Marvel enthusiasts are in for a treat as the comic book giant unveils a new Black Panther within the pages of its upcoming Ultimate Universe, scheduled for an early debut next year. This reboot not only promises a fresh perspective on T’Challa, the iconic Black Panther, but also introduces redesigned versions of two pivotal characters: Storm and Killmonger. As part of the Ultimate Invasion series crafted by Jonathan Hickman and Bryan Hitch, this new narrative, penned by Bryan Hill (known for his work on Blade) and illustrated by Stefano Caselli (a key contributor to the Ultimate Universe), is set to unfold against the backdrop of a Wakanda that stands as the last bastion against Moon Knight’s ambitious takeover of Africa.
The new Black Panther in the Ultimate Universe brings with him a reinvented Wakanda, a nation brimming with new iterations of familiar characters. Bryan Hill’s narrative weaves a tale where Wakanda becomes the final stronghold resisting Moon Knight’s dominion, creating a storyline that promises both action and intricate storytelling.
Peach Momoko, a prominent artist at Marvel, has taken on the task of redesigning Storm and Killmonger. Speaking about her approach to these iconic characters, she stated, “Getting to design for Storm and Killmonger, I wanted to respect the characters and also put in my soul and unique vision into them.” These redesigned characters will appear as freedom fighters, engaged in a struggle to thwart the plans of Konshu and Ra that have unfolded across the rest of Africa.
In this narrative, Storm and Killmonger, portrayed as freedom fighters with a history of attempting to halt Konshu and Ra’s sinister plans, make their way to Wakanda. Their mission is to persuade King T’Challa to step out of the shadows and lead the resistance against Moon Knight’s encroaching control.
Storm, a character with a rich history as both a powerful mutant and a key figure in T’Challa’s life, has often been his love interest. On the other hand, Killmonger, a complex character with connections to T’Challa, has played various roles from a peer to a challenger for the throne. The decision to introduce them together in the narrative presents an exciting exploration of uncharted territory within Marvel’s storytelling.
This new narrative stems from the events of Ultimate Invasion, where the Maker plotted to rid the world of superheroes. Due to Wakanda’s secretive and well-defended nature, it appears that Black Panther has survived while other heroes fell. However, the nation’s isolationism also means that Black Panther has yet to step up against the Maker’s schemes. Storm and Killmonger’s arrival in Ultimate Black Panther #3 is anticipated to be a pivotal moment, signaling a significant shift for T’Challa in this universe.
This storyline also intersects with the broader narrative of the Ultimate Avengers, who are striving to restore balance to their world while the Maker is temporarily incapacitated. Iron Lad and Doctor Doom have orchestrated the release of Thor from an Asgardian prison, with Captain America awaiting thawing. In such a scenario, Black Panther’s inclusion would not only bring formidable combat skills but also strategic brilliance and the technological might of Wakanda.
The collaborative efforts of Storm and Killmonger to recruit Black Panther into the Ultimate Avengers unfold against a backdrop of uncertainty. Black Panther’s potential collaboration with the Avengers could be a game-changer for the Ultimate Universe. However, convincing someone of T’Challa’s stature, who has more to offer than they do, may require persuasive efforts from characters like Storm and Killmonger.
The new Black Panther narrative, titled Ultimate Black Panther (2024) #3, is poised to be a captivating addition to Marvel’s ever-expanding universe. With Bryan Hill’s storytelling prowess, Stefano Caselli’s artistic contributions, and Peach Momoko’s redesigned characters, fans can expect a compelling narrative that delves into unexplored aspects of Marvel lore while introducing fresh perspectives on iconic characters.
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Peter Parker, T’Challa, Carol Danvers, Scott Lang, Stephen Strange