BLACK PANTHER #11 – A Nation Under Our Feet Pt.11

BLACK PANTHER #11 – A Nation Under Our Feet Pt.11

Published February 22, 2017 by Marvel Comics. Written by Ta-Nehisi Coates and illustrated by various artists.

The climatic end to “A Nation Under Our Feet” begins at Necropolis where T’Challa summons Wakandain spirits of the past to defend the throne.

Shuri in her new form leads the attack as she is now a Griot and Black Panther along with Manifold arrive to join the melee. However, the Hatu Zeraze are quickly defeated by the People under Zenzi’s control.

Just as T’Challa and the Hatu seem close to defeat one last gambit is played. Changamire begins to broadcast a speech meant to inspire peace and surrender of the People and break the hold Zenzi has upon their hearts and minds.

For some it wakes them up but there are still some among the People that remain under Zenzi’s control. The Hatu are able to regain the upper hand with the distraction. Zenzi plays one last attempt and the remaining People under her control are transformed and mutated to continue their assault on T’Challa and Hatu.

Tetu is finally defeated by T’Challa and Wakanda’s past heroes and captured while Zenzi has evaded his fate. Shuri begins a new chapter with the Dora Milaje.

So the end of this first epic tale has come and with it a new beginning. But where will Black Panther fit in with a Dora Milaje led by Shuri? Will his sister take the throne back or will he cede his throne to her? The fall-out from this will remain to be seen.  

DOCTOR STRANGE #17 – State of Misery

DOCTOR STRANGE #17 – State of Misery

 

Published February 15, 2017 by Marvel Comics. Written by Jason Aaron and illustrated by Frazer Irving.

Back at the sanctum santorum of the good doctor is playing mediator to two factions and diverts a conflict but while this issue is resolved he and Zelma continue trying to find Wong and Misery. While they look magic is slowly returning to the world.

Wong and Misery debate whether Misery can defeat Doctor Strange and Misery is convinced he can undo the Doctor’s past work.

Stephen takes the search to his drinking magical buddies on a motorcycle. However, it’s not magic users that may provide help in locating Wong but Man-Thing. That is after Stephen rids the Man-Thing of Nazi Ninja Vampires for which he gives the doctor some algae.

Misery begins the reworking of Dr. Strange’s past work in neurosurgery and when Stephen finally catches up to Misery’s gruesome handy work and he brings a new player to assist  with the work to be done.

Besides the fantasy and magic to these stories I really enjoy the underlying humor. Or at least it’s funny to me! What’s Misery’s angle? Why can’t he just get along with Doctor Strange? My comic reading is lot like my own life in that I really don’t know too much as to what’s going on outside my own story and so I only catch glimpse and peeks about other stories so when a popular character arrives I really don’t know what’s going on in their world and I’ll just let the story happen and enjoy! There are two characters with one possibly taking a leading role in the next issue.  The story is yet another bizarre odyssey through the multiverse and the restoration of magic to the world…



BLACK PANTHER #10 – A Nation Under Our Feet Pt.10

BLACK PANTHER #10 – A Nation Under Our Feet Pt.10

Published January 25, 2017 by Marvel Comics. Written by Ta-Nehisi Coates and drawn by Chris Sprouse and Karl Story.

Aneka and Ayo are confronted by the newly returned Shuri and Shuri is none too impressed with the Midnight Angels cause against her brother and the Wakanda throne. As well as her disdain for their alliance with Tetu and the People.

T’Challa, Hodari and Wakanda prepare for Tetu’s coming assault. They ready their stores for war and begin enlisting troops to defend against the coming war. But Tetu’s army may be more than they are prepared for as Zenzi’s magic has made them an army that doesn’t need sleep or food.

Back at the Jabari-lands the Midnight Angels begin to reconsider their alliance with Tetu. Shuri’s return has given them new hope for something better and her words have inspired them towards a new direction.

T’Challa seeks Changamire’s help in defeating Tetu. Not by force but by wisdom and the mind. Baba sheds light on the situation with Tetu and Wakanda by relating the rebellion to the American slave experience and it’s destruction it caused to both slave and slave owners.

The pack between Tetu and the Midnight Angels is broken and Tetu promises vengeance for the break while T’Challa and Shuri embark on the war.

I like the story however so far the action has been sparse but this is part of the build-up and with the coming war the pacing should increase and things in Wakanda should boil over soon…

Ready to buy? go here

DOCTOR STRANGE #16 – Blood in the Aether Pt. 5

DOCTOR STRANGE #16 – Blood in the Aether Pt. 5

Published January 25, 2017 by Marvel Comics. Written by Jason Aaron and illustrated by Chris Bachalo.

Flash back to a time when Stephen and the Ancient One were training. Stephen has his first encounter with Dormammu. The Ancient One prepares him in the event that Dormammu should possess the Ancient One.

Now in the present time Stephen encounters Dormammu once again and this time there’s very little magic to fight with. But he does have an enchanted dagger. But the dagger does very little against the magic of Dormammu.

Mr. Misery gains an admirer in the Orb and Wong seeks Misery’s assistance in helping Strange against Dormammu. It is to no avail.

Dormammu recounts how he delt with the Imperator and Empirikuls. Stephen then gets the better of him while Mordo seeks to be the one to end Dr. Strange. And what’s going on now with Wong?

Ready to buy? Go here.

BLACK PANTHER #9 – A Nation Under Our Feet Pt.9

BLACK PANTHER #9 – A Nation Under Our Feet Pt. 9

Published December 28, 2016 by Marvel Comics. Written by Ta-Nehisi Coates and drawn by Brian Stelfreeze.

As Shuri has returned she is now more than she was before she was victim of the Living Death. Changamire is still wrestling with Tetu and his methods of promoting his cause for change in Wakanda. But does he know there is an audience present to his discussion with his wife?

T’Challa still contemplates his sister’s handling of the throne of Wakanda and his own performance at the job. Shuri visits her ill mother and reports on what she has learned of Changamire.

Tetu and the Mid-night Angel continue to forge an alliance but Ayo still has her reservations about siding with Tetu and Zenzi. Which erupts into conflict with Aneka who doesn’t see eye to eye with Ayo.

Meanwhile Zenzi has her own reservations about trusting the Mid-night Angels and their true motives.
As a token of goodwill Aneka returns the captured Wakandan guards and is finally confronted by the transformed Shuri.

Shuri’s new power is very interesting and I’m sure there will be some kind of animalism explanation for it later. But the story is definitely beginning to come to a conclusion with all sides drawn and positions established. In the coming issues I think a final clash with Tetu and the Wakandan throne are coming. It's good to see Stelfreeze back on this title. I enjoy his artwork and it adds to an already interesting character.

DEADPOOL Back in Black #5

Deadpool Back in Black #5

Published December 14, 2016 by Marvel Comics. Written by Cullen Bunn and drawn by Salvador Espin.

Issue #5 of Deadpool Back in Black is the exciting conclusion of the untold story of the Merc with the Mouth and Spider-man’s symbiote suit all taking place in the spectacularly excessive eighties!*

As the story begins we find Killer Thrill has her man, Spider-man that is and after a valiant fight by our friendly neighborhood Spider-Man she begins to use him to draw the Klyntar to her.

Has she bargained for more than she’s ready for? As the symbiote reacts to the anguish she puts Petey through it eventually finds her but her assistant, Guzz, delivers a sonic blast that separates Wade from the Klyntar and allow DP time to clear his head to deliver a KO to Guzz and rejoin the symbiote. Once reunited the symbiote sets its sights and tongue on Killer Thrill. And taking a piece of the bounty hunter with it.

After a devastating blow Killer Thrill calls off her quest to capture the Klyntar yet again but not before delivering a parting shot to Deadpool and the symbiote.

Now the symbiote sets its sights on the wounded Spidey and its desire for revenge. However, Deadpool can’t let that happen and forces the symbiote to separate from him once again. Free from the symbiote Deadpool is able to save webhead from the vengeful alien.

All bounty hunters have an employer and finally we learn who has hired Killer Thrill but they aren’t too happy about the failure of the mission. Killer Thrill however attempts to appease the situation by a Guzz offering.

Back on Earth we finally see the prior events of Eddie Brock’s fateful meeting with the symbiote and the birth of Venom…

This Deadpool blast from the past has been pretty fun. The artwork is great and all the eighties, Spider-man – symbiote spoofing has been a real joyride. Killer Thrill’s hijinks have been very entertaining and her love-hate relationship for Spider-Man really pulls at the heartstrings.   

*For those readers born during or after the eighties it was time of high adrenaline living to excess. – Joltn’ Jer  

DOCTOR STRANGE #15 – Blood in the Aether Pt. 4

Doctor Strange #15 – Blood in the Aether Pt. 4

Published December 21, 2016 by Marvel Comics. Written by Jason Aaron and illustrated by Chris Bachalo.

To get things going the good doctor is the passenger in a taxi driven by the Orb. And the car ride takes the two to a secluded spot where the two happen upon a group of disgruntled investors that are preparing to make the con man, Reggie, pay for his misdeeds. But the arrival of the cab spooks the group and Reggie would appear saved if it wasn’t for the Orb who collects on Reggie’s bad debts.

Wong and Zelma take to the skies of New York looking for Stephen while Stephen and the Orb hit the town and duke it out as the doctor tries to escape the bizarre cab ride only to be strapped to the hood of the ride.

Across town at a bar Mordo is feeling the anger of Dormammu as he has yet to locate Doctor Strange and to gain more power he is engaged in a bloodletting of the bar patrons while Dormammu possesses the entertainment.

And in wrapping this issue and still wrapped on Orb’s cab, Stephen is top on everyone’s kill list. For some unknown reason Orb has driven Strange to the alley where Mr. Misery now resides and Mordo arrives to be the one to destroy Doctor Strange but Orb is having none of it and blasts Mordo. In the sky Zelma and Wong make an attempt to attack the group of Strange’s foes but all Hell breaks loose as Dormammu arrives in classic Doctor Strange fashion to let everyone know he is going to punch Strange’s ticket.

I think if you’re a fan of the Doctor Strange from the golden age you’re going to like this issue’s ending. It’s a classic retro-style appearance of Dormammu in full splash page and pose. I personally really like the whole bizarre twist this series has taken, Mr. Misery is a great character with many interesting characteristics and the ending with a throwback style entry of Dormammu is great.

DEADPOOL BACK IN BLACK #4

Deadpool Back in Black #4

Published December 7, 2016 by Marvel Comics. Written by Cullen Bunn and drawn by Salvador Espin.

Who likes a hearty helping of berries and nuts? Wade keeps masquerading around New York as the black suited Spiderman and yet again attracts another of the webslinger’s foes. A violent and repulsive encounter with Kraven the Hunter starts the action off in this issue but the Klyntar saves the Merc and his foul mouth yet again. More fighting and some poison darts get the better of the two and begin a strange hallucinogenic trip through a mix of Wilson’s memories and the symbiote’s when it was with Spiderman.

Trippin’ on whatever Kraven puts in those darts Deadpool finds himself in the lion’s den at the zoo. And he isn’t greeted too warmly by his feline hosts. Ironically it’s the hunter who saves their hide this time. But the symbiote begins to show a darker and more twisted side of itself and fends off Kraven.
While sleeping off the last of the drugs in the poison darts and collecting bird droppings all over himself and his friendly suit the merc is once again being hunted by Killer Thrill but someone else has caught the assassin’s attention. And it all concludes in the next exciting issue!

Kraven the Hunter has always been a prideful character and while these Deadpool issues are a great parody of some of Marvel’s best villain the fun doesn’t stop just because the hunter shows up. The best part is probably the lion wrestling Kraven does and the fact that he gets the idea to change his M.O. to hunt Spiderman from the torqued alien suit that Spiderman bailed on is pretty comical. But the cliffhanger in this issue is great too as the final issue should be a McFarlanesque epic meeting and Parker must be a magnet for *redheads? We’ll see how this all plays out next issue.

*Mary Jane Watson is probably every 12 year old boy’s first choice for an ice cream social… – Joltn’ Jer

 

DOCTOR STRANGE #14 – Blood in the Aether Pt. 3

Doctor Strange #14 – Blood in the Aether Pt. 3

 

Published November 16, 2016 by Marvel Comics. Written by Jason Aaron and illustrated by Chris Bachalo.

If you enjoy bacon and have a weak stomach then this is not the issue for you. While Strange is held captive by Satana in Hell’s Dinner all he wants is some bacon. And bacon in Hell is hard to come by these days so everyone must share.

In tough competition to be best Hell Satana offers Stephen an opportunity to be the superhero of her Hell. And to make sure he complies she force feeds him some hell-shish bacon meant to kill him and enslave his soul.

While Satana prepares for his first show the doctor astral project into his own body to not only save his skin but his soul too. After ejecting the wicked bacon and feeling much relieved he decides to take a taxi but with an unusual driver at the wheel. The next issue should be lit.

The enduring quality of Doctor Strange is the odyssey which the story moves on. It isn’t a dry tangible telling of the mystic arts that’s for sure. And this latest issue delivers on the strange and mystical of the Doctor Strange lore. Where is it all going? With every issue the story takes a twist and turn through the varied world of the Sorcerer Supreme. And that’s entertainment.

 

DEADPOOL BACK IN BLACK #3

Deadpool Back in Black #3

 



 
Published November 9, 2016 by Marvel Comics. Written by Cullen Bunn and drawn by Salvador Espin.

Our hero with great fashion sense finds himself in some eighties style girl trouble in Deadpool Back in Black #3. The Merc with a Mouth first finds himself mistaken for Parker by Black Cat who just wants to purr up and rekindle their magic but then out of nowhere pops up the most heinous villain of them all. A wicked bunny-girl complete with eighties retro-goons and yes, bunnies! Maybe she should be in the Bat-universe? But if Bunny Woman with killer rabbits wasn’t enough headache there’s still Killer Thrill who just loves his new suit to death. Literally. But Wade manages somehow to survive all the mayhem of this issue but unfortunately for Bunny Woman her bunnies won’t be around for Easter. And Wade can’t take advantage of Black Cat just getting it all wrong.  

This issue will probably be my favorite out of all five. Bunny Woman is too much! The whole Monty Python Search of the Holy Grail killer bunny theme was great. But there was no running away except by Bunny Girl. And the real money shot was Killer Thrill taking the bunnies out. However, if there’s a moral to this story it’s probably don’t underestimate a ginger with disease ridden rabbits…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DOCTOR STRANGE #13 – Blood in the Aether Pt. 2

Doctor Strange #13 – Blood in the Aether Pt. 2

 

Published October 19, 2016 by Marvel Comics. Written by Jason Aaron and illustrated by Chris Bachalo.

Everyone dreams. Some dreams are pleasant others are just our worst nightmares. Dr. Strange was once a brilliant surgeon but he lost that in a horrible car accident. He lost the lifestyle he had too. When he dreams he dreams of life before the accident. But the dream is more of a nightmare taunting, teasing him with what he once was. Showing him the life that used to be only to turn to a horrible nightmare by Nightmare.

After fighting Strange and Strange suddenly disappearing Mordo now has to answer to Dormammu for his failure and Dormammu has a unique way of communicating his dis-satisfaction with Mordo. But the dream like nightmare continues for Stephen until Nightmare fully shows himself. The Sorcerer Supreme is ultimately able to write a new spell and use everyone dreaming on the planet against Nightmare and Strange’s own nightmare of clowns, snakes and other oddities. Till finally another player summons Strange for her own ends.

The latest Doctor Strange is definitely going in a weird and chaotic direction as he begins to build his magic back up. The plot being played out with Mordo, Dormammu and now Satana is going in an intriguing direction. I’m really hooked though on the visual odyssey. Bachalo’s art is great and the world of Stephen Strange has always fascinated me. This series has definitely not disappointed me in the least. For the last year or so it’s only solidified my appeal for the character and the movie is definitely going to be icing on the cake to an already great character.  

 

 

 

DEADPOOL BACK IN BLACK #2

Deadpool Back in Black #2

 

Published October 19, 2016 by Marvel Comics. Written by Cullen Bunn and drawn by Salva Espin.

Wade is still out test driving the symbiote suite abandoned by Peter Parker in the mid-eighties. In the next installment of Back in Black our web-slinging merc is being tailed by a curious cat as he crashes a kids party being entertained by a less than amusing clown who might’ve been employed by Marvel at one time before answering his true life calling of party clown! But wait this is about Deadpool and his new duds. Meanwhile at the party Power Pack are being disgusted by the Obnoxio the clown and his inability to make balloon animals. While the party is dying though a ship full of Snarks arrive to liven the atmosphere up and attempt some intergalactic kidnapping. Luckily the clown is able to slow them down enough for Deadpool and his closest friend to spring into action. But the rescue is short lived as a snark with seventies style armor is brought in and once again the clown comes through. While Deadpool and his new Klyntar pal make a meal out of the Snark kidnappers.  

Onto Back in Black #2. Ok I’m trying to get the title “Back in Black”. This is the first time Deadpool joined with the suit so maybe a better title would’ve been Dead in Black? Obnoxio was a fun part of the story and seeing the Power Pack kids in action was great even if Deadpool kept getting their name wrong. At the end the set up for the next featured character is going to be Blackcat so we’ll see if the suit makes the merc or the merc makes the suit in the next issue…

Don't forget to check out Amazing Bean at www.amazingbean.com

DOCTOR STRANGE #12 - Blood in the Aether Pt. 1

Doctor Strange #12 – Blood in the Aether Part 1

Published October 5, 2016 by Marvel Comics. Written by Jason Aaron and illustrated by Chris Bachalo.

His name is Strange. Doctor Stephen Strange. And his misery is named Misery. Mister Misery. The pain Stephen Strange kept in the cellar has given it’s self a name and it calls itself Mister Misery. Opening the new story arc we find the pain Stephen and Wong bound up terrorizing a hospital ward thirsty for more pain. Luckily, Strange arrives in time to gum up Mister Misery’s wreak of havoc on the hospital but trying to hail a cab with a glowing sword can be challenging.

Later he learns of Mordo’s return and some how Mordo is able to still use magic. Mordo is now a servant of the Dormammu of the Dark Dimension and the source of Mordo’s magic. When Stephen and Mordo finally meet it’s an apple in the eye that the doctor uses to escape the stronger magic of Mordo. But where Strange ends up is at the whim of Nightmare.

A new story arc begins in Doctor Strange #12 and Chris Bachalo returns to bring the pictures. The Doctor Strange series is definitely keeping my attention. The writing has a tinge of humor and satire at times that make it interesting and the way the magically world of Doctor Strange is presented is intriguing. Bachalo’s Dormammu and Nightmare are ace. Mister Misery is going to make a great side story to come I’m sure. I like the character and the way it seems to help and also hinder Stephen at times is truly entertaining. One of the aspects of Mister Misery is the dialog he engages in with Strange. It’s dark and eerie at times. It’s unsettling and keeps you off your center while you try to digest his meaning. It’s great.

DEADPOOL BACK IN BLACK #1

DEADPOOL BACK IN BLACK #1

Published October 5, 2016 by Marvel Comics. Written by Cullen Bunn and drawn by Salva Espin.

Before Peter Parker bonded with the symbiote alien during Secret Wars the symbiote was briefly joined with Wade Wilson. How was this missed? While being hunted down the symbiote finds Deadpool in a typical 80’s comic jam. His eyes gouged out and being strangled by his A.I. partner, Machine Man.  And if that wasn’t enough he was trying to avoid looking at the dance of Dansen Macabre. However, to his luck the symbiote alien senses he’s in trouble and quickly joins with the Merc with a Mouth at which point he’s able to overpower Machine Man and waste the monks of the Cult of Kali. But here’s another big reveal. Deadpool was at Secret Wars in that epic battle against the Beyonder! He must’ve been overlooked and pushed to the side by Jim Shooter. During a flashback he remembers his first encounter with the symbiote but it left him for Parker instead. Now flash forward the symbiote is back with Wilson and strangely gives him web-slinging abilities that rival Larsen or McFarlane-like poses.

I had to jump on this series. I love a good comic parody. I think it’s healthy to poke fun at the serious, high drama stories everyone once and awhile. I’m still working some for my own comic creation. But this is great fun to relive comics in the eighties. And I remember 1980. Two Easter eggs that stick out are the editor’s side notes scattered through the book and the MS-DOS reference. Some of the lingo in the beginning narrative by Deadpool ring of eighties but white high-tops, jeans and a mullet would’ve really nailed it*!  I’m hoping for some breakdancing in the remainder issues…

*Metal-heads fashion trends from the eighties -Joltn’ Jer…

DOCTOR STRANGE - Annual #1

Doctor Strange Annual #1 – “To Get Her. Forever” & “Strange Tales: Yao, The Not-Quite-Ancient One”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Published September 28, 2016 by Marvel Comics. To Get Her. Forever written by Kathryn Immonen and illustrated by Leonardo Romero. Strange Tales: Yao, The Not-Quite-Ancient One written by Robbie Thompson and illustrated by Jonathan Marks Barravecchia.

 With magic and Stephen still on the mend, Strange is visited by Clea. Clea returns to Stephen’s life to bring closure to their past relationship. However, Stephen questions Clea’s commitment to magic and her whereabouts during the battle with the Imperator and the Empirikul. But little does Strange know that Clea had to deal with the Empirikul as well.

The reunion is interrupted as a floor repair takes a magical turn for the worse and both must battle a demonized repairman whom Wong caught stealing to settle the repair bill. Zelma calls Strange out for objectifying Clea and maybe eluding that was a problem with their relationship.

In the second story to this first annual is the tale of the Ancient One as a young magician. After being shown the ways of magic by his mentor, Kaluu, Yao attempt to steal a map that will lead him to greater magic. But after he is caught he faces certain doom and is rescued. His rescuer is a formidable magic user in his own right.

Two great stories make up the first Doctor Strange Annual. The first brings Clea into the picture so it’ll be interesting to see where this goes. Zelma may be the one to mend their relationship woes. And the second story featuring the young Ancient One is interesting too. I really enjoyed the art for it and the big reveal at the end almost has me curious enough to pick up Doctor Strange and the Sorcerers Supreme #1.  

BLACK PANTHER #6 - A Nation Under Our Feet Pt. 6

Black Panther #6 September 2016

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Published September 14, 2016 by Marvel Comics. Written by Ta-Nehisi Coates and drawn by Chris Sprouse.

The drama continues in Wakanda after Ramonda is injured by a suicide bomber’s attack and Shuri continues her quest through Djalia with the Griot imagined as Ramonda. T’Challa captures several of Tetu’s rebels that have bio bombs implanted in their chests and strikes a deal with one. Ezekiel Stane and Tetu release a video made of a meeting between T’Challa and a counter-terrorism council in which they recommended a most cruel way to deal with the uprisings plaguing Wakanda.

T’Challa and Hodari differ on their own interpretation of the meaning of Changamire’s message. While Akili feels T’Challa’s views are sympathetic to the anarchy of the rebel’s aims. But T’Challa reassures him he still has a few cards to play and orders an attack on the Jabari-lands.

During the attack the Dora Milaje seem to have the upper hand till the magic of Zenzi causes them to break down and be easily captured. While T’Challa and Tony Stark discuss the origins of the bio-bombs and the arrogance behind the bomb maker’s purpose.

Shuri’s travels through the Djalia bring her to the story of the slave girl bride and learns that a woman can never be made fully into a slave. The Griot then leaves Shuri in the Djalia to ponder this lesson.

In another attack on the Base of the People T’Challa is captured and bound in chains by Stane. Afterwards Stane contacts Hodari and Akili to let them know he has the Black Panther and that the Fenris Twins are involved as well. But Hodari has a plan to show Wakandans who is really behind the revolution and they call in some help to assist with the saving Wakanda.

In part six of “A Nation Under Our Feet” the big reveal has to be the Stane connection to the revolution. But will showing the video of Stane to the Wakandans really change their feelings towards the throne? Or will it just add more confusion to a brewing chaos that seems to benefit only Tetu and Zenti. It’ll be interesting to see if Shuri makes her return in the next issue. I think we might see her come back soon and take the thrown from her brother.

DOCTOR STRANGE #11 - The New Face of Magic

Doctor Strange #11 – The New Face of Magic

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Published September 7, 2016 by Marvel Comics. Written by Jason Aaron and illustrated by Kevin Nowlan/ Leonardo Romero.

Old enemies and new problems abound in the aftermath of the destruction of magic by the Imperator and Empirikuls.

Setting up the next chapter in the ongoing saga of Doctor Strange we witness a flashback to one of Strange’s attempts to cure his hands and ultimately leads him to the Ancient One. Back Alley drug deals never end good. But luckily the Ancient One is watching. Back in the now Stephen struggles with the state of magic in the world and the loss of all the ancient spells. Chondu offers some words of encouragement about rewriting the spells to control the newly regenerated magic.

In another flashback we learn about an important choice Strange made while training with the Ancient One. Offered to have his hands completely restored and leave his training or continue on with the Ancient One Doctor Strange’s decision to stay only made him one powerful enemy but humanities warrior against evil magic.

With the new face of magic and its threats against humanity Stephen must use different methods to combat the transgressors. Simple methods until new spells can be written. And an old enemy is back to confront Doctor Strange.   

The odyssey that has become Doctor Strange is really developing into a great series. I’m intrigued to see where the story will go next. While this take on Doctor Strange from Marvel doesn’t seem to follow what has been revealed by Marvel regarding the new movie out in November it is still enough to excite interest in the character and the mythos surrounding Strange. I think this has been so far a great analogy that science isn’t an end all solution and that it loses when it’s used for evil. Magic was threatened but like all living things will rebound after the threat is over. You could also draw the conclusion that while magic may have appeared the weaker against the Imperator and his science magic’s survival only illustrates that it was the stronger of the two.  

BLACK PANTHER #5 - A Nation Under Our Feet Pt. 5

BLACK PANTHER #5 AUGUST 2016

Published August 10, 2016 by Marvel Comics. Written by Ta-Nehisi Coates and drawn by Chris Sprouse.

What are the depth to which T’Challa will go to curb the rebellion in Wakanda? The Black Panther enlists the help of the mutant Manifold in a raid on the People’s hideout in the Alkama Fields. In a bid to learn more about the People and the rebellion he has taken prisoners, who have bombs attached to their hearts, for questioning.

In a move that seems desperate T’Challa organizes a meeting of the security for ruthless, despotic nations in an attempt to learn how to best handle the rebellion destroying Wakanda. But the council of the wicked may prove more costly than the capital he is willing to pay.

Shuri continues her quest through the DJalia led by the Griot spirit resembling the Queen Mother. She learns of the parable of the Adowan people who would not be strong armed by strangers seeking the Adowan’s wealth. The strangers viewed the Adowans as weak but rich and when the strangers attempted to rob them they found the Adowans united against the usurpers. While Shuri scoffs at the Griot spirit’s story she is finally made aware that even though a nation may appear weak its true strength comes when it is united as one.

After his meeting with the council of the wicked, T’Challa turns his attention to one of the People he had captured. And eventually makes a pact with him. But what does T’Challa have in mind? And Tetu, Zenzi and Stane meet with Jorick Kroawl, Intelligence Directorate of Genosha, who offered T’Challa some very bad advice which was rejected. But the fires of rebellion are further stoked as a video of Kroawl’s advice is spread through Wakanda.

I still think the return of Shuri will be the key to Wakanda’s salvation and I’m starting to think it’ll cost T’Challa his spot on the throne. The pact T’Challa makes with Kwabena is still a mystery but I suspect he is to act as a spy for T’Challa and bring the rebellion under control.    

DOCTOR STRANGE #10 - Last Days of Magic Pt. 5

 

DOCTOR STRANGE #10 AUGUST 2016

Published August 3, 2016 by Marvel Comics. Written by Jason Aaron and illustrated by Chris Bachalo.

The thrilling conclusion to the “Last Days of Magic” has begun. But will magic come back after the threat of the Empirikul’s and Imperator are gone?

The Sorcerer Supreme isn’t feeling too supreme in the opener as he must battle the Imperator to stop the Imperator's quest to destroy magic with science. It may not be Strange’s magic that ultimately wins but his pain. The pain that was trapped by Wong and Doctor Strange is unleashed on the Imperator and the world feels his pain too.

But as the Imperator takes the place of Strange’s pain the Eye of Agamotto doesn’t flicker and the starch in his cloak just doesn’t seem to be holding its form. So all magic users are left to wonder where is the magic and how to bring it back?

Visually this Doctor Strange has been a real treat to look at and the writing of Aaron is very entertaining. Plots and dialog are great while still keeping with Doctor Strange’s lingo. There’s a bit of wit and humor in the dialog that really makes it fun to read. Throughout the whole story arc of “Last Days of Magic” it’s been intriguing to read the suspense and see the action as the Imperator and Empirikul’s seem to have bested magic with science. In this last issue we also get to see what’s really motivating the Imperator and his crusade to end magic. The ending leaves it on a low note as the state of magic is unknown.

BLACK PANTHER #4 – A Nation Under Our Feet Pt. 4

BLACK PANTHER #4 July 2016

 

Published July 27, 2016 by Marvel Comics. Written by Ta-Nehisi Coates and drawn by Brian Stelfreeze.

During a high level meeting with Hodari, T’Challa is briefed on the security status of Wakanda as well as Zenzi and Tetu. Tetu had been a pupil at one time at Hekima Shule. T’Challa’s step-mother, Ramonda, reveals that the one Tetu met was a tutor for the royal court under T’Chaka, T’Challa’s father. T’Challa is also briefed on the Midnight Angel’s crusade through the northern part of Wakanda and it is characterized as revolution against the throne.

The Queen Mother goes to Shule to visit Changamire, the one Tetu recently met with, and tries to persuade him on the side of the king. But Changamire refuses and is warned of the coming conflict.

Tetu visits the Midnight Angels in an attempt to unite with them on their cause against the throne of Wakanda. But Tetu learns it’s not as easy as just having a common enemy to side with the Angel’s crusade.

The Queen Mother confides in T’Challa about her recent visit to Changemire and recounts the differences in views held by his father and Changemire. But she feels T’Challa has not reached his people on a level he needs to, to defeat the forces conspiring against him and the throne of Wakanda.

After his meeting with the Midnight Angels Tetu tends to Zenzi revitalizing her with magic. And meets with a mysterious man, Zeke Stane, who warns Tetu of his impending doom if he doesn’t bolster his technology against King T’Challa.

After a devastating explosion that nearly kills the Queen Mother and leaves many dead in Wakanda, T’Challa vows to avenge the fallen from the recent attacked aimed at the throne.

T’Challa is starting to learn the key to reaching his people and how to make amends for past transgressions. The buildup for this story has been captivating to say the least. But I think it’s going to get better as more and more is revealed. All the major players are set in motion for the coming war T’Challa is going to unleash on his detractors.