Tepid Battles Of Kings And Gods: Reviewing ‘Ultimate Black Panther’ #6

Gods, kings, and freedom fighters. In the Ultimate Universe, all of Africa is at stake as these forces make moves.

Pieces begin to move into place, and motivations become a bit clearer as Ultimate Black Panther #6 hits the stands. Bryan Hill, Carlos Nieto, David Curiel, and Cory Petit are pulling back the curtain a bit more this month.

It only took six issues, but there is, at last, a bit of personality and reasoning making it to the page.

In previous issues I spoke often about how overall the series was heavily relying on people just inherently knowing these characters. Whether through the main Marvel Universe comics, or the versions seen within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Little was being delivered to really show off how these characters, beyond some surface changes, really differ.

Hill adds some stuff here as we get to actually see what Khonshu and Ra are doing to gather their forces/power. We also see where Killmonger and Ororo stand (after mostly being just there in the past few issues), and where some divisions might arise between T’Challa and Shuri. We even get a scuffle between Black Panther and Khonshu.

It’s not a whole ton, as the scenes mostly still just sort of are there, building towards the future, but it’s something. Part of the issue it feels like is the choice to have the whole Ultimate Universe kick off with issues moving in ‘real time’ to match up to the Maker’s return in two years. Some books handle that better than others. With more focus on the characters and motives, the time jumps would not cause too much strife or hollowness.

Nieto continues on as the artist with this issue, pulling many of the same threads that Stefano Caselli did. Plenty of depth, emotion, and character weight are present on the page. There is a dynamic flair to it, but different than the very superhero friendly style we saw previously. More subtle and lower key, as things flow very smoothly. Some textures have a tad bit of roughness to them mixed together with some whimsical smooth energies.

Colors are also lower key here, landing mostly in a very natural or muted zone. Most of the areas with Ra and Khonshu have darker, more ominous color palette choices, leaving the brighter and lighter tones for Wakanda. Flashes of colors that are higher on the vibrancy scale pop up here or there, to remind us of the superhero and supernatural beats. Even as the tonal energies feel similar across the issue, each space they visit maintains its own unique style.

With some personality leaking through, Petit has a bit more to grab onto with the lettering. Letting some emotion and punchiness bleed through into the dialogue. Alongside all the usual well-done work to make everything flow and read smoothly across the page. Little flairs here and there to add the right visual cues for tone, volume, and intention.

Ultimate Black Panther #6 is now available from Marvel Comics.