Black Panther, Vol. 1: The Deadliest of the Species

Black Panther (2009)

by Reginald Hudlin, Ken Lashley (Artist)

The Black Panther is back... and she's badder than ever! That's right - she! What happened to T'Challa? Who is the new Black Panther? Find out why the female is the deadliest of the species!

Collecting: Black Panther 1-6

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Marvel, Superheroes, Fantasy, Fiction, Science Fiction

144 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Terence · Rating 4 out of 5]

T'Challa was ambushed and it's uncertain if he will live.

The nation must have a Black Panther and Storm has decreed Zuri, T'Challa's sister, prepare herself to be judged by the Panther God.

If the Panther God decrees she's worthy, she'll become the Black Panther. If he does not, he will devour her. As the news of T'Challa being significantly wounded, a new force has set out to raze Wakanda.


The Deadliest of the Species was an enjoyable Black Panther tale. Wakanda actually appears to be the technologically advanced place it is in this volume. That was great in my opinion because I was always bothered by Wakanda being this unstoppable and technological super power yet having large amounts of their people living in huts. It was interesting to see how Wakanda responds to possibly the darkest series of events in their history.

This volume was strong and well thought out. I'm wondering if they can continue on such a strong note. I hope so because this was one of the best Black Panther stories I've encountered so far.

[Shane · Rating 3 out of 5]

VERY slow start. It wasn't boring necessarily, but it wasn't very interesting either. However, if you can tough it out, it's worth getting to the end. Very clever writing, and enough action and drama to keep me hooked. Another complaint I had is that there were too many strings left untied by the end.

All in all worth the read, but the beginning might be tough to get through.

[Renata · Rating 2 out of 5]

did not love this...although this is a recent reprint it's an older comic, and this characterization of Shuri didn't click for me (as a latecomer to Black Panther, drawn in by the movie...which tbf I think will be the case for a lot of readers). Also I know it's comics but she is UNCOMFORTABLY stacked and it looks WILD in the Black Panther costume.

[Tym · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn’t that impressed until the final issue

[bri 🧸 · Rating 4 out of 5]

shuri’s slay !

[Shaun Stanley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Black Panther: The Deadliest of the Species collects issues 1-6 by Reginald Hudlin with art by Ken Lashley.

T'Challa arrives back to Wakanda in a wrecked jet, clinging to life, and a dying Dora Milaje. The royal family and Storm decide someone needs to take up the mantle of Black Panther to lead the nation during this uncertain time. Shuri, T'Challa's sister and reigning princess has been training her whole life for this moment. Will she be able prove herself to the Panther God and rule Wakanda?

The first half of this book was really good with the mystery of what happened to T'Challa. Then a new villain appears and it has a Superman/Doomsday feel to it, but uninspired and not as interesting. Also, I really have a problem with how Shuri was drawn in this book. The costume is super sexualized and unnecessary.

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a smashing fun Black Panther story that helped fill in a few of the gaps in my knowledge of what came before Coates' run. The action moves at a quick pace and the characters' actions speak to self-sacrifice for the greater good over the preservation of self. A good moral for today's world, and the characters all get moments to shine. Storm is a delight here, and now I want to go back and read more of her time in Wakanda. I first encountered Shuri in the Black Panther movie a few weeks ago, and it is good to get to know a different version of her here. This is definitely a light, fast read, but one I'm glad I've taken the time to check out.

[Nicole Westen · Rating 3 out of 5]

For a book supposedly about Shuri taking up the mantle of the Black Panther... there wasn't much of Shuri doing anything until, like, the last quarter or so of the book. Everything up until then revolves around T'challa and what happened and what everyone is doing about trying to save him.

[rat! · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wish comic book people understood two things: 1) boobs are not bowling balls 2) wedgies are uncomfortable so your female mc will not run around with one the size of a grand canyon thanks

also shuri did almost nothing, unfortunately

[Zachariah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good, actually.

[jana (taylor's version) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Shuri...so, I was kinda bound to like this.

[Joe · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good tale.
Good results.
A little light on story.
try it

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favorite so far, this was good.I enjoyed the art finally the dark skinned Storm we all know and love and my girl the LOML Shuri,she is everything.The story was interesting as well seeing the Wakandan's facing some of the biggest threats yet and just Shuri becoming the black panther that was everything to me.

[Garrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actually an excellent "World of Wakanda" kind of story, but might be seriously disappointing for fans of Shuri from the movie. This is from Reginald Hudlin's run on the title (2005-2008), so Shuri is nothing like her movie incarnation, and there's not any of what's happening now in Marvel continuity or in the MCU. That said, this is pretty awesome; an ambush by Doctor Doom leaves T'Challa at death's door, and his wife, the Queen Ororo of Wakanda, Storm of the X-Men, assumes crisis leadership, but not the mantle of the Black Panther, which is left to Shuri to achieve. Alongside all of this, though, is internal Wakandan politics, the rise and path of destruction left by Morlun (who, if you lack Spider-Man knowledge, will seem like a deus ex machina to you) and the fight between T'Challa and an aspect of Death. Is there Shuri? Yes. But this cover and subtitle are hellishly misleading, because there are a minimum of three narrative threads in this at all times, and when she's one, she's only one.

[Ghofran · Rating 3 out of 5]

The narrative really jumps around and I'm not fond of the art and those goddamn boob socks! Are professional comic books artists that incompetent and unaware how boobs work? God it was just too damn distracting! My other gripe is that the book was an ensamble instead of focusing on Shuri, which I guess makes a bit of since and I did like the Wakandan people, it's just that I was here for Shuri. Not the best start if you're a new Black Panther reader tho since I was lost most of the time. Hudlin gets a lot of negative reviews from white people (especially on his who is black panther run) and tbh I can see why, he's threatening to them. A black man writing about a powerful African nation and discussing race? No! Screams white people, get a white author to do it instead! They are speaking in a way that is historically inaccurate!1! Honestly I'm just excited to check out more of his Black Panther books and the white whining that follows them in the reviews.

[Ashe Catlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Judging by the cover, we didn't get as much Shuri Black Panther as I expected.

Instead this has a split narrative, partly focusing on T'Challa. He's on death door and his family are trying to figure out how to save him. Whilst Wakanda is under attack is under attack by Morlun, he wants to devour the Panther totem.

For the bits that Shuri is in, she's awesome. I love the fact she had to earn the herb and actually hunt for it, instead of it being readily available in. The Panther god was pretty cool as well, T'Challa fighting for his life was awesome to. This is just a great read, wish the current Black Panther, Vol. 1: A Nation Under Our Feet, Book 1 had the ambiance this does.

[Ernest · Rating 1 out of 5]

I do not follow Black Panther and so came into this volume essential cold (apart from general knowledge about the Marvel 616 universe, especially X-Men). I have long been unimpressed about Storm’s move out of the X-Men and this volume did nothing to convince me of the love between her and the Black Panther, or her place within this setting. I found the ending disappointingly predictable as I am sure those who enjoy the world might have enjoyed the mystical/magical aspects of what could be simply a brute slugfest. As it was, this volume is not for me.

[Khabeer Rashad · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can tell this was made mid 2000's cuz some of the Wakandan technology was DATED af. But this was a great read. Nice to see Shuri come into her own and I enjoyed the Storm/T'Challa subplot

[J.M. Giovine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Six issues of the series written by Reginald Hudlin, and illustrated by Ken Lashley, this new volume of ‘The Black Panther’ title has king T’Challa severely wounded after returning from a trip no one was aware of, now, Queen Ororo– X-Men’s Storm–, has to take the leadership of the secret nation of Wakanda while T’Challa recovers, but the mantle of the Black Panther cannot be passed but to one individual, who is no other than Shuri, T’Challa’s sister, and the only one aside from him that has taken the training to become Wakanda’s protector. First, she has to pass the tests required to obtain Black Panther’s powers, and also, the encounter with the Panther Goddess herself, in order to receive her blessing, but time is running out, since after news of T’Challa’s are spread, one of Wakanda’s rivals at the other side of the continent, performs a ritual that brings back to life the villain Morlun who, until now, was known for being a villain exclusive of the Spider-man comics, this time on a quest to consume the African totems of Wakanda, basically attempting to end the royal lineage. In the meantime, T’Challa is found, and fighting for his life, trapped on an astral world that has an African entity, similar to the Death, as the ruler, and the one with the power to either letting him go, or keep him there for all eternity. The story is divided between these two separate arcs, the first one being Shuri trying to obtain the Black Panther powers. The second one having storm trying to rescue his husband from the spiritual limbo. At first, I thought that this title would solely have Shuri as the main protagonist, but I was surprised to realize that T’Challa has an important role in the plot, and in reality, the majority of the weight in the story lays on Storm’s quest to bring his husband back in order to stop Morlun. The events leading to incapacitating T’Challa connects directly to the event, ‘Dark Avengers’, in which Norman Osborne became director of S.H.I.E.L.D., creating a new lineup of the superhero team, which causes Namor, and Doom, to consider joining Osborne, which culminates with a fight between Black Panther, his royal guard– The Dora Milaje–, and Doom.
This was an intense reading, and a surprising one.
I enjoyed Hudlin’s take on this world, and how he approached the characters, specially the three principal ones: Shuri, Ororo, and T’Challa. Even if the story was all about Shuri, I was glad that the plot still focuses on T’Challa, never diminishing his role as the absolute incarnation of the Black Panther, although, Shuri wasn’t a bad replacement. To see her owning the power with specific effort, specially around the clock was generally well-executed. The art was truly engaging, and a great addition for these characters; the overall design of the Wakandians is great, and the familiar faces, such as Doom, Namor, and Morlun they all look terrific, and quite imposing. But I’d say the best part of Lashley’s style was the way he draws women. Both, Shuri, and Ororo look stunning; Shuri truly has a unique style on her own as a female version of the Black Panther, and Ororo definitely owns the appearance of a goddess. Also, I never knew his name, but that Death entity from the astral plane in which T’Challa is trapped was a stunning and intimidating character.
Again, I liked this title. I expected less, but had a pleasant surprise to see how many characters executed the roles of main ones. I always enjoy the stories regarding any members of the X-Men, and to see Storm in a different title, but with a heavy and considerably important role, is always a delight. Even though my favorite romantic interest of hers was Forge during the Fabian Nicieza run of the “Uncanny X-Men”, I admit I did like T’Challa as her ultimate partner; the idea of the Black Panther, and king of Wakanda to marry a mutant that is essentially considered a Goddess in her own nation is quite cool, and it feels right.
My only complain falls for the pacing in which the panels are presented; some events jump randomly to a different staging, and it kind of feels all over the place, and random. Also, I still don’t see why Morlun should be the main villain in this story, considering he does kill plenty of important characters from the Black Panther franchise, but otherwise, the title was intense, and highly entertaining. It treats its characters with respect, and it does expand upon the mythology of this specific character, and his world. I’d recommend this, but only after reading some prior material from this Marvel Comics hero, in order to fully enjoy the title.
Also, plus for having the entirety of its six main covers illustrated by J. Scott Campbell. That always is a good sign on any comic book.

[Terry Murphy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I finally got to the fabled Reginald Hudlin run on Black Panther.

So much has been written about this extended run on the title, and one of Marvel's attempts to get the character some much needed spotlight.

The first six issues are fine, and feel like a nice entry point for new readers.

And while I can always appreciate a new beginning and a gentle launch, I just finished reading Jason Aaron's work on this same character. It was nothing short of incredible, and I recognize that his characterization and ear for dialogue is causing me to unfairly penalize this volume.

Objectively, the story is serviceable, although the Deus Ex Machina is a bit much. And the pencils are nice and clean. Although the layouts are a bit muddled and the action sequences become a mite confusing at times as I struggle to understand where characters are in relation to one another.

It's a very quick read, and starts a new chapter for the character, and I will follow along a wee bit further.

[Sara I · Rating 2 out of 5]

Despite having her name in the title, Shuri's role seemed rather small and while she gets there in the end, her journey in taking on the Black Panther mantle was rather disappointing and felt off to me. Maybe this is just because I have enjoyed the newer series focusing solely on Shuri? In any case, while elements of the plot were interesting enough I was very distracted by the way Shuri and other female characters were drawn and portrayed. Particularly, it seems contradictory to have Ororo proclaim herself to be the goddess that she is, yet simultaneously cause her be willing to place T'Challa's life as valued above her own. Her whole purpose within this volume seemed to be subservient beneath his role and I did not appreciate it. Additionally, the threat of Morlun was taken care of rather quickly after significant build-up of his approach to Wakanda. Overall, it was okay but the way the female characters were treated left a lot to be desired, in my opinion.

[Sam Whale · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this. I thought the characters were well written and the art quite wonderful. Seeing Storm is always a delight and always enjoyed her relationship with T’Challa. With that in mind I also liked how if it’s time the story was, between 2005-2009 there were a lot of big status quo shifts in Marvel and I always thought it was really cool how the effects of things like the Skrull invasion and Normal Osborn taking control reverberates around every book, and that was certainly true with T’challa wounded by Dr Doom and the Cabal,leaving Wakanda defenceless. It was also really fun seeing Morlun present to take advantage of Wakandas situation, he’s a great Spider-Man villain and seeing him take on the Panther totem was unexpected and a lot of fun.

[Betsy · Rating 3 out of 5]

T'Challa is gravely injured and Wakanda needs a new Black Panther. Shuri is selected, but Bast has other thoughts.
Comics tell great stories, but sometimes the print visual medium is tricky for readers. There were a few panels where T'Challa was talking to the Submariner and I was not sure who was speaking, as they both had similar features.
Overall, the story was fine. It was nice to see Storm, T'Challa's new wife, do what she could to help, and Shuri's character development was solid. Still would have enjoyed more time in Shuri's lab, but that is because I am a geek like that.

[Rick Ray · Rating 2 out of 5]

T'Challa is incapacitated, so Storm and the Wakandan royal family decide that Shuri should step up as the new Black Panther. This arc splits into two portions - one which focuses on Shuri coming into her own, and the other an investigation into what happened to T'Challa. The initial set up is good, but the arc loses steam quickly after the villain reveal. As with Hudlin's other Black Panther comics, the ideas are strong but the execution always feels lacking due to the leaden dialogue and meandering narrative turns.

[Martin Lund · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a promising basic idea that falters in the execution, in several ways. While it uplifts Shuri (without exactly developing or rounding her out much) it treats Ororo like a plot device. And the plot she's used in isn't much; T'Challa's storyline wasn't particularly interesting and by spending so much time on the whole Namor/Doom thing, which added very little, the ostensible main plot is left underdeveloped.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was nothing like what I was expecting, I am not familiar with the Black Panther character except what I have seen in the movies. So for me this took a different spin with Storm as Black Panther's wife, and Shuri not being a big science NERD. The story was fun and easy to follow and the graphics were great. Top Marks.

[Mainon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heyyy so I am way behind on the happenings in this version of the Black Panther universe. When did Black Panther and Storm (of the X-Men) fall in love and get married? I don't know, but apparently they did!

The crux of this story is how Shuri gets her chance to try to become the Black Panther, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Truly grotesque art and a squandered cast of female characters, even if you get past Shuri's perfectly spherical boobs and hilarious wedgies. The last issue was the strongest but it was rough going in a lot of places.

[Walter McCall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal Writing

I am hoping the next Black Panther Movie consults Reginald Hudlin and used concepts from this amazing story. It might be time for Shirk to shine on the big screen.

[Bekka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really loved seeing Shuri become the Black Panther in this, as well as seeing how Wakanda deals without T'Challa!
TW for grief, comas, violence, bombing down of planes, death, fear that someone is dying, blood.