a whole.

Am I flipping out for no reason? It is possible, but what else am I supposed to think? Four issues into Coates' story and it can be boiled down into, "T'challa failed and so is Wakanda." So, why would I think a friend of Coates, a feminist, and a poet (just like Coates!) would tell a different story?

It just sucks. I should be excited about a book that shows Wakanda from a different angle. That focuses on two of the leading Dora Milaje. That opens up Marvel to even more diversity and shows how progressive the Black Panther mythos can be.

But, unforuntately, the books are being written by people who want to create their own Wakanda while ignoring everything that has been established before. It is being written by unfans, and that is a god damn shame.

Hopefully I am proven wrong. I don't really believe that anymore though. 

Black Panther Sightings: July 27, 2016

Let us see where T'challa or members of his mythos showed up this week...


- Black Panther #4 was the best issue of the first arc and you can find that review HERE

- T'challa was in numerous scenes in Captain Marvel #7. Both diplomatic and action scenes and even got to speak a little and punch a little.

A gun? Why not I guess

- The Black Panther Hulkbuster armor aka the Panthertron made an appearance on the last page of Totally Awesome Hulk #9. I am so excited for next issue.

OMFG!

- Once again, T'challa was a sidekick in Civil War II #4. He is apparently on Carol's side as of now, which is very disappointing.

Why T'challa, why!?

If I missed anything, let me know in the comments!

Black Panther #4- Spoilers and Thoughts

Spoilers...

- We start with the previously released lettered preview: the Tetu/Changamire connection and the revolution of the Midnight Angels.

- Ramonda is sent to talk to Changamire. They basically have a philosophical discussion about Wakanda.

- We get a mild look into the backstory of Tetu which leads to a meeting between Tetu and the Midnight Angels. Both seem intend on taking down the King. There is also a mention of T'challa's superhero friends. However, there seems to be some scheming going on as Tetu brings up the massacre at the Mound and T'challa's first attack on Zenzi but does not mention they were the ones that caused it.

- However, despite having a common 'enemy' and the fact Tetu offers his army to them, they do not join forces yet as the MA are being cautious.

- T'challa and Ramonda talk about Changamire, who Ramonda believes is not a threat. We then get into a discussion of all the things T'challa failed at protecting Wakanda from (Doom, Namor, the Black Order) but also all the things he has fought to protect them (Gods and World Breakers) and what he has given up (including his marriage).

- T'challa states he has given them everything, but Ramonda brings up that he feels like the people are Wakanda and the crown are a burden to him. That he needs to do more than protect, but to inspire. This leads to some sort of rally or celebration in the Golden City.

- Tetu seemingly revives Zenzi or gets her out of the T'challa forced push coma she was in.

- Tetu meets with a mysterious man who we come to find out is Zeke Stane. They talk about the upcoming revolution. Stane asks Tetu if he is ready for what revolution means... panic, fire, casualties, and agony.

- The celebration in the Golden City is interrupted by explosions. Many are killed and injured... including Ramonda who would have died if not for T'challa vibranium suit.

- T'challa is pissed and I will just post the page instead of summarize. This could be the turning point of this book as this feels like the "real" T'challa....

Thoughts...

- This was by far the best issue of this first arc, despite being completely action-less. It was the most "even" issue with Ramonda, T'challa, Tetu, and the MA all getting important panel time, along with introducing another villain. It moved smoothly, had weight, once again perfect art, and it propels the book into arc #2.

- The T'challa/Ramonda conversation was GOLD. Perfect on both sides. Said what a lot of BP fans have thought over the years. That while T'challa has excelled as King and protector... he has also failed. Hopefully that conversation will not only be a turning point for this book but for T'challa in the future. But, I thought the last good conversation between those two in #3 was great as well and it amounted to nothing lol.

- This issue gave me hope, which is most important and may also be my downfall. The last page WAS T'challa. Surely, SURELY Coates cannot chump T'challa next issue after his mom almost got blown apart and after his statement on the last page. This is the PERFECT time for T'challa to start doing some damage in arc #2.

- Changamire part was the biggest mistake of this issue. Would have rather had 3 pages of Shuri's story. I am curious if this will mean more later.

- I saw red when I thought Ramonda had died. So glad he didn't cliff hang that scenario.

- The potential Tetu/MA alliance is intriguing. Tetu is obviously playing them somewhat, not mentioning Zenzi and his role in the things. Will they join forces and then the MA will rejoin with T'challa near the end once his deception is known? Only time will tell.

- Stane... I know nothing of Zeke Stane. He recently showed up in Thor last month as part of the "business Illuminati" thing and other than that... I got nothing. I read that he is a genius ala Stark, similar tech, is superhuman, and such. So, does he stand to profit if Tetu's revolution is successful? Does he have another motive? Is he just supplying tech to the highest bidder?

- Not 100% sure what was going on with Zenzi. Looks like Tetu brought her out of her coma but then during the bombings, it looked like she was feeling their pain?

- Combined with this issue, this right here...

gives me hope for the rest of the series. Now don't destroy that in issue #5 please.

Major Black Panther Casting News

A long, long time ago, we heard rumors that Michael B Jordan and Lupita Nyong'o were joining the cast of Black Panther and the fan casting began instantly.

Many characters were thrown out. MJB as Achebe, Killmonger, M'baku, redone Hunter, Kasper Cole, S'yan???

Lupita as Shuri was the most popular choice but Monica Lynne and a Dora such as Aneka were also hypothesized.

Personally, I was hoping for Lupita as Malice and MJB as either Killmonger or Achebe. My hope was that they would be used set-up Black Panther 2 actually. In Black Panther, BP would stop Klaw from invading, similar to Hudlin's "Who is the Black Panther?". At the end. Nakia would seemingly die, only to be found by Killmonger/Achebe and corrupted into Malice.

And while my fan-fic likely isn't going to happen, my fan-casting is!

Lupita is confirmed to be Nakia while MJB is confirmed to be playing Killmonger. In addition, Danai Gurira (aka MICHONNE!) is playing Okeye, another Dora popular during Priest's run who is said to be the leader of the Dora Milaje.

This cast has TALENT and we aren't done yet. We still need confirmation on Klaw (Serkis) and Ross (Freeman), we still have to cast Ramonda at the very least, along with other important Wakandan's such as S'yan, and we also need to find out if Monica Lynn is making an appearance.

But this is a damn good start. Marvel has somehow took their casting, which was already outstanding, and elevated it even further recently.

Black Panther #4 Solicit and Preview

Published: July 27, 2016
Writer: Ta-Nehisi Coates
Penciller: Brian Stelfreeze

 - "A NATION UNDER OUR FEET," the first arc of the new hit BLACK PANTHER series, comes to a startling conclusion!

- Suicide bombers terrorize the people of Wakanda, further eroding any last bits of goodwill towards the royal family...

- T'Challa struggles to unite his citizens, who are choosing to side with Zenzi and The People in growing numbers...

- A familiar villain reveals his part in T'Challa's current ruination...and it's not who you think!

We can also add another page that had been posted previously of issue #4...

- I have already made my thoughts very, very clear on this run and these previews just keep reinforcing the fact that Coates simply doesn't care for T'challa. 

- Coates really needs to show why the Midnight Angels may seem like heroes but are really going about this the wrong way. Like, really, really needs to show that walking in and destroying other tribes and re-writing the laws isn't the way to go. If it was that easy, the Black Panther's of the past would have done that. Priest established how delicate tribal politics were. Hell, the Dora's exist because of that. 

You would thing, would pray, someone who spends their life writing about the intricacies of race in the USA wouldn't show freedom fighting as the way to go. You would think... but you also would think a black dude who writes about race wouldn't show Wakanda and T'challa in such a bad light. 

- Wakanda's forces being so depleted they can't follow the MA... yet the MA has enough of a force to topple the White Gorilla tribe? Come the fuck on. 

- And no one man? Really? Coates forget Shuri was JUST ruler? Coates forget T'challa treated the Doras as ceremonial only, never once treating them sexually and even married an outsider instead? He forget T'challa had a chance to take back the crown as Bast offered it to him but let Shuri keep it? THAT "one man" who brought back the multiverse? 

I miss Doom War. 

Savage Black Panther Meme

Art: The Illuminati (MCU) by Unkown

Black Panther Sightings: July 20, 2016

Let us see where T'challa or members of his mythos showed up this week...

- T'challa continued to be in the background of Blue Marvel #, oh wait I am sorry, The Ultimates #9. You can find that review HERE but it might put you to sleep.

- All New, All Different Wolverine #11 randomly had T'challa in a panel when discussing where Ulysess was at. Once again... the easy costume to draw seems to help him show up in random places.

If I missed anything, let me know. I only saw the Wolverine one by pure accident as I don't read every comic put out by Marvel.

The Ultimates #9- Spoilers and Thoughts

Spoilers incoming...

- Flash back to the past with Blue Marvel and his son dealing with some monster thing that will break the planet if he comes through, they successfully repel him.

- Vogt talks about his people and talks about the Ultimates and whether they can come together after Rhodes got blown to hell.

- They use Ulysses to show them that the monster thing is coming back. They know how to deal with it, but this time they have super advanced warning to plan instead of minutes.

- Carol and Adam have a conversation about what happened with the Hulk. Carol acts like a bitch again (man they are making her unlikable).

- Using the new Giant Man and Pym particles, they are preparing for monster thing to come. Monica powers the machine so it won't burn out.

- The monster comes... we find out they aren't trying to kill and stop it but save it. They use shrinking technology to bring him down to regular size.

- Happy ending, its just an alien scientist/explorer dude they hope to learn from.

- Vogt is impressed but his agent tells them divisions are starting to come up in the team (maybe shoulda showed those Ewing...)

- Cut to Anti-Man in prison, talking all crazy. Find out, Thanos is telepathically talking to him as well.

Don't forget about me guys!

Thoughts...

- Just rename the book "Blue Marvel" and get it over with please.

- T'challa did his usual. Ewing throws some "I read Priest's run!" tidbits in, like mentioning the Kymoyo card, but overall doesn't do a god damn thing of importance. Just vague mentions of him helping Adam build something, provides some tech, presses some buttons. and counts. His use in this book is purely to supply spaceships and vibranium. Yawn.

Please put T'challa on a proper team book. Please.

- Rest of the book is pretty boring. Chavez didn't do anything either. Monica just turned to electricity. Hell, new Giant-Man did more than all the Ultimates... I mean, really? Why?

- Only the last panel is interesting at all. Did everyone forget Thanos is a damn telepath or what?

This won't end well

- Not sure where they are going with the Vogt guy.

- Poop on this book.

Concept Art for the MCU Panther Jet

We only got a very, very glimpse look at the Panther Jet in Civil War.

Looks pretty standard honestly. Built for speed, looks like it has anti-radar stuff on it.

I bet we get a bit more imagination with the air craft in his solo.

Marvel.com: "Follow the History of the Panther Pt. 8"

This is part 8 of Marvel's series:

http://marvel.com/news/comics/26383/follow_the_history_of_the_black_panther_pt_8

Black Panther #5 Unlettered Preview: TNC Twists the Knife

- Seriously man? This is just painful at this point. Did T'challa just take a 1-2 from Goons again? Is Goon Slam Gary going to have company in the henchmen hall of fame this year? Why did he take his mask down? What is happening!! SKY IS FALLING!

- Cool to see Manifold though. How and why he is there, who knows. But, dude is invaluable power wise.

- Seeing T'challa with the Dogs of War is still weird.

- Sigh...

I Don't Care Meme- Clint Edition

Black Panther Sightings: July 13, 2016

Let us see where T'challa or members of his mythos showed up this week...

- T'challa's major appearance was in Deadpool #15, where he had a 9 page fight sequence with Wade. you can find details of that HERE.

Continuing to look better in other books...

- T'challa made a one panel appearance in Civil War II: Choosing Sides #2, where apparently he mean mugged Storm at the Rhodey funeral or some dumb shit. They just had to find some bad way to hamfist T'challa into a panel with Storm. Why won't writers just leave those two alone?

That mohawk looks so dumb 

- In Civil War II #3,T'challa was in a handful of panels where he said nothing and did nothing but hold Tony back a bit (which seems to be his dedicated function in this book) after Hulk took an arrow to the face.

Just let the man fight T'challa!

Deadpool #15 Review (T'challa had a Significant Appearance)

This isn't going to be like my typical reviews because T'challa is only making a guest appearance and I have not caught up on the Deadpool comic yet as I read it in large chunks and not monthly. But, here are some spoilers on the Civil War II tie in part of it as I do not really know what is happening in the other part of the book.


Spoilers incoming...

- Wade breaks into the Triskelion to kill/talk to Ulysess. They chat for a bit. Most of it is chit chat but some of it is that Ulysess only sees Michael Bay levels of destruction, not other parts of the future.

- Wade decides not to kill him and leaves.

- He is met by T'challa, who doesn't take kindly to the break in. Wade decides that he has to test himself against the best every so often.

- They fight. T'challa basically beats the ever living shit out of him and throws Wade out the window.

- T'challa vows to kill him for... reasons. This may have been a meta joke about T'challa making threats that won't happen. Then Deadpool makes a joke about seeing him next mega event.

Nice Street Fighter esque combo there

Thoughts...

- Ok, going in, you have to realize this is a Deadpool comic, which means a certain type of humor and there will definitely be some mis-characterizations going on due to the humor. It is just how it is. So, if you go in expecting ultra seriousness and Al Ewing continuity... not going to happen.

Ok, got the disclaimer out of the way...

- It is so god damn refreshing to see T'challa beat some ass. Seriously. In his own title, he is constantly getting hands put on him dealing with dudes far below his abilities.

In Deadpools OWN COMIC, he delivers an ass beating to an enhanced dude who specializes in killing and kicking ass. Oh and someone finally remembered his claws DESTROY METAL.

Hey look, NO FORCE PUSH NEEDED

- Yes, it does not 100% sound like T'challa. At all. But damn... it is nice to see something other than, "I need Prozac" T'challa. I appreciate some humor here and there. I appreciate personality. Dark and broody works for Batman, I don't need it 100% of the time with T'challa.

- T'challa's two most impressive feats this year have come in a random Spidey issue and a random Deadpool issue. Let that sink in a bit. In his own book. he is doing nothing but getting beat on and force pushing. In Spidey, he sneaks up on him, moves faster, and OHKO's goons. In Deadpool, he lays a beat down on the title character. I mean... come on Coates, step it up a bit.

Deadpool, crumpled up on pavement.
That's how the King does it

- T'challa showing up in this book does show you the power of "the push" though. T'challa is popping up in places he wouldn't have 2 years ago. Ultimates, Hulk, Civil War, Spidey, Deadpool, about to be another appearance in Hulk... this is a sign of the times.

Just write more ass beating T'challa and less getting his ass beat T'challa please. (COAAAATTEEESSS!!!!)