I don't hear as many people talking about Black Panther as I used to, and it seems like with the price increase of late, the decision about the future of the series has already been made. As long as Priest is at the helm, though, I intend to keep reading the book, whether it's a political or crime thriller. The latest chapter in the story of Kasper Cole, the cop who has taken up the mantle of the Panther, brings him more solidly into the circle of the previous Black Panther, but the story is still mostly centered on Kasper, as he tries to decide where his loyalty lies and how he can best serve himself, his loved ones and his chosen profession.
One of the complaints about Black Panther, and indeed much of Priest's writing, has been that he overcomplicates, and it's certainly hard to argue. Three issues ago the book had a fresh start, but it has already reached a certain point of density of information that a new reader might be taken aback just a bit. The shades of gray morality and writing style that leads to even the bad guys having sympathetic reasons for their actions certainly makes for more realistic and fascinating reading, but it also means that the motivations and context of everyone's decisions have to be explored, leading to a multi-layered and complex approach. God help you if you lose track of the 66 Bridges gang, Kasper, Tork, Lew, the White Wolf, or Kasper, because they are all absolutely essential to the story.
However, for those willing to spend a little time with complexity, the rewards are great. Kasper Cole's problems aren't easily solved by the application of violence or his newfound power. His conflicts are as much intellectual and psychological as physical, and he has to make choices. And like most of us, no matter what he chooses, there's going to be a downside attached to the decision. There's not an easy right or wrong, and that makes for some very realistic character interaction and drama.
On the art side of thing, Jorge Lucas delivers a fine performance, largely thanks to some expressive work on T'Challa and a strong visual for the new Black Panther. Schellinger's colors seem a little flat this month, probably because so much of the issue is told in flashback and consequently in a dull brown/orange scheme, but the somewhat dim color scheme helps to reinforce the street level, muddy choices reality that is the home of this new Panther. I'm especially pleased at the way Lucas portrays T'Challa as more of a regular guy than a king, and the strength that he gives "Black" Jack Cole.
The story here is not as much about the plot as the characterization, as the story arc is mostly about the choices that Kasper Cole faces in deciding who he's going to be. The result is some very nuanced storytelling, and while the new focus of the book has turned it into a slightly more action-oriented book, it certainly hasn't become a popcorn read by any means.
