COMIC BOOK REVIEW - Black Panther: A Nation Under Our Feet Book 1

So about 4 years ago, very few people were aware of Black Panther, and even fewer were fans. Then when he showed up in Captain America: Civil War, and then in his own solo film, everyone loved this humble king, who was a part-time superhero.

This novel starts with T’Challa retaking the throne, after his sister, Shuri, who was queen for an interim period dies. However, dissent is rife within the fictional nation of Wakanda, and our titular hero finds himself unable to quench the metaphorical fires that engulf his nation. The threats also seem to be coming from multiple locations, including the Dora Milaje, who no longer serve the King, and from a mystical shaman, who has the backing of Zeke Stane, the son of Obidiah Stane.

‘A Nation Under Our Feet’, for me wasn’t that great a read. I struggled to keep up with the plot, and it seemed like there was too much of a backstory that I wasn’t aware of. Furthermore, even within the novel itself, I didn’t like this version of Black Panther, who had almost no character development, whatsoever.

The artwork was okay, but the covers weren’t too good. The one above was one, of many variants. Overall, I expected so much more, but once again, with the Marvel novels, the ones I want to read disappoint!

Favourite Panel:

Nice to see mentions of the wider Marvel world!

Favourite Character:

Tetu, the Shaman. He seemed like a really intriguing villain, and I’d like to see a bit more of him!

Rating:

• Story Arc: ★★½

• Character Development: ★★

• Artwork: ★★½

• Enjoyability: ★★

• Re-readability: ★

Level: Advanced