Lightning Sparks In The Air — Reviewing ‘Ultimate Black Panther’ #18

Prophecies, betrayals, and secret passions begin to paint the clearest picture yet in this series centered on the ultimate-ized Wakanda.

If last issue was considered a “potentially game-changing chapter,” then Ultimate Black Panther #18 is the pure definition of game-changer. Pieces that were slowly moved are speeding up as Bryan Hill, Stefano Caselli, David Curiel, and Joe Caramagna kick the series into the next gear.

From emotionless cardboard to this? What a roller coaster of a series.

Last issue gave us juicy drama with Killmonger and Queen Okoye making plans and connections. Now it’s time for T’Challa and Ororo to do their own version, and then some, of that same thing.

My feelings about T’Challa and Ororo together in the regular Marvel Universe have long been complicated. It doesn’t help that the move to make it a thing was reading 100% like “They’re both Black and from Africa…they should be a couple” in the way it was first put together. All that retroactive retcon canon stuff being deployed in miniseries.

Anyway, like I said, complicated feelings.

This version, though. They’ve spent so much time being very stoic with very little character stuff. Hell, Ororo has wholesale been off the page for a good number of the issues (as was Killmonger). That being said, I can see some of what would lead to this connection between them. They’ve now been on this mission for months (with the issue time jumps) and have known each other for over a year now. Hill makes it work, though my eyebrow is still raised with some skepticism.

I’m really liking how much Caselli is getting to do lately, both in the action and character departments. There is a lot of drama, energy, and dynamic-ness to be mined through these moments. The paneling alone just makes things work so smoothly.

We love to see Ororo use her powers in various ways, from starting a fire to letting some lightning strike when things physically heat up. Just the way that panel sequence is laid out was some thumbs up work.

All the usual depth, detail, and spacial work are on display, letting the growing assortment of emotions really run rampant and true.

Matched with the slick and steady color work that Curiel always brings. He chooses a palette that keeps things very rich and familiar, hitting the toned-down natural levels so easily. These connect with the flashes of vibrancy that mark the fantastic moments and figures that are brought to life in this story and world.

The darker tones that we always see in spaces away from Wakanda are really well used. It speaks to the overall control that still falls on this world even with the Maker currently indisposed.

As the characters begin to come more into themselves, finding their own ways, there is more for the letterer to really let loose. This allows emotions to really flow through the words. Caramagna takes full advantage of the shifts in this story, giving it all visual and mentally auditory power along the way. Keeping the flow truly smooth and logical throughout the issue.

Ultimate Black Panther #18 is now available from Marvel Comics.