by Randy Lander

BLACK PANTHER #37 "The Once and Future King Part 2 of 2" Highly Recommended (9/10) Marvel Comics Writer: Priest Pencils: Sal Velluto Inks: Bob Almond Colors: VLM Letters: Sharpefont Editor: Mike Marts Price: $2.50 US/$3.75 CAN In many ways, Black Panther should be a career-making book for Priest. In addition to redefining a Marvel character in a way not seen since Peter David's long run on the Hulk, he's showing an ability to develop a massive supporting cast and revitalize an entire section of the Marvel mythos. He's also shown that despite editorial shifts and some artistic stumbling blocks, he can put in over three years on a book without a bad issue. This story in particular is the culmination of his run, a sort of "Dark Knight Returns" for Black Panther, and it shows off everything he's done with this title so far. In a just world, this would be out-selling most other super-hero comics and making Priest, Velluto and Almond all A-list names to reckon with. In the world we've got, I guess we'll have to be satisfied with well-deserved critical acclaim, which I will once again happily be a part of. For anyone who has been reading Panther for any length of time, this issue is as good as it gets. While we're getting Ross's amusing cynical narration and Panther's always-impressive planning, we're also seeing a story where he's facing some of his great challenges. There are failures and climactic battles in this story, reunions with old friends and a finale of sorts for Panther's story, all the while leaving room for future exploration. It's greatest strength is also it's greatest weakness, in that there's a heavy use of continuity and characters that new readers won't have a single clue about, making this issue hard for new readers to appreciate but easy for current readers to love. One of the high points of the issue is seeing what the future may hold for some of these characters. Monica's brief interaction with T'Challa is a wonderful moment, and I absolutely loved seeing the older versions of Power Man, Brother Voodoo and the Falcon. The banter between these characters as they go to help Panther makes for some nice window dressing on the main story. And that main story is heart-wrenching, the rare failure of Black Panther since Priest has started writing him. Panther can handle tribal conflicts, super-villains and global politics, but he's just as much in the dark about parenthood as the rest of us, and the tragic outcome of this conflict between father, son and daughter was very moving and involving. Velluto and Almond don't get enough credit for their role in this book, but they have brought a consistent and enjoyable look to the story for two solid years as of this issue (barring the occasional guest shot artist). Their rendition of numerous characters is clear and strong, and they can handle storytelling duties from the conversation to the action-packed splash panel equally well. The opening sequence is chilling and horrific in large part due to their artwork, and the closing sequence really gets across a magical and bittersweet tone as well, which helps give the ending its punch. If you're not reading Black Panther, this issue might not be the best jumping-on point for you. However, there is one trade out and another one the way for you folks, and maybe a little while down the road you'll be able to enjoy this issue as much as regular readers of the title no doubt will. Email Randy Lander comments about this review.