Black Panther  

Issue 28    

"The Trade of Kings"

Storytellers: Christopher Priest, Sal Velluto

and Bob Almond

              Black Panther remains a contender for The Best Thing from Marvel these days. I'm happy to see Marvel themselves putting a premium on it, including a recent spotlight on their site.

               This  issue is part three of the current storyline, with the world possibly tumbling towards war among several small but extremely powerful kingdoms: Wakanda, Lemuria, Atlantis, Genosha and Latveria, all of which are run by sometimes flamboyant super-characters. There are schemes within schemes, and they're getting out of control. (For more details see my comments on issue #27. Better yet, just go out and buy the issues.) The conclusion's coming up in #29.

               Priest continues to handle the characters superbly. What more can I say?

              What I did neglect last time was to make any comments on the artwork Sal Velluto and Bob Almond have been providing. After all this time I'm gratified to see Sal Velluto, a fine gentlemanly man and solid visual storyteller, is hooked up with someone of Priest's caliber. Bob Almonds inks might be a little heavier and darker than necessary, but they're still effective. The work is reminiscent of vintage Neal Adams, but is still very much its own animal.

               I continue to wish all concerned the best in making this a long and healthy run. I'll keep buying and recommending it so long as a they do.

              

                                                                                MJN

Any comments?