Black Panther #17: Know Your Place!

Recap
Review
About a third of this issue is devoted to “YAO” and Nakia having calm, rational and blunt heart to heart discussion about their mutual feelings for T’Challa. I really enjoy that Ta-Nehisi Coates strategically places realism in his writing. However, this one has me torn just a little. I love how Storm and Nakia approach a sensitive issue in an adult manner, but for Storm to give permission to satisfy her man’s needs… Sorry, I just don’t believe that one! I would hope she would confront as, “You are an excellent soldier and take pride in the responsibility to protect your fellow warrior. I understand the circumstances and it’s gracious of you to see that it is over between you and MY man. It’s only natural; there may be times in the future that T’Challa and you may feel moments of weakness. Bitch, you better leave your hands off of MY man. He has a hand to use when I am not in the room.” Daniel Acuna, I enjoy his work, but this issue… Ororo’s face is a mess; like an amateur watered down oil painting!
During the briefing, Okoye feels that there may be a traitor amongst the ranks. This section is drawn out way to long and rather boring as T’Challa seeks out the one who may have betrayed them. The conversation between Black Panther and Blast felt like an adult scolding a child that caused trouble for a sibling. Yes, in a fictional world, a GOD has taken possession of a child’s body, but it almost seems to be the other way around.
Meanwhile, the symbiote with the essence of N’Jadaka, former emperor of the galactic empire, and currently possessing Changamire is seeking out the original Kilmonger’s body in Niganda. Cool, but why?! How is this Klyntar symbiote descendant planning to resurrect a badass Black Panther foe? We may have to wait until the next issue for these and other questions to be clarified. However, it may have been better if Coates and Acuna devoted one or two pages of horrific action within this section of the story. There were other issues within this series that Coates and Acuna used one or two pages of beautiful action sequences without words. That talent is greatly needed in Black Panther #17!
Ta-Nehisi Coates has a history for building a suspenseful story to hit you with that right hook. However, Black Panther #17 is just too drawn-out and one of the weakest issues in this arc. As always, Daniel Acuna’s artwork is absolutely amazing in the action sequences; well, the little provided. However, Acuna did not live up to his previous work as well.
Final Thoughts
Black Panther #17 had some interesting segments that could have been built better instead of focusing on a three-way drama.
Black Panther #17: Know Your Place!
- Writing - 6.5/106.5/10
- Storyline - 6/106/10
- Art - 7/107/10
- Color - 7/107/10
- Cover Art - 8/108/10