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The Hatred of Killmonger #1, Both Outwards and Within Spoilers)

Published Tue, 04 Dec 2018 09:00:13 -0600

Killmonger is the new mini-series published by Marvel Comics and clearly, like the Shuri series also published now, it owes its existence to the Black Panther movie from almost a year ago. It wasn't created to run alongside the release of the movie as, it seems, no one at Marvel Comics expected the movie to do quite so well. And now it's time for catch up.

And despite Bryan Hill's statement at the end of the issue that this wasn't just created to repeat the themes and ideas of the movie but to do something new, this comic is steeped in the Killmonger of the movie, recreating scenes at the very beginning with Juan Ferreyra giving us both the painted epic above, including body scars, and the mundane below without missing a trick, while simultaneously trying to tie this in with the comic book storyline and finding a greater depth to the character. The man denies a believed birthright, who tries to seize power again and again, eventually dying at the hands of Monica Rambeau- none of that has changed. But his journey there has.

Killmonger #1 gives us an origin, a Year One, a great look at what makes the man tick, and it's not very pleasant. What it is, is understandable, relatable, much as the movie showed us. The Villain Has A Point is a more recent popular trope and it led to plenty of Killmonger Was Right T-shirts. The idea that Wakanda was an isolationist country through the centuries when it could have done some good, especially for the black population of the world is one that undeniable, even to T'Challa, albeit choosing education and invention rather than a mass distribution of weapons globally.

In the movie, Killmonger is working with Klaw's team to get himself into the right position and that is reflected here, moving from assassin of Klaw to his underling as a way to establish a power base and get close. Which makes Killmonger someone working for a man he hates for a long time payoff, but also feeds into his self loathing,

And we see that at MIT, sleeping with his job counsellor, but finding even that act hateful, lashing out when he is lashing out at himself, cognitive dissonance on full display.

This is the scene that may be most talked about, sex shown as power, control and as much an act of aggression as Killmongers other actions.

He is a man who believes the means may justify the end but is disparaging to those means that he has chosen. He hates himself for making the choices he has but finds a way to blame others for it.

Killmonger is not a good man. But he is a man, subject to the flaws, superstitions, misteps, anger and inconsistencies of us all. His death is assured, but isn't that also true of us all?

Killmonger looks to tell a portrait of a troubled man and comment on the pressures that expectations of society, of duty, of family and ourselves put pressure on. There is obviously a strong racial element to this, both in text, between Africa and America, his accusations of colonisation, and also reflected in Wilson Fisk's team named after chess pieces. But it has a universal note a character possessed with a rage against what is, even when the character is party to that situation. It's a comic book about dealing with self-hatred as much as it is aimed at other people. Is it understandable, but is it justified? If so – why fight against it?

It's a book that will create discussion, that will give people a return to the thrill they felt with the movie, but give greater depth and understanding to the debates the movie generated. It may be more like the Black Panther that some people wanted but didn't get from Coates and Stelfreeze.

Whose side are you on? Will you switch, or double down?

Killmonger #1 is published tomorrow by Marvel Comics.

Killmonger #1 (of 5)
(W) Bryan Edward Hill (A/CA) Juan Ferreyra
THE BRUTAL TALE OF A MAN WHO WILL STOP AT NOTHING FOR FREEDOM…
One day, Erik Killmonger will rise up and attempt to steal the throne of Wakanda. The throne he believes he is owed. But long before he became "Killmonger," there was a boy known as N'Jadaka. A boy who was stolen from his home and taught only the world's cruelties. A boy who knew the Black Panther only as a fairy tale, a whisper from strangers. This is the story of a man who driven by revenge. This is the legend of Killmonger.
PARENTAL ADVISORY
In Shops: Dec 05, 2018
SRP: $4.99

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