Pros
-It is a very bold move for Hickman to start this new Avengers book focusing on Black Panther. Yes, he was an Avenger early on in the 60s but let’s face facts: he is not a popular character anymore. I am all for the focus being on him though just as much as the Illuminati. He is a very smart character but his views on the world matches perfectly for Hickman.
-I’m not particularly sure who these villains were but they did a nice job being a threat for T’Challa’s people. Good thing they used thermal so we could see Panther’s being sneaky against his opponents.
-More title cards! We can never have enough title cards!
-Thank goodness we have Steve Epting back doing art for Hickman. His style is very old school and it works perfectly for a character like Black Panther. For the future he works perfectly too since he did a series for Cap and Mr. Fantastic. Frank D’Armata should get some praise for also switching the color palette once Panther goes through the portal. Not so much subtle but a nice effect to showcase the change in the area.

Cons
-As mentioned earlier I am a bit confused on who these villains are. Also, why did the Illuminati needed to be contacted? But I’m sure the next issue will explain the situation in full.

Summary
-Great first issue for this take on the ‘New’ Avengers. The Illuminati is a perfect concept for Hickman but this issue also shows he is great to write Black Panther as well. It was also nice to see Steve Epting draw interiors again and I really missed him once he left Fantastic Four a bit too early for the run to end. If this first issue is any indication we are in for some damn good fun, as always, from Hickman and his cavalcade of artists.