Comic Book Reviews (Week November 24, 2021): Black Panther Issue 1, Black’s Myth Issue 5 & More!

Welcome to my comic book review round-up for the week of November 24, 2021. I will be talking about Black Panther issue 1, Black’s Myth issue 5, Night of the Ghoul issue 2, and more!

A new Black Panther solo series launched this week from Oscar-winning screenwriter John Ridley. The current story focused on major trouble on Earth as the lives of T’Challa’s sleeper agents were put in jeopardy. With recent T’Challa stories taking him to space, I’m not against an arc that’s more grounded.

Primarily a mystery-centric tale, I’m looking forward to seeing how T’Challa will handle saving his sleeper agents while also ensuring his bonds with his friends don’t break beyond repair. The story is getting ready to have T’Challa talk to Storm and I can’t wait to see how she will react once certain secrets are revealed.

Personally, I would be okay if my significant other had sleeper agents spread across the globe and, frankly, even across numerous galaxies. T’Challa’s a king and a whole lot more. So, it’s understandable.

Does it have obvious queer characters? No. 

Recommendation: Pick it up!

Killer Queens Issue 4

From writer David M. Booher, the queer-centric action miniseries Killer Queens concluded its first arc with issue 4. I think the final chapter offered a satisfying ending as our leads took down a dictatorship. Being a series with lots of action, humor, and surprisingly emotional moments, I hope these space assassins return soon.

Does it have obvious queer characters? Yes.

Recommendation: Pick it up!

Stranger Things: Tomb of YBWEN Issue 3

From writer Greg Pak, Tomb of YBWEN had Mr. Clarke find the kids during a snow storm. Mr. Clarke getting injured the moment he reached the kids did make me roll my eyes though. Anyway, the group finally got to Bob’s hidden treasure. Fingers crossed the fourth and final issue justifies the existence of this miniseries because I want to see this little adventure giving Will some closure. 

Does it have obvious queer characters? No.

Recommendation: Up to you.

Hulkling and Wiccan Issue 4

If I were to summarize my thoughts about the Hulkling and Wiccan miniseries from writer Josh Trujillo the word I’d choose would be “Why?”

Over the course of the four issues were saw Teddy and Billy get into a bit of a disagreement about Billy wanting to spend more time on Earth and Teddy being interested in performing his duties as the King of Space. However, instead of having the two go through a well-written narrative arc that offered some character development, Hulkling and Wiccan had the husbands experience reality-warping shenanigans, complete with boyfriends that Billy conjured up because… drama!

Seeing an iconic queer couple have nothing but poorly-written relationship drama to currently offer the larger Marvel Comic Book Universe/MCBU is just disappointing. Not only that, Trujillo didn’t even provide a satisfying conclusion when it came to the conjured boyfriends named Goebig and Eidolon, opting to leave the door open for the next writer tasked with handling Billy and Teddy.

If you, dear reader, by any chance happen to be the next writer hired by Marvel Comics to write about Hulkling and Wiccan, please don’t bring back Goebig and Eidolon. Let those two characters disappear. The last thing I need is Goebig and Eidolon thinking of attacking Billy and Teddy because of a broken heart. Please focus on an arc that actually allows Teddy and Billy to be power players in the MCBU.

The only thing I liked about Hulkling and Wiccan issue 4 was Agatha Harkness making her interest in Billy’s potential very clear. I guess she’s decided to become his problematic teacher whether he liked it or not. Now that’s a story thread I would be interested in seeing more of.

I do feel Billy doesn’t go through a lot of magical training. He should try and spend some time with Dr. Strange, Magik, and other heroic magic users. Billy’s supposed to be the future Demiurge after all. So, it would be nice to see him tap more into his potential instead of allowing his insecurities to keep him away from what he can achieve. And for Heaven’s sake, someone let Billy cast spells without having to say them out loud. It’s annoying.

Does it have obvious queer characters? Yes.

Recommendation: Meh!

Black’s Myth Issue 5

I was provided with a free digital copy of Black’s Myth issue 5 for review. The opinions I have shared are my own.

By writer Eric Palicki and artist Wendell Cavalcanti, Black’s Myth also concluded this week with the fifth issue. We got our answers about the person behind the trouble Strummer and Ben had been put through. I can’t say I was really surprised by the reveal, but I did like the little detective montage of panels explaining how Strummer realized who the culprit was. With what was depicted in the final panel, I hope to see Black’s Myth continue with another miniseries. I also hope a streaming service picks it up for a live-action adaptation.

Does it have obvious queer characters? Yes.

Recommendation: Pick it up!

Night of the Ghoul Issue 2

I was provided with a free digital copy of Night of the Ghoul issue 2 for review. The opinions I have shared are my own.

By writer Scott Snyder and artist Francesco Francavilla, Night of the Ghoul issue 2 continued with the creepiness as Forest learned more about Mr. Merrit’s film. Mr. Merrit’s life hasn’t been easy. However, I’m not sure if he will be able to survive the current ordeal. The people waiting for the ghoul to appear aren’t playing around.

The flashbacks, shown through the movie clips, were quite sad. Young Merrit knew something was wrong with his father but he couldn’t do anything about the situation. It was obvious the doctor was lying to him about the X-ray results. We know that young Merrit survived to become an old man. So, I’m interested in seeing what happened to him and his possessed father during the years in between.

Does it have obvious queer characters? No.

Recommendation: PICK IT UP!

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Don’t forget to read Jessica’s review of Robin Issue 8.

Which comic books did you read this week?

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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