ICYMI! Imperial War: Black Panther #1 – World War Wakanda

Writing in the margins of an ongoing event series can be difficult, especially when you’re attempting to pen a story that has to carry a heavy weight as interconnective tissue—its own meaningfulness be damned. That being said, Victor LaValle walks the tightrope excellently alongside artist Cafu, delivering a delectable taste of what T’Challa’s future within Marvel Cosmic may come to be.

This issue is essential reading if you’re following Imperial, as it pushes major plot beats forward in the ongoing political struggle over Wakanda. Its pacing is carefully measured, landing most comfortably when read just after the second issue of the main event. What keeps the story compelling, however, is the way it digs into T’Challa’s mind as he navigates the conflict both as King of Wakanda and as the Black Panther—a figure of heroism recognized across the galaxy. That strong characterization and distinct voice give the issue its spark, promising an exciting trajectory for the character’s upcoming relaunch.

At the same time, the issue takes care to flesh out the broader war-driven details of Imperial, weaving them seamlessly into T’Challa’s arc. The ripple effects of battle are showcased just as vividly as its immediate politics, with the human cost of warfare deliberately foregrounded. These moments not only lend the story additional weight, but also set the stage for what is poised to become the central driving force of the relaunch.

Cafu’s art sells it all with a weight that feels tangibly realistic, yet still shines with expressive energy. The deliberate pacing of the issue owes much to his panel-to-panel storytelling, as he chooses moments of direct impact that keep us firmly rooted in the heart of battle while simultaneously guiding us through T’Challa’s careful political investigation. It’s a balance of spectacle and subtlety that allows the story to breathe while never losing its momentum.