BLACK PANTHER 60TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL #1 (MARVEL COMICS)
In July of 1966, Stan Lee and Jack Kirby welcomed readers to the world of the Black Panther in the pages of Fantastic Four #52.
Since then, the adventures of King T’Challa & the nation of Wakanda have carved out an untouchable legacy. From being a force in the Marvel Comics Universe to a key character to the success of the MCU films, the impact made by the Black Panther is undeniable.
Marvel Comics is celebrating the 60th year of the character with an all star lineup of creators paying tribute to the legendary superhero.
BLACK PANTHER 60th ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL #1 by Evan Narcisse, Georges Jeanty, Dexter Vines, Rachelle Rosenberg, Cody Ziglar, Alitha Martinez, Andrew Dalhouse, Murewa Ayodele, Eder Messias, Federico Blee, Christopher Priest, Javier Pina & Cory Petit delivers on a can’t miss issue.
Let’s take a deeper dive into this anniversary special!
BLACK PANTHER 60th ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL #1 by Evan Narcisse, Georges Jeanty, Dexter Vines, Rachelle Rosenberg, Cody Ziglar, Alitha Martinez, Andrew Dalhouse, Murewa Ayodele, Eder Messias, Federico Blee, Christopher Priest, Javier Pina & Cory Petit (Marvel Comics)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
The issue is a compilation of multiple creative teams taking over different story segments:
“THE UNDERSTANDING” by Evan Narcisse, Georges Jeanty, Dexter Vines, Rachelle Rosenberg, Cory Petit lets Kevin “Kasper” Cole take the lead in a search for T’Challa. Narcisse lays out the blueprint for his search, It gives enough time to put up the circumstances surrounding T’Challa’s disappearance. Cole’s dialogue with Queen Ramona stands out with much emotion behind it.
Jeanty and Vines brings out the worry of the event. Cole’s processing of the case is another solid factor. Knowing the importance of finding T’Challa, Cole carries this burden. There are a few flashback to classic Black Panther moments along the route. Once the leads move Cole into looking outer-world, his next destination puts the spotlight on another character more suited in this area. The portion is a great kick-off as the overall tale moves into a new lane. The also deliver on a great parting page to conclude everything on a very upbeat note.
“Once On A Blue Moon” by Cody Ziglar, Alitha Martinez, Andrew Dalhouse and Petit welcomes in Blue Marvel into the issue. Ziglar takes the pairing back to their days of “The Ultimates”. Their dialogue is perfect as they go through their tasks. It’s a friendly banter that is old friends working together. Once their plans expose a more dangerous problem, the action starts up. Readers watch as they fight off the creatures spawning. The story wraps on a steady finish before moving onto the next guest star.
Martinez delivers on great sci-fi action. The interaction between Marvel and Panther is a more light-hearted exchange. It is a classic superhero team-up. Once they discover monsters hatching, the panels take a faster turn. Blue Marvel gets to let loose as the fight rages on. A few near full panels shows the effects of his attacks. The parting shot of watching a tree grow allows readers to close this portion on a high note.
“Through My Eyes” by Murewa Ayodele, Eder Messias, Federico Blee and Petit takes T’Challa into a mystical challenge with Earth’s mightiest Mutant narrating. Ayodele crafts this segment perfectly. T’Challa’s banter with Famosinpe leads into the intense challenge at hand. Once inside the Tsohon Forest Labyrinth, pacing finds its’ groove. The daunting task is met head on with huge results. It cements the lengths T’Challa will go for his people to keep them safe. The aftermath is fitting as it re-enforces the foundation built on his legacy.
Messias and Blee present this portion with a few different looks. The initial start teases the magic forthcoming. T’Challa’s mannerisms deflect the worry he has with the Labyrinth. A gorgeous Panther page with exceptional coloring leads the king into battle. The fight is previewed via half panel. From here, there’s no turning back on the fight. It is a neccessary level of brutality. The aftermath leads to an approval from the narrator as the story prepares for its final stop.
“Exiles” by Christopher Priest, Javier Pina, Blee and Petit is arguably the strongest portion of the book. Priest constructs a complex scenario involving a certain Master of Magnetism. Each have their reasons to work together. The dialogue is absolutely perfect. Knowing the respect shown, it is a very back and forth test of cooperation. This leads into the mission at hand. Priest continues to apply pressure on both parties. Neither show signs of breaking. This moves events to an excellent finish. Events land firmly to take readers to the closing moments.
The art is excellent in this meeting. Pina and Blee showcase the calm conversation of two fallen kings. Their mannerisms don’t give an inch of allowing someone to have an advantage. it moves into their joint plan of attack. The art locks in on Magneti’s determination. It is countered by T’Challa’s long play. This friction boils over into an excellent run of panels. The parting page brings the house down on this run of stories.
FINAL GRADE: 9
Let the celebration begin for the King of Wakanda! This special event delivers on a multitude of levels. Each story highlights a different quality associated with T’Challa’s greatness. The art constructs phenomenal guides in this unique look at the legacy of the Panther. Readers can easily feel the impact of sixty years of excellent storytelling within these pages.
Let me know your thoughts on BLACK PANTHER 60th ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL #1 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
