Deron Generally
Deron Generally
Shuri #1
Marvel Comics
Written by Nnedi Okorafor
Art by Leonardo Romero
Colors by Jordie Bellaire
Letters by Joe Sabino
Princess Shuri recounts her time with her brother as well as the time she served as Black Panther in his absence in this first issue. When Wakanda decides to begin exploration of the stars, Shuri builds the ship that will take her brother and Manifold on their trip to explore a wormhole. Two weeks later, with T’Challa still missing and people starting to ask questions, a meeting is held in secret with the most influential and powerful women in the country including Okoye and Shuri’s mother. With Wakanda vulnerable, the women look to Shuri to make a decision about she will serve the country.
Rather than relying on a lot of political intrigue and action with the first issue, Okorafor takes the time to tell a human story with Shuri. We see the young princess as a person with hopes and ambitions. We see that there is a budding romance between she and Manifold. We also see a friendship between herself and someone who doesn’t treat her as royalty. The best thing this issue does is draw the reader into that story before introducing the first of many conflicts for Shuri. The first being the call of duty that being a princess in Wakanda entails as well as the threats that Wakanda faces without the Black Panther.
The pace of this issue helps to give the reader a better understanding of Shuri as well. You feel for her and her challenges as she tries to make her way in the world with both the pressures of her status and the knowledge of her ancestors intruding on her.
Romero’s art in this issue is really good. There are some great visual moments in this issue and the art does a great job of conveying the character’s emotions. Can’t wait to see where this story goes.
Shuri #1
