Reggie Hudlin gets another crack at a #1 issue of Black Panther, and from the start–with the very cover–he lets readers know that this is a different kind of Black Panther series. Marvel promoted is as a big change…
It starts with a plane crash. T’Challa’s craft was attacked after promising Namor that Wakanda would remain neutral regarding the new leadership in the U.S. by Norman Osborn. Black Panther is nearly killed in the plane crash and has to be hospitalized with low odds of survival–and someone must take up the Black Panther mantle to protect agains further attacks.
Through flashbacks, we learn that Doctor Doom was behind the attack. His motivation is not entirely clear.
With Storm’s support, T’Challa’s sister Shuri begins going through the ritual trials and eventually faces down the Panther God.
While she competes in one spirit realm, her brother fights off death in another–with the help of Ororo.
Meanwhile, the wizard Morlun seeks to claim the Panther totem–with the help of members of the Man-Ape’s old tribe.
Shuri kills Morlun in the end and emerges as the new Black Panther.
I want to like this, but it feels like every other Black Panther story. He’s hurt and a rival tribe tries to get control of Wakanda by taking over as Black Panther. Yes, there are differences here. The story is much more female focused–without Storm’s help, T’Challa would not have conquered death and Shuri is prominent. But overall, there’s not much new here.