Ultimate Black Panther #1-4

Ultimate Black Panther #1-4

Originally released in 2024

Written by Bryan Hill

Art by Stefano Caselli



My knowledge of Marvel's new Ultimate universe is largely limited to Ultimate Spider-Man and the Ultimates, so I'm branching out to the other books in the line-up (which, to my knowledge, are Ultimate Black Panther, Ultimate X-Men, and Ultimate Wolverine) before the line inexplicably ends later this year. (Or maybe they're relaunching with new first issues after this story arc is done - either way, it's a weird move that seems like it would alienate fans)



Wakanda, an isolated nation, is under attack by the forces of Ra and Khonshu, who are collectively known as Moon Knight.  While struggling with his conflicts with Wakanda's traditions, T'Challa loses his father to the forces of Moon Knight, causing him to declare war on the group.



As this is going on, Killmonger and a mysterious figure who can control the weather and goes by Wind-Rider (it's Storm; unless it's a fake-out, it seems obvious that it's Storm) are out to save the people that Wakanda has overlooked due to its isolationist tendencies.



My first impression is that, unlike Ultimate Spider-Man or the Ultimates, this doesn't do much with the fact that it's set in the Ultimate universe.  Due to Wakanda being isolated, the story feels disconnected from the plot involving the Maker and it could easily be a retelling of T'Challa's backstory set in any given alternate universe.



The main difference seems to be the presence of Matron Imala of the Vodu-Khan, the leader of a group of alleged seers who advise Wakanda's king on matters concerning dreams and visions.  Given that both T'Chaka and Okoye warn T'Challa to be cautious around her, and T'Challa doesn't trust her, it seems clear that she's going to use interpretations of those dreams/visions to manipulate T'Challa somehow. (at the very least, it would surprise me if she turns out to be a staunch ally of Wakanda with no self-serving plots of her own)



Moon Knight was able to kill T'Chaka through the help of an anonymous spy that wants T'Chaka and T'Challa off of the throne.  Determining that there is a spy in their ranks, T'Challa calls together the only people he can trust (assuming that the spy is someone who's not in that inner circle), though as a result, it has me guessing that the spy is one of those people.



Matron Imala tells T'Challa about a prophecy that T'Challa will be given an heir by a woman who is his light. (a phrase that he doesn't use to refer to Okoye, his wife)  Upon encountering Storm, he refers to her as a woman made of light, which has me unsure if T'Challa will cheat on his wife with Storm, or if Okoye will turn out to be the traitor, or if Okoye will die. (there are likely other options, but those three come to mind in terms of what would be the most dramatic outcomes)



After being saved by Storm, T'Challa spends months with her and Killmonger, exploring Africa and learning what the plans of Ra and Khonshu are. (this happens between issues 2 and 3)  They find a massive glowing moon-like orb in an underground temple; its purpose is unknown, but Moon Knight is after it, so it needs to remain safe.



The identity of the spy seems to be revealed at the start of issue 4; despite my assumption that it would be someone close to T'Challa, it's a blind woman and former Dora Milaje who neither Shuri or Okoye seem to be familiar with.  Still, once T'Challa returns, this is enough for him to tighten his circle of trust even further, down to just five people. (which has me wondering how small that number is going to shrink)



I do understand the appeal of giving a character like Black Panther a fresh start and telling a story about him in a new universe, especially when he was underused in the previous Ultimate universe. (going by the Marvel Wiki, that version of T'Challa had an amount of appearances that numbered in the single digits) It just feels very disconnected from the broader storyline that this line is telling, and aside from Killmonger being a heroic figure, it doesn't really set itself apart from a story that could be set in the main universe. (maybe Moon Knight wouldn't attack Wakanda, though who knows given how crazy he is, but it could have been an organization called the Left Hand Of Khonshu that uses similar tactics) I am enjoying it, though I'm hoping it does something to set itself apart as it continues.

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