Black Panther – BGCP Comic Con: Scotland’s Touring Comic Con

Review – Black Panther: The Long Shadow #1

26th November 2021

Review – Black Panther: The Long Shadow #1 Publisher: Marvel Comics Writer: John Ridley Artist: Juann Cabal Colorist: Federico Blee Letterer: Joe Sabino Release Date: November 2021 I have been excited to review Black Panther: The Long Shadow #1 since it was initially announced. This is a new series that follows on from Jason Aaron’s brilliant Avengers run and Ta-Nehisi Coates’ Black Panther run. Both of those series had some respective major events take place surrounding T’Challa, some of them being nothing less than universe-shifting. Instead of dropping all of that baggage and starting afresh, John Ridley instead chooses to embrace the previously established lore of the preceding runs and works it into the story he is telling. This works remarkably well and rather than causing convolution and confusion, it instead helps this T’Challa’s universe feel lived in. Balancing those elements is what allows the plot of The Long Shadow #1 to flow and feel easy to follow, even if you haven’t read Coates’ previous Black Panther run. It is also a wise decision to choose to follow on from Coates’ run in terms of allowing readers to tie this comic’s plot and design elements into the MCU. This is because Ryan Coogler’s MCU version of the character took a lot of inspiration from Ta-Nehisi Coates’ run. This results in the onscreen and on-page versions of T’Challa and his supporting cast feel familiar to each other. Generally, I really enjoyed the way that Ridley wrote T’Challa in this issue. I had a good time reading through his dialogue and enjoyed reading his interactions with the other various Avengers team members present in the issue. T’Challa here feels consistent to what we have seen of him before, which is always something that is appreciated when a writer is swapped out between runs. However, there was one thing that I didn’t love in terms of the writing in the issue. Although this is an exciting first issue packed with plenty of action, it is rather exposition heavy. A lot of pages feel somewhat arbitrary, as they exist purely to set up future plot elements and things that will only become important later in the run. This is particularly obvious on the last page of the issue, which is used to tease where this run will go in the future. Whilst it was a visually interesting page, it felt slightly cheap and on-the-nose. Speaking of the visuals, Juann Cabal’s artwork was a real stand out in this issue for me. His pencils and inks in combination with Federico Blee’s colouring resulting in vibrant, dynamic panels that were always interesting to look at. The opening sequence in the issue is a particularly glorious feast for the eyes and the crisp, beautiful illustration continues throughout. Overall, this is a solid first issue. Frankly it is worth picking up for Alex Ross’ stunning front cover alone, but you will also find a compelling plot setup on the inside along with the enduring, charming characters that we all know and love from the Marvel universe. I am looking forward to seeing where this run goes and will definitely be picking up future issues when they drop. [yasr_multiset setid=1] [yasr_visitor_multiset setid=1] If you enjoyed Dan’s review of Black Panther: The Long Shadow #1, check out what he thought of the Black Panther movie here. Buy tickets for BGCP Comic Con in and around Glasgow Scotland – BUY TICKETS Check out all of our Comic, Movie, Television and Videogame Reviews HERE and our Podcasts/Interviews HERE If you want to be part of the BGCP community, Join us on Discord, Twitter, Instagram etc then click HERE www.bigglasgowcomicpage.com

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Avengers: Endgame Review: The Perfect Finale to the Infinity Saga

3rd January 2026

Seven years later, Avengers: Endgame remains the undisputed King of the MCU. From the “Portals” scene to Tony Stark’s final sacrifice, here is why this masterpiece demands to be watched on 4K. ⚠️ Affiliate Disclaimer This article contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. If you buy through these links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. The Verdict at a Glance The Crown Jewel of the MCU It is hard to believe it has been seven years since Avengers: Endgame hit theaters. In 2026, as we navigate the complex “Multiverse Saga” with Incursions and Variants, looking back at Endgame feels like visiting an old friend. This wasn’t just a movie; it was a miracle of logistics. Juggling dozens of A-list stars, wrapping up 22 movies of storytelling, and landing the emotional plane perfectly? That shouldn’t have been possible. Yet, the Russo Brothers did it. Here is why Endgame remains the “Gold Standard” against which all other blockbuster movies are measured. The “Time Heist” is Genius Writing Instead of a standard “punch the bad guy” plot, the movie turns into a love letter to the MCU itself. By sending our heroes back to 2012, 2013, and 2014, the film allows us to see how far these characters have come. Watching the weary, defeated 2023 Tony Stark interact with the hopeful 1970 version of his father is heartbreakingly beautiful. It rewards you for paying attention for the last decade. The Darkest Battle Needs the Best Screen The final act—the “Battle of Earth”—is notoriously dark (visually). The muddy grays and browns of the destroyed Avengers compound can look like a blurry mess on streaming services. However, on physical 4K UHD, it is a different experience. The HDR brings out the glowing sparks of Doctor Strange’s portals, the crackle of Thor’s lightning, and the distinct colors of the Infinity Stones against the gloom. If you haven’t seen it on disc, you haven’t really seen it. “On Your Left” There is no cinematic moment in the last 20 years that matches the “Portals” scene. When Captain America, broken and alone, hears Sam Wilson’s voice… it is pure magic. Even in 2026, this scene induces goosebumps. It is the payoff to every single solo movie that came before it. Seeing Black Panther, Spider-Man, and the Guardians return from the dust is a triumph of long-form storytelling. The Perfect Goodbye for Tony & Cap Endgame understands that endings are necessary. Tony Stark, the man who started as a selfish egoist, makes the ultimate selfless play. Steve Rogers, the man who always sacrificed himself for the greater good, finally takes a moment for himself. Their arcs cross perfectly: one learns to let go, the other learns to live. How to Watch: The “End of an Era” Collection To truly honor this film, you need the best quality possible. Streaming compression ruins the audio dynamic range of the final battle. ? The Essential Disc: Avengers: Endgame (Cinematic Universe Edition 4K) This disc is reference quality for home theaters. The Dolby Atmos track shakes the room when Thanos’s ship, The Sanctuary II, fires on the base. ? The Ultimate Flex: The Infinity Saga Collector’s Box Set If you want to own the entire 22-movie run from Iron Man to Endgame in one beautiful package, this is the holy grail for collectors. ? The Must-Have Prop: The Nano Gauntlet (Electronic) Unlike the golden Infinity Gauntlet, the red-and-silver “Nano Gauntlet” was built by Tony Stark. This high-end replica features articulated fingers and the “Snap” sound effect. It is the centerpiece of any Marvel shelf. Final Thoughts Avengers: Endgame is a masterpiece of blockbusters. It manages to be funny (Professor Hulk), devastating (Black Widow), and triumphant (Cap lifting Mjolnir) all at once. In an era of endless sequels, Endgame dared to provide a conclusion. It is the high-water mark of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and it demands a permanent spot in your physical media library. Where to watch next: The “Infinity Saga” is over, but the aftermath begins immediately in Spider-Man: Far From Home, which deals with the world mourning Tony Stark.

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Review – Black Panther

4th May 2021

Review – Black Panther Directed by: Ryan Coogler Written by: Ryan Coogler & Joe Cole Produced by: Stan Lee & Kevin Feige Starring: Chadwick Boseman, Michael B Jordan & Lupita Nyong’o Release Date: February 2nd 2018 (UK) I recently revisited Black Panther for review and it is still pretty great. Chadwick Boseman’s starring role as the titular hero is immense and I really enjoyed how he chose to give a subdued, collected performance in the film. This is something that I didn’t expect the first time that I watched Black Panther. Bearing in mind that the first time that we ever saw this character onscreen was in Civil War and while I understand he was on a revenge quest in that movie, he conveyed an sense of energy that isn’t present in Black Panther. I have since heard that this was a decision made by Chadwick Boseman and Ryan Coogler when they were settling on their vision of who Black Panther should be. There are a lot of stand out performances in the film though Michael B Jordan, (who is a Coogler movie staple at this point,) give us one of the best Marvel villains that we have seen thus far. At the very least, Killmonger had the most believable motivation for doing villainous things that we had seen up until that point in the MCU. The rest of the cast bring their A game too, including Danai Guira, Lupita Nyong’o, Andy Serkis, Daniel Kaluuya, Forest Whittaker, Martin Freeman and Sterling K Brown who are all great here. The costume design and sets are fantastic to look at, but some of the character CGI does look a bit too bouncy and unrealistic. I also feel that the movie drags a bit in the second act and the mid-section of the movie also features a lot of very expositional dialogue, meaning that this is the low point for the movie’s script Lastly, I really enjoy this movie’s soundtrack and feel that it greatly adds to the excitement of certain scenes throughout the movie. In summary, Black Panther is a pretty great entry into the MCU and although it isn’t one of Marvel’s best, it is far from their worst. [yasr_multiset setid=2] [yasr_visitor_multiset setid=2] If you enjoyed Dan’s review of Black Panther, you can check out what he thought of Thor: Ragnarok here. Buy tickets for BGCP Comic Con in and around Glasgow Scotland – BUY TICKETS Check out all of our Comic, Movie, Television and Videogame Reviews HERE and our Podcasts/Interviews HERE If you want to be part of the BGCP community, Join us on Discord, Twitter, Instagram etc then click HERE

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