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Predator Versus Black Panther #1:
Creative Team:
Writer: Benjamin Percy
Artist: Chris Allen
Letterer: VC’s Travis Lanham
Colorists: Erick Arciniega
Cover by: Ken Lashley and Juan Fernandez
PUBLISHER: MARVEL COMICS
“For centuries, the YAUTJA have stalked the inhabitants of Earth. A sentient, humanoid, extraterrestrial species, they are known for hunting other dangerous creatures for honor and sport.
Capable of interstellar travel via starships, they come from a planet with an atmosphere similar to that of Earth’s, but their technological advancement far outstrips that of humans. Using a combination of this advanced technology, including cloaking systems and plasmacasters, and basic weapons, such as spears, blades, and nets, the Yautja traditionally claim a trophy from their prey. It takes a remarkable human to outmatch the…PREDATOR.” – Benjamin Percy
“Since the dawn of time, the African nation of WAKANDA has repelled would-be conquerors and experienced unchecked cultural evolution. The result: a high-tech, resource-rich, ecologically sound paradise hidden from the rest of the world.
Their most valuable resource is VIBRANIUM, a rare metallic ore with energy-manipulation properties, which the Wakandans use to create their superior technology. Ruling over all of this is KING T’CHALLA. With his innate physical and mental skills enhanced by the mystical heart-shaped herb and the blessings of the goddess Bast, he is Wakanda’s greatest defender
known as the… BLACK PANTHER”- Benjamin Percy
The Art and Letters:
MATT:
Traveling to Wakanda and seeing how every artist interprets and showcases the beauty is always a delight. Chris invites us into this story featuring the lush green forest and the blue waters of Wakanda. Meanwhile, on the other side of the coin, he brings us into the home of a familiar foe, the Predator. One thing I enjoyed was seeing how they showed, just like in Wakanda, how different the tribes of Yautja were and expanded upon their lore. We are introduced to a variety of hunting helmets and weapons that still have the air of familiarity but make this story its own.
Regarding the lettering, we are treated with a softness to the voices of people such as Shuri and T’Challa. When it comes to narration, the words are written in a way that distinguishes how we read them, aside from coloring them and adding layers to the writing.
RICH:
The art in this first issue is very appealing. You get the feel of a Black Panther book, while also getting the desolate look of a Predator one. The colors also show great contrast with more vibrant colors in Wakanda, and darker colors in the Wolf Star System.
The Story:
MATT:
Benjamin captures the reader instantly, opening up this story by expanding upon Predator lore. Describing the different families and factions and drawing similarities to the tribes of Wakanda endear the reader to this immediately. The way he crafts the tale and reason for this looming battle makes sense, and using the ultimate weapon in Vibranium is one thing that makes sense. This story sets itself up nicely, and having Benjamin Percy at the helm, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
RICH:
The story is a great introduction story to the conflict that will go down in this arc. Getting the back story of a past interaction between the Wakandan’s and the Yautja sets the stage. But my favorite piece of the story is the comparison between the elder & younger brother Yautja and T’Challa & Shuri. Sibling rivalries are a tale as old as time and very relatable. Benjamin Percy set the table for this arc beautifully.
Final Thoughts:
MATT:
Predator Versus Black Panther #1 starts as a love letter to both Black Panther and Predator, giving the perfect reason for the impending fight. It does more telling than showing, which is not bad in this case. This first issue has me extremely excited about what is to come!
9.5/10 Cigars
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RICH:
Predator Versus Black Panther #1 does an impeccable job of splitting time between the Predator and the Black Panther. Showing both in a equal light leads us to believe this will be an epic war. Don’t know about you, but this is a war that is a must read!
Final Grade: 9.5/10
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