Black Panther #16: Turbulence!

There is a lot going on in Black Panther #16 and Ta-Nehisi Coates continues to connect the dots between time and space without losing the purpose. Ever since the first issue, we have been experiencing similarities to Star Wars and this issue is no different. The “All-Black” bonded with the Dark Emperor of Wakanda, 2000 years in the future and may have learned much before the dramatic conclusion of the last issue. Now, this symbiotic creature of Knull has bonded with another Wakandian, Changamire, but back in the present time. Confused? Not me! Quantum physics, man! Coates is @#$%ing brilliant how he articulates Wakandian mythology with resistance forces of the universe from the now to the future and back full circle. While he expands our imagination, Coates also keeps his storyline fresh as he continues character building.

The symbiotic Changamire is not the only developing character. Throughout this issue, both T’Challa and his sister, Shuri, have very interesting opposing views, but their deceased mother from the Djalia (home of Wakanda memory) teaches her children some hard lessons. Coates has a real talent mixing realism with cultural beliefs.

The real star character in Black Panther #16 is not T’Challa, nor is it Shuri, but Storm! Daniel Acuna’s artwork outstandingly works his magic to the battle of the Imperial fighters. The details and colors works perfectly throughout the book and especially with Storm!

Black Panther #16 is such a captivating issue and I cannot praise the work of Ta-Nehisi Coates and Daniel Acuna enough without sounding like a broken record. The excitement build up towards the fight between T’Challa and the symbiotic Changamire has me waiting on edge!