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Hal Jordan & the Green Lantern Corps #47 Review: Guy verses Arkillo Round 2

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HAL JORDAN AND THE GREEN LANTERN CORPS written by Robert Venditti, pencils by Fernando Pasarin, inks by Oclair Albert & Eber Ferreira, colors by Jason Wright, and letters by Dave Sharpe enlightens our shelves with some fantastic art this week while Hal Jordan, Guy Gardner, and Kyle Rayner escape their own personal prisons with some helpful friends.

Unless you’ve read this issue or enjoy hunting for early Christmas presents, now is the time to turn back before I brighten up your day with some Hal and Pals SPOILERS.

Overall, this issue didn’t progress the story much at all. Hal Jordan loses his mind only to gain it back about eight pages later. The tricky Guy Gardner gets Round 2 with Arkillo only to break free from the Darkstar’s using his willpower. And, Orion breaks Kyle Rayner and Space Cabbie out of New Genesis Jail. The story feels like Robert Venditti was forced to wrap this series up quick with a nice bow. The wrapping is pretty good but let’s check out the gift inside.

Review: Hal Jordan

Let’s talk about the best part. Fernando Pasarin’s pencils, Oclair Albert & Eber Ferreira’s inks, and Jason Wright’s colors. Their art pops right off the page. The art team did a fantastic job this week. Give credit where credit is due. These guys had such bright and vibrant colors mixed with such specific detail.

Just look above at the fight between Guy Gardner and Arkillo as proof. I can feel the pain from Guy’s uppercut. Also, look between Arkillo’s legs at Guy’s dad. This art team could have fudged together some profile of his dad. Better yet, they could have left him entirely out of the page. But the fact that they left him in AND gave him specific detail shows me the time, and dedication Pasarin, Ferreira, and Wright put into this issue.

Review: Hal Jordan issue 47

Even though this page above looks kind of busy, I wanted to point out the lettering by Dave Sharpe. There’s a ton of dialogue down the left side that makes the page extra busy. That very well could be Robert Venditti trying to fit too much into one page. However, I loved the lettering of Guy Gardner on this page.

I can physically see his anger in his words. The KOOOOM down the right side helps show the reader how powerful Guy’s hits are, as well as how loud they are too! Arkillo is taking a pounding for someone else’s dad to help out a friend. I sincerely hope this relationship between Guy and Arkillo continues somewhere when this book is done.

Review: Hal Jordan issue 47

Venditti gives us a trip down memory lane of Hal Jordan as he remembers everything from the past 46 issues. We also get Kyle Rayner escaping with Space Cabbie and Orion in what appears just to be extra fluff squeezed into the issue. And lastly, Arkillo gets Guy Gardner to come to his senses and regain control using his willpower. So as the Earth Lanterns race back with help, we end the issue with Mogo surrounded by thousands of Darkstars.

I’m sorry. I want to like it more than I do but everything feels rushed, forced, and packed in before the series ends. I enjoyed the Guy/ Arkillo fight but was it needed again? Did we need a trip down memory lane for Hal? And Kyle has felt like a throwaway character for most of this arc as well as the last. There is too much happening right now. So much that we didn’t check in with John at all.

Should you pick up this issue?

Every aspect of the art was outstanding. But, I think you could skip this issue and not miss a beat.

Should you add this series to your pull?

Yes! Why? Because this arc started off really well and I have faith that Venditti will right the ship. Plus, we got 3 issues left. You’ve got to know how it all ends!


Well, what did you guys think of HAL JORDAN AND THE GREEN LANTERN CORPS #47? Comment below or hit me up on Twitter @dispatchdcu

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Review: THE QUANTUM AGE #1 – The Future Of The BLACK HAMMER Universe

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The Quantum Age #1 brings the world of Black Hammer into the year 3041 with tons of action, drama, and heart. It’s written by Jeff Lemire, with art by Wilfredo Torres, colors by Dave Stewart, and letters by Nate Piekos.

The universe is in chaos and a young martian – one of the last of his race – seeks out the help of The Quantum League, once great heroes who have since become enemies of the state.

Each Black Hammer series to date has been a love letter to classic superhero series like Justice League of America and Starman, and The Quantum Age is no exception. Immediately, the series gives off distinct Legion of Super-Heroes vibes, from the time period to the characters and beyond. Obviously, Lemire and company make each series their own, but the homage is a brilliant way to quickly strike a cord with the reader. It sets a clear tone and establishes an emotional connection by feeling like a book you’ve been reading your whole life.

The Quantum Age Black Hammer review

Quantum Age is definitely the most “traditional superhero comic” of the Black Hammer titles (or at least this issue is). It looks to be more action-oriented with bigger set pieces and a grander story, whereas the other series are almost entirely character-driven. But don’t fear, Lemire legionnaires! The characters in Quantum are still as interesting and complex as we’ve come to expect from the writer. After only getting to know them a little bit, you’ll feel the weight of their decisions and fear for their well-being.

And the story itself is equally interesting and mysterious. Finding out how the world became this way and what happened to the Quantum League will definitely have you coming back for more. Just because it’s more “action-oriented” doesn’t mean it’s a boring, dumb punch fest.

Wilfredo Torres’ art and Dave Stewart’s colors combine to create a future that’s equal parts vibrant and gritty. Torres’ work fits the world of Black Hammer well, giving the characters and surroundings a mysterious edge that you can’t quite place. It’s not as edgy as Dean Ormston’s on Black Hammer or Max Fiumara’s on Doctor Star, or as surreal as David Rubin’s on Sherlock Frankenstein, but it’s the perfect fit for this title. It gives the story a more traditional vibe, while still feeling wonderfully weird and independent. Quantum Age seems like it’s going to be more hopeful and inspiring than the Hammer series that have come before it.

As we jump back and forth between two interweaving stories set 25 years apart, Stewart’s colors set the competing tones. The “past” feels brighter and more like a classic superhero comic while the “present” is bleak and dystopian. While everyone on this creative team does their part well, it’s Stewart that seems to have the most control over the audience’s emotions.

The Quantum Age: From the World of Black Hammer #1 is a compelling read, like everything else in this comic book universe. If you’ve been a fan of the Hammer series up to this point, you’re getting more of what you love, but with a little bit more flair.


We also have an interview with Quantum Age artist Wilfredo Torres coming out soon, so keep it tuned to Monkeys Fighting Robots for more info before this series starts next week!

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Marvel’s ‘Luke Cage’ Season 2 Review: The Best Marvel Show Yet?

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In the latest episode of Kieran’s Movie Space, Kieran delivers his spoiler-free review of Marvel’s Luke Cage season two. Does the Netflix series deliver a thrilling second season? Does the villain rival some of Marvel’s best? Find out by listening to Kieran’s review below!

More – ‘Westworld’ Season 2 Review: An Intriguing And Bloodthirsty Western

Kieran’s Movie Space is an insightful, fun and reliable new podcast for fans of all things cinema. Host Kieran McLean delivers in-depth reviews of the latest movie releases, from small indie movies to massive blockbusters.

Listen to the episode below:

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOOqE0Y4pR8[/embedyt]



Luke Cage season two is currently available to stream on Netflix. The series stars Mike Colter, Simone Missick, Alfre Woodard, Theo Rossi, Mustafa Shakir, Ron Cephas Jones, Rosario Dawson and Gabrielle Dennis.

After clearing his name, Luke Cage has become a celebrity on the streets of Harlem with a reputation as bulletproof as his skin. But being so visible has only increased his need to protect the community and find the limits of who he can and can’t save. With the rise of a formidable new foe, Luke is forced to confront the fine line that separates a hero from a villain.


Make sure you hit the like button, subscribe and review the podcast! Alternatively, you can subscribe to the Monkeys Fighting Robots newsletter to be notified when new episodes are available, plus amazing content!

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Jared Leto Cast In Sony’s ‘Morbius The Living Vampire’ Movie

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It looks like Jared Leto isn’t done with comic book movies just yet! The actor who portrayed the most recent incarnation of The Joker in David Ayer’s Suicide Squad has reportedly been cast in Sony’s upcoming Spider-Man spin-off movie, based on Morbius the Living Vampire.

According to THR, the Oscar-winning actor has officially signed on to portray Morbius in Sony’s much-discussed Spider-Man-less universe. Daniel Espinosa (Life) will direct the project, which was written by Burk Sharpless and Matt Sazama.

Find out more about the character below:

In an attempt to cure his rare blood condition, Dr. Michael Morbius turned himself into a Vampire-like creature and obtained a set of fangs and a hunger for human blood. In Marvel Comics, Morbius has often been a Spider-Man villain, although the character has grown to become a popular antihero.

The character was created by Roy Thomas and Gil Kane. The character made his debut in 1971’s Amazing Spider-Man No. 101.


Will Jared Leto do a good job with the role? Let me know in the comments section below!

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BoJack Horseman Season Five Premiere Date Announced

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Are you suffering from a case of NoJack?  Do you find yourself praying for ‘MoJack?  Then get ready for the return of Mr. Horseman!  Early September brings us the last few days of summer, the first few weeks of football, and also the release of season five of BoJack Horseman.

@BoJackHorseman (the Twitter account for the fictional character BoJack Horseman (the star of the popular animated series BoJack Horseman)) slyly broke the news thusly:

So, set your calendars for September 14th, 2018 and get ready for more laughs, more emotions, and hopefully more Vincent Adultman.

Vincent Adultman and Princess Caroline in BoJack Horseman

The show, created by Raphael Bob-Waksberg, stars Will Arnett, Alision Brie, Amy Sedaris, Paul F. Tompkins, Aaron Paul, and Aparna Nancherla.  The first four seasons are available for your streaming pleasure on Netflix.

 

 

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Review: THE MAN OF STEEL #5 Sets the Stage for the Finale

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The penultimate issue of The Man of Steel miniseries slows the story down and suffers for it.

Last week, we saw the man of steel go up against Rogol Zaar to avenge Kandor. At his side is Supergirl, who is blinded by the loss of the bottled city. Despite there being two Kryptonians, Rogol can stand his ground and manages to defeat the pair. In the aftermath of the battle, Clark finally realizes that Rogol is tied to the destruction of Krypton. He decides to head back to the ruins of the Fortress in a last-ditch attempt to learn of Rogol’s weaknesses. Superman arrives to find Rogol waiting, but before he has a chance to finish off the Kryptonian, Clark’s fury is unleashed. How will the man of steel defeat this mighty foe?

the man of steel 5 cover

**Some Spoilers Below**

Story:

Picking up right where we left off last week, Clark takes Rogol to the moon to reduce the collateral damage. Due to his already weakened state, however, due to his already weak state, the man of steel is defeated and is left behind. Meanwhile, the Justice League has been assisting in Metropolis, trying to clean up the mess the battle from the last issue left behind. They also try to contain an enraged Supergirl as she continues to try and fight Rogol.

the man of steel 5p1

This issue is primarily a filler issue. We get minimal story progression, walking the same steps as last week’s. Clark is mad, fights Rogol, gets hit so hard we get a flashback. Now the flashback does shed light on the Lois and Jon mystery, but it has become so stretched out at this point, it loses interest. This is the biggest problem that began to show as the series went on. While the action is going, it is excellent, but when it slows down, it makes me ask, “Can we wrap this up now?” Thankfully we have one issue left for the miniseries, but as it stands, this issue is just dull.

 

Art:

Adam Hughes serves as the primary illustrator and one of the colorists, and he is a step up from last week. His dark style and colors can capture the monstrous Rogol Zaar and the devastation from the battles. There are parts, however, that Adam does that is just okay in quality. It isn’t terrible by any means, but it is clear which pages Adam put his all in.

The Man of Steel 5 p2

Conclusion:

It’s at this point in the series I’m beginning to worry about Bendis’ writing for the man of steel. There was an excellent build up, but now it feels like it’s overstaying its welcome. We have one issue left to go, and I really hope this miniseries ends with a bang.

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First Official Look At Kristen Wiig In WONDER WOMAN 1984 Revealed

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Director Patty Jenkins has been bringing the goodies for her upcoming film Wonder Woman 1984. Today she took to Twitter to release our first official look at Kristen Wiig as Dr. Barbara Minerva. You can check out the image below:

Minerva is better known as the DC Comics villain Cheetah. Wiig was cast in the role earlier this year to the surprise of many. The actress is most well known for her comedy chops, starting out on Saturday Night Live then moving on to roles in some iconic comedies. Fans have questioned if Wiig could bring the gravitas needed to take on a comic book villain, although, this image may reveal the character could be a lighter take on the iconic villain.

The image reveals that Minerva is visiting a Smithsonian museum in Washington D.C. Most iterations of the character see her as an archaeologist, obsessed with artifacts involving the powers of a cheetah. It would make sense that Minerva would be interested in relics that are on display in the musuem.

The plot details surrounding Wonder Woman 1984 are still under wraps at this point, other than the fact the film will see Diana take up arms during the Cold War. The biggest mystery is the fact that director Patty Jenkins revealed that Chris Pine’s Steve Trevor would be returning for the sequel. Trevor, of course, was seemingly killed in a plane explosion in the third act of Wonder Woman. It’s still unclear how Trevor will make his return and if Cheetah will have any involvement in it.

Are you excited to see Kristen Wiig take on the role of Cheetah? Let us know in the comments below!

Wonder Woman 1984 will blast into theaters November 1, 2019

The film stars Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Kristen Wiig and Pedro Pascal. Patty Jenkins is returning to direct and co-wrote the script with Expendables writer Dave Callahan.

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Review: ANT-MAN AND THE WASP Lilly And Cast Slay In Entertaining Sequel

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Peyton Reed’s Ant-Man and the Wasp is a cleverly constructed story with empowering undertones teeming with absurdity, campiness, and whimsy, creating a joyous experience for fans around the globe.

Anyone walking into to see the sequel to Ant-Man expecting a continuation of Avengers: Infinity War (I’m not sure why you would), has to understand how different these two films are. The Russo brothers’ first of two Avengers films highlights the brutality of Thanos as he clashes with Earth’s Mightiest Heroes. Reed’s second stint as director focuses on the ridiculous set of circumstances which led an ex-con to become something much more. Ant-Man and the Wasp is about being underestimated and overcoming judgment to serve a greater good.

Ant-Man and the Wasp
Marvel Studios ANT-MAN AND THE WASP..L to R: The Wasp/Hope van Dyne (Evangeline Lilly) and Ant-Man/Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) ..Photo: Ben Rothstein..©Marvel Studios 2018

The events of Ant-Man and the Wasp take place after Captain America: Civil War. Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) has subsequently been arrested for his role in the airport battle. Scott is trying to find a way to balance everything going on in his life as he finishes out his sentence. With days left on his house arrest, Hope van Dyne (Evangeline Lilly) and Dr. Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) show up to tell Scott that they have developed a way to potentially track down Hope’s mother (Michelle Pfeiffer), who has been lost in the Quantum Realm for decades. Ant-Man and the Wasp then have to team up in the hopes of saving Hope’s mother. But could an individual from Pym’s past threaten everything?

The writing team of Chris McKenna, Erik Sommers, Andrew Barrer, and Rudd developed a smart way to jump right back into the Pym family saga while still furthering Scott’s narrative too. We see in Ant-Man and the Wasp just how much guilt plays a role in motivating Dr. Pym. Everything he’s done since that fateful sequence on the missile 30 years ago was in hopes of a breakthrough one day that could make his family whole again. Hope recognizes Pym’s torment and is willing to go through any obstacle to ease her father’s pain as well as her own. Time is not wasted here, creating profoundly emotional moments in the film. They instead go in a different direction that makes their part in the movie more visceral.

Scott’s portion of the tale is one of self-discovery. Even though he’s already been Ant-Man, he still views himself as this screw-up ex-con who does more harm than good. Hope tracks him down out of desperation, and even then, he’s second-guessing her. Cassie is the only person who can talk some sense into him when she states “helping people isn’t dumb.” Cassie’s love is enough for Scott to rise from his state of self-pity and begin a journey which ultimately ends in Lang understanding what it means to be Ant-Man.

Ant-Man and the Wasp
Marvel Studios ANT-MAN AND THE WASP..L to R: Cassie Lang (Abby Ryder Fortson) and Ant-Man/Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) ..Photo: Ben Rothstein..©Marvel Studios 2018

However, the gentleman who steal Ant-Man and the Wasp are Michael Peña, Tip “T.I.” Harris and David Dastmalchian. Every comedic moment written for them is executed to perfection. The chemistry of these three was through the roof, and it had me wondering if Marvel could somehow create a vehicle for these characters on the television side. This isn’t to say the rest of the cast is lacking (quite the opposite actually), but when one element of the film stands out that much, it bears mentioning.

Ant-Man and the Wasp
Marvel Studios ANT-MAN AND THE WASP..L to R: Kurt (David Dastmalchian) and Dave (T.I.) ..Photo: Ben Rothstein..©Marvel Studios 2018

Reed maintains a brisk pace throughout the film. Nothing in the movie appears to drag, resulting in a storyline which flows beautifully from beginning to end. The staging of the action sequences is original and quite inventive, making use of every inch of space, even in the front of a moving car). It was as if Reed evaluated the perceived missteps of the first film and tightened those up in Ant-Man and the Wasp. 

Ant-Man and the Wasp
Marvel Studios ANT-MAN AND THE WASP..Luis (Michael Peña) ..Photo: Ben Rothstein..©Marvel Studios 2018

Rudd’s performance is solid as he brings a mixture of levity and humility to the role. Ant-Man isn’t your typical Marvel superhero. He’s more of an everyman, which makes him relatable to fans. However, if we are honest, the star of Ant-Man and the Wasp is Evangeline Lilly. Lilly’s ass-kicking uber-intelligent portrayal of Hope (and the Wasp) is the thread that holds the film together. Seeing Wasp throttle, bad guys will delight fans (especially little girls) everywhere. Don’t be surprised if Wasp becomes a hot costume this Halloween.

Marvel Studios ANT-MAN AND THE WASP..Wasp/Hope van Dyne (Evangeline Lilly)..Photo: Film Frame..©Marvel Studios 2018

Shepherd Frankel’s production design stands out because he seamlessly integrates so many elements (an oversized Pez dispenser and oddly shaped buildings, for instance) to create an attractive landscape. Dante Spinotti’s cinematography is most effective at capturing the intricate surroundings during the continuous action sequences by panning the camera slightly to get a better vantage point. Christophe Beck’s score is light, fun and full of pep.

Ant-Man and the Wasp
Marvel Studios ANT-MAN AND THE WASP..Photo: Film Frame..©Marvel Studios 2018

Overall, Ant-Man and the Wasp is the perfect blend of action and fun making it an excellent time for all. Shrinking away from this sequel could prove to be a costly mistake.

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Review: ANT-MAN AND THE WASP Flies Right Past Its Predecessor

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Marvel Studios sequels seem to come in three varieties. Some make a concerted effort to recontextualize their central hero by placing him in a new environment (Captain America: The Winter Soldier), while others opt for a more radical approach and essentially reinvent the franchise (Thor: Ragnarok). But Ant-Man and the Wasp takes neither of those first two routes. Rather, like last year’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, director Peyton Reed’s latest simply takes its characters deeper, expanding the world around them while pushing their stories to a natural progression.

Although Ant-Man and the Wasp takes place in real time (i.e., two years after the events of Captain America: Civil War), Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) has become estranged from his former allies Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) and Hope van Dyne (Evangeline Lilly), as he serves the tail end of his house arrest sentence for helping “Cap” violate the Sokovia Accords in Germany. But when Hank and Hope realize Scott may be the key to rescuing Hank’s long-lost wife Janet (Michelle Pfeiffer) from the Quantum Realm, the trio are off on another adventure, one that brings them into direct conflict with the elusive Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen).

With the stakes set, Ant-Man and the Wasp spirals out into a rip-roaring romp that is as light on its feet as its characters. Rudd and Lilly have even better chemistry than in the first film, Douglas gets far more to do this time around and Michael Peña is an even greater scene-stealer (don’t worry, there is a callback to his signature bit). Even the first one’s greatest flaw — its lackluster villain — is vastly improved for the sequel. Ghost might not be as compelling a figure as Killmonger or Thanos or as much fun to watch as Hela or Loki. Yet, John-Kamen imbues her with a clear perspective, an understandable motivation and, by the end, something resembling an arc. That’s much more than many other villains in the Marvel Cinematic Universe ever get (looking at you, Malekith, Ronan, Kaecilius, et al).

From a plot perspective, Ant-Man and the Wasp feels a bit muddled at times, especially during an exposition-heavy scene featuring the great Laurence Fishburne as Hank’s rival Bill Foster. Yet, it moves at such a rapid pace that audiences will rarely have a moment to catch their breath before another joke — a dig at the MCU heroes’ go-to disguises stands out — or thrilling action set piece emerges onscreen. In particular, Ant-Man and the Wasp really hones in on the most important relationship in Scott’s life: the one he shares with his daughter Cassie (Abby Ryder Fortson). Although their bond was a key element in the first film, the sequel really brings it to the center, giving Rudd and Fortson plenty of heartfelt material to work with. In addition, Cassie’s more prominent role might just be setting up the character for greater things to come.

Ant-Man And The Wasp

Speaking of characters rising up to claim the spotlight, let’s talk about Hope’s ascension to her mother’s mantle as the Wasp. Lilly’s character barely cracked our recent ranking of the MCU’s most badass women, but that was before we ever saw her suit up. Ant-Man and the Wasp makes the case for why the latter hero is not only superior to her male counterpart but could be an essential part of the MCU going forward. In both of the film’s most memorable action sequences — one involving hand-to-hand combat, the other an extended car chase through the streets of San Francisco — the Wasp is at the forefront. Partly because Lilly is so fun to watch, these scenes are among the film’s greatest highlights.

From beginning to end, Ant-Man and the Wasp is rich in imagination and a true testament to why these characters deserve to be an integral part of the MCU’s future. Although the original film earned $519 worldwide — making it one of the lowest-grossing entries in the franchise — this one could benefit from the post-Avengers bump that helped push Iron Man 3 past the $1 billion mark. For families hungry for more of this world, this particular MCU installment is perhaps the most suitable superhero adventure of the summer and one likely to reward repeat viewings as well.

No one expected Ant-Man and the Wasp to be nearly as epic or grand as something like Avengers: Infinity War. However, as a sequel to Ant-Man, it easily sits among those elite superhero sequels to surpass their prerequisite origin stories. Moreover, the film is one of only two releases coming between Infinity War and next year’s untitled Avengers 4Captain Marvel doesn’t hit until March 2019 — and its mid- and post-credits scenes nicely key up what fans have in store. In short, Ant-Man and the Wasp serves as one of the breeziest entries in the MCU and an effective palate cleanser before Thanos returns to shake his intergalactic fist at Earth’s Mightiest Heroes once more.

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BLACK PANTHER #2 Review: T’Challa the New Hope

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BLACK PANTHER #2 written by Ta-Nehisi Coates, art by Daniel Acuna, and letters by Joe Sabino soars onto our shelves this week as Ta-Nehisi Coates throws the reader immediately into the drivers seat of an action-packed Zulu Fighter battle of epic proportions.

Does T’Challa possess amazing new abilities, and what was the Wakandan Empire really after? Let’s find out.

There will be SPOILERS ahead. Turn back now unless you want to know who Keyser Söze is, already read the issue, or simply don’t give a flying ferret.

Ta-Nehisi Coates does a tremendous job taking the reader immediately into this space opera with an epic Zulu Fighter battle. T’Challa goes off on his own to take down an entire fleet of 50 Masia Fighters, which was amazing! While M’Baku and Nakia take their fleet away, T’Challa literally becomes a man possessed and is able to overcome the odds.

Review: Black Panther #2

Daniel Acuna and Joe Sabino do a phenomenal job showing the movement of the Fighters and placing the word balloons in the perfect spots. Acuna deliberately draws the Masia Fighters in a different shape than the Zulu Fighters making the fight more clear and easy to follow.

Also, notice the last panel above. Acuna does a fantastic job of showing the reader that T’Challa slams on his breaks letting the Masia Fighters pass him by to get the advantage and take them out. He does this through the use of multiple lines from multiple angles. Very impressive!Review: Black Panther #2Next, take a look at this page above. The purple in the bottom panel that is surrounding T’Challa is showing the reader that “something” is happening to him. Some type of power or ability is manifesting itself in him and appears to be slowing everything down. Even T’Challa’s eyes are turning purple. More importantly, notice the lines of speed surrounding the Fighters as they move BUT those lines dissipate while T’Challa is surrounded by the purple aura.

Acuna is doing a tremendous job working with Coates to show us what’s going on without having to use excessive dialogue. Better yet, the lettering by Sabino is also in purple. This shows the reader that T’Challa is not only two steps ahead of everyone physically, but mentally as well.

Everything appears to slow down for T’Challa, including how he processes language. Sabino hit a home run this issue working with the team to help thoroughly connect the lettering. He chose amazing placement of the word balloons without going heavy on the text.

Review: Black Panther #2

Even as T’Challa’s new abilities manifest, he manages to get hit while taking out most of the Masia Fleet. This crash leads him to having visions. We see T’Challa having visions of a woman with white hair. We could speculate that this is a past life. Maybe we could also think that this woman is Storm? We are not told who this is, but we are to assume these visions are essential to the story. So, stay tuned.

Review: Black Panther

This page (above) was amazing and led me to even more questions as we work our way to the end of this issue. We learn that the Ruler, or would be Black Panther, is actually N’Jadaka AND that his suit appears to have abilities that remind me of a particular alien symbiote we all know and love.

This creative team, led by Coates, did a fantastic job of connecting elements of the Black Panther movie into this comic while still making it a “Fresh Start.” For example, notice the name drops on all of the characters. Each characters name, even though it’s in space, are the exact names of the characters from the movie.

In the end, the current Black Panther Ruler, N’Jadaka (Killmonger from the movie), is wearing the same yellow suit that he wore in the film. Do not let the subtle connections be mistaken as unintentional. This creative team is on point throughout the entire issue.

Review Black Panther issue 2

So, why was T’Challa and the Zulu Fighters attacking the Masia Fighters at the beginning of the issue? Well, because they were looking for pieces of the M’Kraan Crystal. Now, that was an ending! How are the M’Kraan Crystal and this futuristic world of space Black Panther all connected? Beats me, but I know I want the answer.

Should you pick up this issue?

Absolutely! I was nervous at first about having Black Panther meets Star Wars. However, Coates, Acuna, and Sabino are working so well together. They’re giving us “A New Hope” for T’Challa and connecting this character for all ranges of fans.

Should you add this series to your pull?

Yes! If you’re a long time Black Panther fan or one that just hopped on board after the movie, there are some great things for both of you.


Well, what did you guys think of BLACK PANTHER #2? Comment below or hit me up on Twitter @dispatchdcu

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