Reviews

Black Panther, Vol. 1: A Nation Under Our Feet, Book 1 by Ta-Nehisi Coates

nglofile's review

3.0

Prior to reading this, I knew little of the Black Panther mythology. I mention that because though the story begins with exposition and context, there were times I lost the thread. That may be on me, or it may be due to the fact this was Coates' first foray into the format. His story and dialogue mostly work, and the prose often chimes with his distinctive turns of phrase. One struggle is with pacing, as we alternate between multi-panel, multi-bubble speeches (and I do mean speeches) and then segments of concentrated action. Both are necessary, but they weren't well-integrated.

The real star is the artwork. Superhero illustration conventions aren't a personal favorite, but these were arresting images both in motion and in quiet. The coiled tension, the emotion, the boldness of color and pose -- all added a dynamic quality that invites admiration. Most especially welcome was the depiction of characters of color designed with specificity and individuality. It's thoughtful and glorious. I haven't previously followed the work of illustrator Brian Stelfreeze, but I look forward to finding more.

katreadsalot's review

4.0

This was my first attempt at a comic! As a huge Marvel movie fan, I enjoyed reading about Black Panther. I found it a little more slowly paced than my usual preference. Illustrations were incredible.

toyaalex's review

3.0

I really wanted to love this because.....Black Panther 🖤

But this was too wordy/intellectual for such a short comic. I can see perfectly how this would work as a movie script, but as a comic is was just not exciting. Took me longer than it should've to get through it.

juliana_aldous's review

4.0

Need to mull this one a bit--maybe read the Wikipedia page or some reviews to understand more of backstory and what I missed. Beautiful, though!

nakedsushi's review

3.0

I was confused with all the different factions in the beginning, but eventually, I got it.

mwmakar's review

adventurous fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

I mean, a lot of cool ideas about leaders and stuff but then they still have to go win the fights by kicking butt. Cool artwork, a lot of “do as I say” in the characters

deservingporcupine's review

4.0

Finished the trade. It's complicated, which might be while people are having trouble with it. I like that it takes a little time for the story to unravel. The art is phenomenal. T'Challa is the least interesting character.

Predictably great. Already the characters are complicated and I'm not even sure that I'm rooting for Black Panther.

novelistdienne's review against another edition

4.0

Can't wait for the next Volume.

welkinvault's review against another edition

adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Artwork was stunning.  The story was confusing.  The trip back to the origins of the Black Panther was a bit cringe. 

girlpowermch's review

dark tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0