Black Panther #168

Here is a book that is always in it for the long haul while still giving the in-betweens of the narrative enough panache to keep you turning the pages. Coates sees the forest and the trees. Read Full Review

Coates is leading us towards a massive showdown while keeping the intricate web of subplots moving along. This must be a chore for anyone jumping on late, but those following from chapter one are getting payoffs, ever so slightly, each issue. Read Full Review

RaisingBlack

Jan 05, 2018

Coates has a vision for Black Panther. This series is really going somewhere. This issue sets up a lot and still has Wakanda as the star. I worry for the day that Coates might leave this book and someone else has to juggle such a cast of characters leading this book. This series really has started to feel more like a book from Image then from Marvel. Coates isn't afraid to build the world and story then showcase Black Panther as leading superhero. That type of risk-taking makes this book one of the best on-going at Marvel comics right now. The world is so vivid and the stakes are always high. Klaw isn't as much a character in this book as a force that really threatens the core of Wakanda. Sprouse continues the excellent art in this series. This is a story about facing demons and that is felt on every level of this book. Coates really should consider fantasy writing and creator-owned comics, because he could really have a voice in this industry if he decides to go all in. Pick this up more

Gizmo

Apr 15, 2018

The series is finally injecting the excitement I've been waiting for, what a great high point to end the issue at.

CrazyforRAMU

Jul 11, 2018

T'Challa and friends throw down with Ras the Exhorter and his Originators. The fight gives Dr. Franklin a Big Damn Hero Moment, which is cool. The main story is framed front and back with a b-story about Ramonda and the Dora Milaje going all "plausible deniability" on a mission to rescue the Midnight Angels. It's a slow start but I look forward to seeing how it develops and bites T'Challa on the ass later. Rating this issue was a challenge for me. Chris Sprouse clearly worked hard on the visuals, but it's also clear that several key elements in the script - dynamic fights, sci-fi flyers, and Ras magically shooting down same - are way outside his wheelhouse. I was also disappointed with the way the frame story had to be paced to hit the s urprise ending. I can see it had to happen this way for the plot's sake, but it also gives the impression that plausible deniability is a revolutionary Wakandan innovation that T'Challa and Ramonda thought up a few days ago. Ultimately I can't go lower than 8/10 on this. While there were some eyeball-rolling moments, this issue also had me looking up the Church Committee on Wikipedia (again, plausible deniability), and that's not a level of engagement that mediocre comics can achieve. more