Issue- 18

Title- Here Come A Storm

Writer- Reginald Hudlin

Art- Scot Eaton

 

Summary:

Following Black Panther and Storm's wedding ceremony, the couple go through their gifts. Among them is a holographic invitation from Doom. He asks Black Panther to consider having a conversation about current events.

 

Notes:

  • Cameo only.

  • Collected in Black Panther: The Bride

     

 

 

 (see below)

 

 
   

Issue- 19

Title- Holiday in Latveria

Writer- Reginald Hudlin

Art- Scot Eaton

 

Summary:

After honeymooning for two weeks, newlyweds Black Panther and Storm begin a "world tour" in which to meet world leaders and assure them that Wakanda is not becoming an offensive nation. After receiving Doom's invitation, the couple's first stop is Latveria. There the Panther and Doom discuss current events such as the disappearance of the Hulk, the Inhuman's declaration of war, Namor's recent movements, and the civil war in America. Doom proposes that he and the Panther form an alliance. The Panther refuses on the basis that he does not trust him. This enrages Doom who promptly orders his army of Doombots to attack his plane while he himself battles the Panther. The Panther activate an EMP device which apparently cripples Latveria. Doom however is unaffected. Ultimately the fight ceases after Storm jumps in to help and the couple leaves.

 
 

Notes:

  • Storm says "Latveria! I never thought I'd be back here again," probably alluding to her time there in Fantastic Four vs. X-Men. Later she states "I have owed you this for a while, Victor..."  this is might be an allusion to FF vs X-men or perhaps X-Men #145 - 147 (even though that was a Doombot).

  • Doomstadt has a mayor

  • Since Authoritative Action and his return in Fantastic Four #536/537, Doom has restocked his army of Doombots as evidenced by the large number which surround Black Panther and Storm as well as their plane.

  • Storm's electrical powers do not harm Doom's armor.

  • Doom designed a light armor at the age of 15 (which Black Panther also perfected at age 12).

  • Latveria is susceptible to EMP attacks however Doom's armor is not.

  • Collected in Black Panther: Civil War (pictured below, right)

 
 

Comments:

I have a theory that Doom and Black Panther are two characters that should NOT interact. Writers never seem to get Doom right in the presence of the Panther. The sole exception perhaps being Astonishing Tales #7 written by classic Doom scribe Gerry Conway. The world tour idea is a neat one for which I'm glad that Hudlin thought to include Latveria, however I'm sad with his characterization of Doom. Evidently I am not the only one. You can click to read the stormy conversations at the NEWSARAMA boards as well as a review which pretty much mirrors my own feelings here at IGN.com. However for the sake of being fair, you can also find a positive review for the issue here.

 

The main argument I see people who defend this characterization is why can't Doom be a racist. My answer? The fact is that yes, he can be a racist, but he is not. Its not in the character. How would Black Panther fans feel if the next reboot of the character would have T'Challa being a racist? Can't he be racist? The fact that Doom is a villain, a dictator and thinks he is better than everyone does not make him a racist. I'm sure he thinks he is smarter than people of all colors, just ask Reed Richards. To add insult to injury, we are supposed to believe that an EMP device can cripple Latveria. We are talking about the country ruled by Doctor Doom. He has stolen the powers of the Beyonder, the Watcher, and Galactus. Do you really think EMP is going affect the country he lives in? That he would not have safeguards against such an attack? Latveria is probably the most well defended country on the planet.

 

I want to point out that Scott Eaton seems to be the go to guy for drawing Doom these days. This is his third Doom in recent memory. He's drawn him in the Fantastic Four: House of M mini as well as in Marvel Adventures Fantastic Four. I consider his MA:FF version is by far his best rendition. While the art here is good, I found the coloring on Doom a little too bright for my tastes. In general, I think Eaton can do a lot better, because he has.

 

As for the issue as a whole, I must once again mirror IGN, which I've just discovered has a similar rating system as me.

Bottom Line: * out of 5 (Burn It!)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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