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Reginald Hudlin, who wrote and directed the movies House Party and Boomerang, adventures out into the world of comic books and brings a new twist on the origin of the Black Panther.

Tribal adversaries and the U.S. government are interested in the riches and the technology of the famed kingdom of Wakanda. Outsiders are once again wanting to invade Wakanda, the home of T'Challa the warrior and scientist also known as the Black Panther. Through the centuries there have been many that wanted to reap the benefits of overtaking this modern kingdom, and the most treacherous among them is the Klaw. The Klaw tells a tale about the mythical kingdom and the legend of the Panther to a fellow who is an inmate in jail.

The U.S. government has an interest in oil and other minerals that Wakanda may offer, but there are many that want the vast wealth. In 1944 the U.S. sent Captain America on a secret mission to Wakanda, but The Black Panther defeated him and they have not tried again until now. The Klaw has a master plan to defeat the Panther. As he said in his story, he defeated him once, and he wants to defeat his son.

The story was very interesting and it is good that Hudlin put a historical edge to it. The artwork by John Romita Jr. was good. I really enjoyed the spread pages fight scene with Captain America. The inks were by Klaus Janson; he sort of streamlined Romita's pencils and brought more of a detailed look to the characters. The colors by Dean White had a realistic look, and a quality enhancement to the landscapes and in the panels.

I really liked the presentation that this team offered: a new twist yet also a historical period piece with old villains and politics. I think this will keep the Black Panther on his toes (or paws). This is an incredible opportunity for new readers to jump aboard.

Good action was blended with a hype story line and quality artwork. With the talk of a movie project in the works, 2005 and years to come are looking very promising for The Black Panther, making Black Panther #1 a classic.

I give this comic book a 4.75 rating. Excellent story, and integrating the historical timeline was clever and enjoyable.