BLACK PANTHER LAUNCHES IN FEBRUARY FROM MARVEL

[MattBrady]

As promised by Editor in Chief Joe Quesada, today’s New York Times reports that Black Panther will relaunch in February (coinciding with Black History Month), with Reginald (House Party, Birth of a Nation) Hudlin writing, and John Romita Jr. providing the art. In addition to House Party, Hudlin has also directed Serving Sara as well as episodes of The Bernie Mac Show.

According to the Times, issues #1-#6 will deal with the Panther’s origin, while issues #7-#12 will “will have the Panther take a greater role in the Marvel Universe, interacting with the Avengers, Spider-Man and the X-Men, and meeting many other black heroes, including Blade, Luke Cage and Storm.”

Marvel’s most recent Black Panther series, written by Priest, ran for 62 issues, and ended in September of 2003. Most recently, in its Q3 2004 report, Marvel reported that the character was on its slate of projects to develop as films, though rumors and reports of a Black Panther film (with or without Wesley Snipes involvement) have been making the rounds for some time.

According to Marvel's John Dokes, the new series will debut under the Marvel Knights imprint.

Late Tuesday, Marvel released the following press release about the forthcoming series:

The Black Panther, the first-ever black super hero - created by Marvel Comics in the 1960s, will return with a new series in February 2005, coinciding with Black History Month.

The series, which recreates the origin of one of the comic world’s greatest cult heroes is being written by Reginald Hudlin, a pioneer of the modern black hip-hop film movement with “House Party." Reginald is also currently directing and producing "The Bernie Mac Show" and recently authored the comic novel “Birth of a Nation.” Legendary Marvel illustrator John Romita, Jr. has recreated and updated the Black Panther’s appearance.

The Black Panther was created in 1966 by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby, the legendary team behind such iconic Marvel characters as Spider-Man and X-Men. The Panther was first introduced as an antagonist in Fantastic Four #52, where it was made clear that this complicated hero was no villain.

Marvel and Hudlin’s decision to bring back the Black Panther now is a reflection of how the richness of the character is relevant today. Lee and Kirby created the Black Panther during the turbulent 1960s - during the heart of the Civil Rights movement. President Lyndon B. Johnson had signed the Civil Rights Act two years prior and Martin Luther King, Jr. had led his famous March from Selma to Montgomery, AL the year before. The character’s name predates the rise of the Black Panther Party in Oakland, California.

Lee and Kirby - creators who had always been sensitive to how Marvel characters should reflect the diversity of the “real” world - have provided Hudlin with the platform to introduce the character’s relevance to a new revolution happening in America today: the emergence of the Hip-Hop generation.

"When Marvel first created the Black Panther, there was excitement and real magic in the character for me," said Hudlin. " The Black Panther is a king of a powerful yet untapped country, a son avenging his father's death, and a man educated in the finest schools. I'm thrilled to be given the opportunity to bring back the character in a way that not only respects the original idea of Stan Lee, but also explores a side of his history that fans have never seen before."

The new series will create an adventure that is of epic proportions, returning to the origins of the Black Panther and his ancestral home of Wakanda, a fictional country in the heart of Africa. Wakanda has remained elusive to the modern world, despite its advancements in science and technology, as well as its vast resource of a precious fossil fuel, vibranium. Not only does Wakanda’s independence block the total dominance of Africa by colonial powers, its cultural evolution has gone unchecked for centuries.

It’s from this exiting culture that Hudlin begins to tell the rich history of the Black Panther and bring him into prominence within the Marvel universe. The first six issues will recreate the legacy of the character for Marvel fans - his family history, his enemies, and his strength. The second six issues will begin to integrate the character into the Marvel universe. By the end of the second story the Black Panther will have impacted every major character in the universe.

“Reggie Hudlin’s idea to bring back the Black Panther with a storyline that repositioned the character’s role from that of a niche character to much larger role in the Marvel universe was so fresh and exciting, we were all captivated with the idea,” said Joe Quesada, editor-in-chief, Marvel Publishing. “In fact, we see the Black Panther taking on the same kind of prominence in the Marvel universe as Spider-Man.”

[scan2001]

I'll give it a try but I wish Priest was still writing it.

[Hdefined]

A writer from Bernie Mac? God no . . .

I'm sorry, but that show's just awful, and if that's any indication of the writer, this series could just go in the complete wrong direction.

And I'm not a fan of JR JR. His work can be nice when he spends the time to put in detail, but that's a rarity.

[corey j.]

You're not a fan of the Bernie Mac show?

Oh, no!

Hell, I was thinking how hilarious a Bernie Mac written Luke Cage book would be!

We'll have to agree to disagree, friend.

But I also love Arrested Development, Scrubs and Everybody Loves Raymond.

Gotta go for now.

[Hannibal King]

Black Panther was always one of my favourite characters. Ever since his days in the Avengers where Hawkeye was Goliath (and alive), the Black Panther has always been incredibly intriguing to me. I mean he's a king and a super-hero. It was cool to me when I was young and still remains one of his defining aspects.

The new series sounds like it will be alright. It will be cool to see a new take on his origin but do we really need six issues to do it, or is simply another case of write for the trade? And again do we really need more unwarranted crossover's between other Marvel characters, such as the obligatory Spider-Man and X-Men already mentioned? I mean if the Panther cannot hold his own book aloft, then why give him one? If I want to see a crossover then I will simply pick up the new Marvel Team-Up book by Kirkman, or any single issue from the 90's.

I really wish Priest were writing this book because he had a good thing going.

But I will give this a try and will be especially looking for the TPB of early Panther issues done by Kirby.

Kirby rocks!!!

[Hannibal Tabu]

That's ... unexpected.

I am so happy for Reggie. Wow. It's ... an interesting development.

But getting JRJR for the project? Wow. That's ... wow.

Very interesting.

[Aaron Calimeri]

Cool news.

Black Panther is an interesting character.

JRJR is GREAT.

[Ignatius Prime]

Originally posted by Hdefined
A writer from Bernie Mac? God no . . .

I'm sorry, but that show's just awful, and if that's any indication of the writer, this series could just go in the complete wrong direction.

And I'm not a fan of JR JR. His work can be nice when he spends the time to put in detail, but that's a rarity.

Try reading the article again, where it says he DIRECTED Bernie Mac. Directing != writing. Then again, somebody who's spent the time to post 1200+ messages here probably doesn't have much time to learn, you know, what words mean, much less what constitutes either good art or what is funny.

Another brilliant example of comics fandom.

[Switch]

According to the Times, issues #1-#6 will deal with the Panther’s origin...

What's there to deal with? We're not going to learn of T'Chaka's secret tryst with Klaw are we?

[Nakedmanatee]

Ah, but will it have guest appearances from Kid n Play? Sorry, obvious joke. This actually sounds like fun. Like many, I would prefer Priest, but I understand Marvel wanting to give somebody else a shot. And JRJR is about the best damn artist they could pick for this project.

--Dave

[zeraze]

Originally posted by Hannibal Tabu
That's ... unexpected.

I am so happy for Reggie. Wow. It's ... an interesting development.

But getting JRJR for the project? Wow. That's ... wow.

Very interesting.

Well, Hudlin writing Black Panther has been rumored for some months. First, by the column "All the Rage," (see example, "Panther Sightings"):

http://www.silverbulletcomicbooks.co...7687529823.htm)

And more recently in an ABC News article about Black superheroes:

http://abcnews.go.com/sections/Enter..._040629-1.html

So, it was only a matter of Joe Quesada confirming this story.

zeraze

[zeraze]

Originally posted by Hannibal King
And again do we really need more unwarranted crossover's between other Marvel characters, such as the obligatory Spider-Man and X-Men already mentioned?

Well, the Panther is a friend of Spidey and Storm of the X-Men so such appearance make sense. Besides, Christopher Priest was hardly shy about having high-profile guest stars appear during his run on Black Panther: Storm, Wolverine, various Avengers, etc.

I mean if the Panther cannot hold his own book aloft, then why give him one? If I want to see a crossover then I will simply pick up the new Marvel Team-Up book by Kirkman, or any single issue from the 90's.

Almost from its beginning, all of Marvel's titles have featured superhero crossovers, which accounts for the shared universe they create. So, I don't understand this sense of betrayal because the House of Ideas is simply following tradition.

The only way to avoid such crossovers is to stop buying Marvel and DC comics.

zeraze

The only way to avoid

[siskods9]

Originally posted by Hdefined
A writer from Bernie Mac? God no . . .

I'm sorry, but that show's just awful, and if that's any indication of the writer, this series could just go in the complete wrong direction.

And I'm not a fan of JR JR. His work can be nice when he spends the time to put in detail, but that's a rarity.

The Bernie Mac show is far from awful and alot better then most of the crappy sitcoms on tv. That show has more heart and intelligence then probably most of the crap u watch. But i know u see an all black cast and its just awful to watch.

[noir]

im glad about the book but i fucking hate jrjr's rt. it looks so sloppy

[aphterburn]

Originally posted by siskods9
The Bernie Mac show is far from awful and alot better then most of the crappy sitcoms on tv. That show has more heart and intelligence then probably most of the crap u watch. But i know u see an all black cast and its just awful to watch.

This is pretty much it in a nutshell. The show is great and ought to be a top 10 hit ahead of crap like Two And A Half Men etc. Instead some people see a black family ACTING like a black family and get turned off.

Anyways, I might just give BP a chance.

[zeraze]

Originally posted by Hdefined
A writer from Bernie Mac? God no . . .

I'm sorry, but that show's just awful, and if that's any indication of the writer, this series could just go in the complete wrong direction.

Have you read the Birth of a Nation graphic novel mentioned in the article above? If not, here's the rundown: East St. Louis secedes from the US in response to its mostly Black populace being denied the right to vote in a major presidential election. (Sound familiar?) This brilliant, imaginative satire (the best OGN I've read in 2004) manages to be genuinely thought-provoking while not diminishing the humor or drama. Here is a cover of the book: www.icv2.com/articles/news/4947.html

So, I have faith that Hudlin can paint the Black Panther in a positive light.

There is also a financial incentive for Hudlin writing the series. Because of his TV and movie pedigree, he along with acclaimed cartoonist Aaron McGruder (The Boondocks) made Birth of a Nation more attractive to mass market outlets. That's including stores (e.g. Black bookstores) that normally snubbed graphic novels. Hence, Hudlin helped the book enjoy far greater distribution and media coverage outside of the direct market than most American graphic novels.

Similarly, Marvel likely accepted the idea of Hudlin helming Black Panther because his name recognition would help win over some of those millions of mainstream readers who normally snub comics. The fact that Hudlin is enthusiatic about the comic is an added bonus.

And I'm not a fan of JR JR. His work can be nice when he spends the time to put in detail, but that's a rarity.

I enjoyed Romita's work on Amazing Spider-Man and am far from alone in this sentiment. Hence, it's a no-brainer for Marvel to give the revived Black Panther series an artist that is popular with a wide range of comic readers. This improves the odds of the comic overcoming the "Black superhero comic = lousy read" mentality.

I mean Marvel's has done this for there flagship titles like Avengers, Captain, Astonishing X-Men, etc. So, why not Black Panther ?

[Mike Cruz]

Originally posted by scan2001
I'll give it a try but I wish Priest was still writing it.

I second that sentiment, but I'd like to add that I wish Velluto and Almond were members of the stortelling team as well.

-Mike

[camax]

Originally posted by Mike Cruz
I second that sentiment, but I'd like to add that I wish Velluto and Almond were members of the stortelling team as well.

-Mike

Man, I miss Priest, Velluto and Almond on Black Panther STILL to this day. My favorite Marvel character, and the best run he's ever had (did not like the Kasper Kole stuff at the end, but they were nice to give Priest one more shot at a different approach to gain readers.)

I wish Priest was writing it as well, but at least he got to have his say, so I'm okay with another writer. I am very disappointed that JRJR is drawing it though. I agree with a few that have pointed out that his style is just too messy and blocky for me. I love the Panther sleek with strong lines, like the jungle cat and king he is. Still, I'll give it a shot.

I'm pretty sure we don't need six issues to review BP's origin once again either. We rarely get a solo Panther book as it is, please don't waste the space rehashing - give us great new adventures!

I'm glad Marvel is taking the Panther (and everyone else it sounds like it) back into the Marvel Universe and letting all the heroes interact once again, like they always used to in the past.

~Cam

[Roland]

Okay a Black Panther relaunch is set for February to coincide with Black History Month.

And yet the author of this topic has chosen to call it FEEBruary. You have to love the not-so-subtleties of someone's displeasure

[beta-ray]

I would love to have seen Priest back as well, but I am not adverse to seeing another writer tackling the Panther. Hope it turns out well.

And JRJr is great... though admittedly his work may not appeal to all nor be best for every comic.

[mayhem]

Originally posted by Ignatius Prime
Does it hurt, being that stupid?

Try reading the article again, where it says he DIRECTED Bernie Mac. Directing != writing. Then again, somebody who's spent the time to post 1200+ messages here probably doesn't have much time to learn, you know, what words mean, much less what constitutes either good art or what is funny.
Another brilliant example of comics fandom.

Does it hurt being such a jerk?

Obviously not. The guy made a fair remark simply commenting on his personal tastes and you have to go getting all personal and insulting. Why do you have to carry on like this,
it makes you out to be an ever bigger tool with smart alec comments like that first line.

And your last line was an even more brilliant example of comics fandom.

On another note I look foward to seeing the Panther team up with Blade. Should be awesome! (At least i hope)

[Jason Arendt]

Originally posted by Roland
Okay a Black Panther relaunch is set for February to coincide with Black History Month.

And yet the author of this topic has chosen to call it FEEBruary. You have to love the not-so-subtleties of someone's displeasure

I don't get it, what does calling it FEEBruary mean? I just thought it was a typo.

Either way, I'm sold on it. I'm there.

[The Creeper]

JRJR is on it so I gotta buy it!

[HUMMER]

Originally posted by Ignatius Prime
Does it hurt, being that stupid?

Try reading the article again, where it says he DIRECTED Bernie Mac. Directing != writing. Then again, somebody who's spent the time to post 1200+ messages here probably doesn't have much time to learn, you know, what words mean, much less what constitutes either good art or what is funny.

Another brilliant example of comics fandom.

Brother you gotta take it down a notch. You are a little wound up. Comics are fun. And 1200+ messages means nothing more then he is passionate about his hobby so chill out man.

Now at the topic at hand I think Black Panther coming back is cool. He is a cool character, and although I am white I think it is great to see more black characters in comics. I may see about picking this up. I do have to agree with another poster about the 6 issues to explain an origin. That is just too many issues to do that. This is definitely being written with a trade in mind. Although I am intrigued and may pick this up, I am also thinking Marvel screwed the pooch yet again. Oh well, time will tell. I do hope this book is good and succeeds.

[Hypestyle]

My only concern-- and i'd like to think it's unfounded-- is that the new write will hopefully not run roughshod over the Priest-era chronology, which was arguably the most memorable 'era' outside of the Don McGregor's work and the Buscema Avengers run-- and to be sure, Priest's run was by far the longest..

So hopefully the new series will build on that instead of doing a BYRNE-wipe and retconning any and everything on a whim..

.. on another level, I hope that Marvel will PROMOTE this book like they do X-Men, Spider-Man, etc.. and SUPPORT this book consistently, instead of putting it on the chopping block barely after the first issue hits stores (remember THE CREW?).. the NY times article helps, but also internal ads in other marvel books, as well as other trade publications, Wizard, CBG, etc...

Hudlin seems gregarious enough to do interviews on a recurring basis, so i'm sure he will be willing to do some good promo work..