Comic Book Reviews (Week February 24, 2021): Black Panther Issue 23, Kaiju Score Issue 4 & More!

Welcome to my comic book reviews for this week (February 24, 2021). I will be covering Black Panther issue 23, Kaiju Score issue 4, The Magnificant Ms. Marvel issue 18, and more!

I’ll begin by talking about Coates’ Black Panther series, which makes its return this week. Black Panther issue 23 served to place everything in order for the upcoming finale. While I still think a majority of folk would be confused about why T’Challa was talking about Nakia before the upcoming war, I appreciated seeing him portrayed as a strong leader everyone trusts. Panels upon panels showcasing Black heroes standing together to fight a major enemy is going to feel amazing to numerous readers. Having said that, considering the entire world is in danger, I would have liked for T’Challa to have also called the rest of the Avengers, the FF, and at least a handful of X-Men.

Ramonda’s conversation with the original Wakandans touched on the real-life (and charged) issue of reparations. I’m looking forward to what Coates has planned for the original Wakandans, because Ramonda promised them a new homeland.

As for Storm, Black Panther issue 23 showed her accepting her position as a Goddess in the Wakandan pantheon. And while T’Challa’s words seemed to have brought the rest of the Wakandan Gods (Orisha) to the battlefield, I liked how Storm told T’Challa to be cautious of silent Gods. Her suspicion is proven right when Bast, along with the rest of the Orisha, opens a portal to allow Killmonger’s forces to invade Wakanda.

From what I understand, I wouldn’t be surprised if Coates is going to make T’Challa fight Killmonger while Storm tries to handle the Wakanda pantheon. I am excited!

Black Panther issue 23 also had a mini-story written by musician Saint Bodhi. I loved how Bodhi displayed Ororo’s connection with Earth. I think many writers forget that she’s supposed to be in tune with Mother Nature. The mini-story focused on Storm bonding with a young mutant girl named Abeni (who is using her powers in a fit of rage against people who killed her family).

Unlike many other mutants, Storm had a rich backstory even before her mutant powers kicked in. She grew up as an orphan. Losing her family as a kid helped Storm connect with Abeni and take her to Krakoa. While ferocious, Storm is also a nurturer and a protector. And I think Bodhi captured Ororo’s personality quite well.  

Does it have obvious queer characters? No.

Recommendation: PICK IT UP!

The Magnificent Ms. Marvel Issue 18

Writer Saladin Ahmed brings his run to an end with Magnificent Ms. Marvel issue 18. I’m disappointed to see Ahmed’s story conclude. I was enjoying his take on Kamala Khan and how he expanded her lore by taking her into space, introducing a new Muslim superhero named Amulet (still waiting for him to come out as queer), and more.

The final issue focused on Kamala and the strength she continues to find through her group of friends. Ahmed has left everyone doing quite well. Let’s see what the next writer decides to do during their turn on Kamala’s solo series.

Does it have obvious queer characters? Yes.

Recommendation: PICK IT UP!

Kaiju Score Issue 4

From writer James Patrick, Kaiju Score issue 4 concludes the weird little heist happening during a Kaiju battle. It was actually refreshing to see a story occur in a world where Kaijus exist and the lead character is worried about completing a robbery instead of running away or playing the hero. Marco can still come back for another mission. Fingers crossed!

Does it have obvious queer characters? No.

Recommendation: PICK IT UP!

The Department of Truth issue 6

The Department of Truth issue 6, by writer James Tynion IV, gave us a flashback that links to the existence of the Illuminati. Picking up in the year 1963, we see Lee Harvey Oswald being taken to a secret library containing “truths” about the world. Through Oswald reading a very old book we get to learn that the creation of Anno Domini is based on nefarious motives to mess with time.

With The Department of Truth getting a live-action adaptation (Tynion IV is attached to the project), I’m looking forward to seeing how the creative team will translate all of the content for the small screen because the narrative can get quite confusing in the comic book series.

Does it have obvious queer characters? No.

Recommendation: Pick it up.  

Something Is Killing The Children Issue 15

Wow! Lots of stories come to an end this week. Something Is Killing The Children issue 15, by writer James Tynion IV, brings the current arc to a satisfying close. The narrative focuses on Erica Slaughterhouse, allowing us to get to know her better. She’s clearly someone who doesn’t want anything to do with the Order of St. George. She wants to save children, but in her own way. However, the Order of St. George can’t allow that. The organization has rules. It will be interesting to see how the other Houses try to stop Erica.

With The Department of Truth getting a live-action adaptation, I hope Something Is Killing The Children gets one, too. It’s such a great comic book series!

Does it have obvious queer characters? Yes.

Recommendation: PICK IT UP!

Edgar Allan Poe’s Snifter of Blood Issue 5

I was provided a free digital copy of Edgar Allan Poe’s Snifter of Blood issue 5 for review. The opinions I have shared are my own.

While I wasn’t a fan of the Sherlock Holmes story (with three narrators), I did enjoy reading ‘Ms. Found in a Bottle’ by writer Kek-w. It’s about, yes, a woman in a bottle, sharing her tale of a paranormal adventure.

Also, ‘Sorry, But You’re Going To Have To Be Nude In This Scene’ by writer Jake Williams brought forth the numerous excuses certain creatives use to ensure they have naked actresses in their projects under the guise of empowerment and artistic integrity as they feed the male gaze.  

Does it have obvious queer characters? No.

Recommendation: Pick it up.

Breaklands Season 2 Issue 4

I was provided with a free digital copy of Breaklands Season 2 issue 4 for review. The opinions I have shared are my own.

Adam’s decision to side with Rask felt a bit rushed. I think if writer Justin Jordan had another issue to work with, he could have used it to flesh out Adam and Rask’s interaction. I’m not saying that Adam believing Rask didn’t make sense. As a kid, Rask’s kingdom looks perfect to Adam. Of course, he was going to be willing to help. I just think he said yes too quickly.

Anway, with Kasa having rejoined her group, I’m eagerly awaiting the finale and what Adam and Kasa will decide to do with their powers.

Does it have obvious queer characters? No.

Recommendation: Pick it up.

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Which comic books did you read this week? What did you think of Black Panther issue 23?

Let us know.

Author: Farid-ul-Haq

Farid has a Double Masters in Psychology and Biotechnology as well as an M.Phil in Molecular Genetics. He is the author of numerous books including Missing in Somerville, and The Game Master of Somerville. He gives us insight into comics, books, TV shows, anime/manga, video games, and movies.

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