Black Panther #1

Writer: Ta-Nehisi Coates
Artist: Brian Stelfreeze
Color Artist: Laura Martin

We start with a brief prologue. Wakanda's had some problems, T'Challa's been away, his sister Shuri died . . .

The first page is a splash illustrating various ways T'Challa's been rejected. He calls himself the Orphan-King. As we move through the issue, we see that he is in conflict with his own people. A routine speaking engagement turns into a riot.

Cut to the credits, where we see that this storyline is called A Nation Under Our Feet Part 1.

In the next scene, a member of the Dora Milaje pleads for the life of another member, who acted extralegally to deal with a child molester. The Queen Mother refuses her plea.

The Dora Milaje leave, and T'Challa enters. He and the Queen Mother discuss the strife in Wakanda.

Cut to a whole new scene. We find out that the riot was incited by a young woman with emotion-influencing powers. She is part of a revolutionary movement.

Next, a prison break! Ayo (the Dora Milaje who was pleading for the other's life) is breaking out Aneka (the one whose life she was pleading for). Turns out they're in love. And she stole some super-suits. They're gonna kick some ass.

We end with T'Challa ruminating on the division between himself and his people while he tries, and fails, to revive Shuri.

This is a busy issue, but the artist is up to the task. Let's dive in!

The first thing I noticed was an Arthurian theme. Both the king and the land are in conflict; the opposition is a woman with powers.

The second is just a hint, but here it is: Should a modern country really be ruled by a monarchy? We may sympathize with T'Challa, but he seems like he's in over his head. And should a head of state really be running off to play with the Avengers as often as he does?

I'm seeing deep waters. Do they indicate the Lady of the Lake, or just a pool to drown in?