If Shuri is one of your favourite characters in 'Black Panther', if not the number one fave, then check out her solo comic series, which she has well earned. Marvel is taking the right step in putting more female POC characters in the spotlight.
Written by acclaimed writer Nnedi Okorafor, 'Shuri, Vol. 1: The Search For Black Panther' is fun, spiritual, political, and intellectual. It showcases Shuri's can-do attitude and tech wizardry (as well as the gauntlets, she has invented silver wings that she keeps in her pocket!). She is a true hero in her own right; not just a princess, or Black Panther's kid sister, or a potential succeeding Black Panther after T’Challa's disappearance into space. Her main objective, as the title spells out, is to find her brother: exactly what it says on the tin.
Shuri is a genius - one of if not the smartest person in the entire Marvel Universe - who is unsure of her future, and she loves her family, friends and the people of Wakanda.
Speaking of, the comic contains well-developed worldbuilding of the great nation to boot. Wakanda feels real, as it should, and the artwork aids in its wonder.
Shuri gives teenage girls a fantastic name - such a rarity in mainstream media. They have long deserved this kind of positive representation. Shuri the young black royal, and inventor, tech master, and fighter - the importance of this, and her recognition and popularity.
Guest heroes include Storm (I didn't know she and T'Challa were an item, and finally - a story where I like her!), Rocket and Groot, and typically, Tony Stark. Is there any Marvel comic and movie he doesn't appear in? Give more women a chance, Iron Clod! Shuri's mother Queen Ramonda and Okoye are here too and are badass in their own way.
I won't give much of the plot away, but I will mention that the primary reason 'Shuri, Vol. 1' is kept from being exceptionally brilliant is that I was confused about its message towards the end. What is the moral meant to be? Give in to peer pressure? Do as your elders say without question? Stick to tradition? Never change a monarchy into a democracy? Or is it something to do with responsibility? The story isn't finished, and major plot threads are as yet unsolved. But at least Shuri, a little faltering of agency at the end aside, remains the star, and the spectacular art shows her off splendidly as a hero.
Watch out for the gorgeous art covers!
Cultural traditions, African teachings, female friendships, female support, beautiful artwork, gadgets, a space battle with a bug that makes wormholes that can devour the universe (as you do, Marvel) - what more is there to entice you? The volume is a must for Shuri fans. She is sprightly, fun, assertive, brave, and brilliant.
She is no traditional Disney princess.
Wakanda, forever.
Final Score: 4/5
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