Black Panther #3: The Teleportation of Manifold!

Commander N’Yami and Nakia analyze the historical teachings of the great T’Challa and Black Panther lore. N’Yami has a combination of ideas that the Maroon’s T’Challa, once unnamed without memories, may have the soul of the past Avenger, the Black Panther. Nakia, as she too is given a name of a past Wakandian legend, considers that people of the Empire adopted the great name in wishing for a reincarnation of the once king of Wakanda. Or, is this somehow the true T’Challa? The commander continues to build and establish facts that support her theory.

Commander N’Yami wants to keep these theories between just the two of them as she is concerned with false hope and that Emperor N’Jadaka would become more aggressive to the resistance. Does N’Yami have insight that she did not share, perhaps from the M’Krann Crystal?

Afterward, Nakia invited T’Challa for a little rock climbing to continue bonding with her fellow soldier. This leaves the reader to be objective as both characters are subjective to the Maroon’s goals of retrieving their memories stolen by the Askari.

As they completed their climb, T’Challa and Nakia continue their conversation on Maroon base. Before a plan can be developed, the Askari Raiders surprisingly attacks quickly and harshly. T’Challa, Nakia, and M’Baku lead the other Maroons into battle as they defend their turf. This issue ends with the surprise entrance of Manifold pinning M’Baku to the ground!

Ta-Nehisi Coates’ talent continues to shine in Black Panther #3, as he takes well known Marvel mythology and simultaneously add to the genre of speculative fiction dealing with imaginative concepts such as futuristic settings, space travel, and time travel. The beginning of this issue, Coates’ storytelling is the literature of ideas that between Commander N’Yami and her high ranking officer, Nakia. Using philosophical thought process with the act of debating, Coates allows the reader to explore the “What if?” effect instead of just concentrating on character or plot development. However, Coates does provide subtle hints to intriguing minds that surely will continue as we look forward to issues ahead.

Though Coates’ plot is mentally exhilarating at the beginning of Black Panther #3, Daniel Acuna is like a star aligning “The Intergalactic Empire of Wakanda” story. His understanding of motion and pacing perfectly provides the kind of skill to enhance this story. His explosive colors demonstrate the kind of excitement and beautiful back backgrounds as if it were a science fiction action movie.

Acuna’s usage of clear, deep bright purple, leap off the page with incredible detail add excitement to the storyline. I, for one, love rock climbing and immensely enjoyed those panels!

As it has been two months since the last issue, I am concern that this story is too slow for some readers. However, as Coates noted on the last page of issue #1; “Hang tight, it’s all part of the journey!” Now, read issues #1, #2, and #3 again and feel the lessons while enjoying a fresh direction to one of our favorite Marvel characters. What will the next issue reveal? How will Manifold fit into this saga? Will he explain that the T’Challa of the Maroons is actually the King of Wakanda of years past? Manifold has my attention!