Black Panther (2008) #11

This is the third and final planned installment of my nod to the Black Panther film which opened this weekend. Judging from the lady Panther on the cover, I thought it might be the least relevant of the three books read and reviewed but it may in fact turn out to be the most appropriate.

This issue is part five of a story called "Power" and so the first-page recap below came in quite handy.

Interesting. I don't know much about Black Panther's entourage so the Shuri character meant nothing to me. But some of the more specific feedback I've read about her part in the Black Panther movie is that she kind of steals the show. She seems, from short clips I've seen, to add some spunky attitude and perhaps a few laughs. this book just got more interesting.

Shuri is off to confront Namor about this proof. She finds him enjoying a good book on a tiny island.

For some reason, that cracks me up...

She is not particularly diplomatic and Namor, while as patient as he ever is under her questioning, is somewhat dismissive of her. So Shuri's strategy is quite literally to kick him in the ass.

Ha! Maybe she IS pretty likable!

But just because it was successful doesn't make it a good idea, as Shuri's support team tries to explain repeatedly. She does gets most of the early licks in, and surprises Namor with a little techno trick that saps his strength but Namor manages to reach water and when that happens, about the only thing you can do is...

Awesome.

Namor takes the upper hand from here but Shuri won't give in. This fight is excellent in that both participants come out looking great no matter how many blows they take. But when Namor looks prepared to put it away, they get interrupted.

"Friends". I'm sure as I continue my little journey through Namor's life, that terminology will be tested.

Reed Richards goes on to explain that the proof against Namor was fabricated and following tradition, everyone teams up to take on the perp.

Intense yet fun book which is very accessible despite being part five of an ongoing story. It was brought to us by Jonathan Maberry and Will Conrad.