Somewhere Between Faith And Reality: Reviewing ‘Ultimate Black Panther’ #11

War often focuses upon the wants and needs of those waging it, leaving those caught in the middle without voice. As the war between Khonshu/Ra and Wakanda continues, Ultimate Black Panther #11 offers a solution and a new perspective.

Another chapter of the ongoing series brought to life by Bryan Hill, Carlos Nieto, David Curiel, and Cory Petit.

I’m at a middle point with this series.

While Hill still hasn’t really done the work to differentiate or develop these characters (beyond the clear Marvel Cinematic Universe/616 inspirations), some of the beats are starting to at least come together story wise. Part of me rolls my eyes at the overdone royalty walking amongst the people to finally realize something trope. Not to say that it’s not effective to the overall story here, it’s just become a bit of a bore to see.

Especially since it’s nothing new when it comes to T’Challa/Black Panther/Wakanda stories. Again, the MCU dealt with the same thing regarding its characters. Hell, even the 616 comics circle back to that route every so often despite Wakanda being an open and known country for decades of the publishing world.

Vibranium as potentially sentient and with plans of its own at least is a different path to travel, whether it’s interesting or not remains to be seen.

I wish that more time was spent with Storm, Killmonger, and new Sorcerer Supreme Inan, who are completely absent here (despite what the issue’s cover showcases) and continuously fall into this spot. As stated before, this series is the one that misuses and wastes the whole month/week jump between issues in the Ultimate line’s concept. Eleven months of stories and some characters are still as static and cardboard as month one. Wild.

Nieto remains aboard as the guest artist. A lot of sitting around, talking, and posturing, with a bit of action in this one. That being said, he works well with what the issue has to give him. Plenty of depth and emotional bandwidth are seen and felt through the issue. Even with some static characters, at least their emotions are clear even if the personality doesn’t match up.

Some rougher textures are here, too, and some of the images don’t feel as dynamic as others, but overall, it works for the story.

What always works, though, is the work that Curiel does with the colors. Presenting a solid palette which mixes the lighter and darker bits quite well. It allows each space to feel unique, whether in coloring or lighting aspects, and built up. Many of the spaces offer up more personality than the characters, which is wild.

Putting in a ton of work as always is Petit, who must find ways to inject more character beats in dialogue than are really there, letting it all flow around and have the impact that it should. Delivering emotional energy for characters is still lacking, and almost playing at having emotions. Tone and volume are clear as always with the right indicators popping up to give words a boost.

Ultimate Black Panther #11 is now available from Marvel Comics.