I think it was just the informality, not so much what he was saying. When Ridley had T’Challa critiquing democracy and justifying his actions it felt like he captured his voice really well. I thought his convo with Akili was well executed too. But when he’s quipping to Doctor Strange and talking with Omolola like they’re day ones it felt kinda off. Not bad but not quite T’Challa. I don’t think he shouldn’t crack jokes or talk informally, it’s just the context felt a bit weird.
But overall I thought the issue was strong. Dialogue heavy but it did a solid job of setting up a bunch of cool story beats so I’m fine because it looks like we’re in for some great characterization down the road. Where Wakandan democracy in the previous run was looked at as a panacea for all the problems in the kingdom, Ridley is deciding not to center a Western worldview and exploring the complications the institution can bring. We get a really different portrayal of T’Challa that’s more in line with his traditional depictions under Priest and Hudlin, as the character juggles his evolving place in the MU and the immeasurable paranoia and egoism that drives him.
The main plot thread is compelling and definitely has implications on the wider MU if other books care enough to explore them (namely T’Challa’s relationship with the Avengers as chairman and Wakanda-Krakoa relations.) The side characters are also interesting, from the PM to Omolola to Akili. I honestly didn’t expect much out of Ridley’s Shuri based on the current direction Marvel seems hellbent on taking the character but I hope he turns it around in future issues. The art was serviceable, Cabal shines in action scenes and paneling but the issue doesn’t take advantage of that to the fullest extent. His backgrounds were a bit weak too. Also felt T’Challa’s reaction to his friend’s death was a bit artificial considering the character didn’t exist before this issue and thus they had no real connection other than what we’re told. But altogether a great issue and a much needed change from the dreck we were getting before IMO.