A lot of people were first introduced to Princess Shuri in the MCU film Black Panther. But, as with almost all things Marvel, she first appeared in the comics. Though not as longstanding a character as others (she first appeared in 2005, while Black Panther’s first appearance was in 1966), she’s become an important part of the world of Wakanda. 

Last fall, Shuri started a run of her own comic. This version of the character is closer to what MCU fans are familiar with, especially with the focus on her tech skills. It’s a good mix of the MCU with the more current Black Panther stories. Plus we not only get a Shuri-centric storyline, but also explore a little more of the matriarchal nature of Wakandan society, as well as its place in the rest of Africa.

The series begins with T’Challa going missing. Wakanda has entered the space race and, of course, the king was the first on board an exploratory mission. But it’s been a couple of weeks with no contact. So Shuri is facing the task of finding her brother, while at the same time ensuring the people of Wakanda feel they are still under the protection of the Black Panther – a role she does not want to resume (yes, she has been the hero in the past).

The first few issues of Shuri (#7 hits shelves in April) provide a good background on Wakanda for those who perhaps haven’t read any of the Black Panther series, but are familiar with the Marvel movies. But it’s also satisfying for those who know that world already because there’s a different take on it. The technology, the mysticism, the culture are explored in a different context and from a female point of view, which does give things a different power.