Black Panther #39

Some days, I head to the comic shop and buy the same darn books I always read. However, during crossovers, I tend to pick up a few extra tie-ins. Sometimes they're great (see Captain Britain/MI-13), and sometimes they're lousy. Ladies and gentlemen - Black Panther #39 is a winner.

At the onset of the issue, a small Skrull invasion force is heading to Wakanda. Members of the force are in fact complaining that they have such a lousy assignment - why do they have to capture some backwater African nation? Of course, they are quickly reminded that Wakanda is not in fact easy pickings - it has never been captured.

And this is the theme of this issue - you can't just walk into Wakanda and take over. Black Panther and his forces have a plan. Every few pages, that plan advances further. Essentially, they force the technologically superior Skrull forces into a low-tech ground war (not so different from what America has faced in recent years, really). In this way, two of Marvel's premier heroes, the Black Panther and Storm, have the ability to kick a little Skrull ass (which is presumably what will greet us next issue).

What's so great about this book? There is a great balance between the urgency of the situation and Black Panther's ultra-cool demeanor. To me, this is the strength of this character. To actually see a gutsy plan take place without having to suspend disbelief is really satisfying.

I have less to say about the art, except that it complements the story quite nicely. I must admit, the combination of lines and colors is not may favorite style, but it does not matter. Much more important is that the story and art are consistent, and that they work together to advance the plot.

I really do look forward to the next issue in this Secret Invasion tie-in. It rivals Captain Britain, and I found it much more satisfying than the Incredible Hercules issue last week (although I loved the previous issue).