This Week In Spandex
Written by Nicholas Yanes on November 16, 2009 – 7:08 pm -
S.W.O.R.D. #1- “No Time to Breathe”
- Writer: Kieron Gillen
- Pencils: Steven Sanders
- Company: Marvel Comics
Many years ago, Joss Whedon was hired by Marvel to write the Astonishing X-Men – the title which was supposed to become the X-Franchise’s flagship title, but didn’t. On this run Whedon introduced the organization S.W.O.R.D. (standing for Sentient World Observation and Response Department). S.W.O.R.D.’s mission was to protect the Earth from alien invasions, as S.H.I.E.L.D.’s was to keep the world safe from terrorist organizations.
As we all know from Secret Invasion, S.W.O.R.D. failed. S.W.O.R.D. #1 follows up on this idea by showing a re-built Peak (S.W.O.R.D.’s orbital headquarters) being co-command by both Agent Brand and Henry Gyrich – Gyrich being made co-commander by Norman Osborn.
For a first impression, this issue is a fun start and works on two key levels. One, while there is a mention of Norman Osborn, this series is not under the shadow of Dark Reign. This allows the story to be, well, about the story and the characters, as opposed to Osborn being evil and doing something randomly evil-ish. Two, there seems to be a great divide between Marvel’s Earthbound titles and its Space titles. S.W.O.R.D. seems to be away that bridge the two narratives naturally.
Beyond linking disparate intellectual properties, Gillen seems to be writing a story that is far removed from the over the top doom and gloom common in most of DC’s or Marvel’s titles. While most titles would focus on a group of aliens that want human slaves to make “temples of pain,” S.W.O.R.D. pushes this to just three panels with the assigned diplomat offering tea instead. In addition to this humorous genre inversion, this title is moving the focus away from traditional action to examining Agent Brand’s relationship with Beast and goes into her background by introducing her half brother – Lothithanrianiaxus, or Lothi for short, who is covered in green fur. Lothi not only seems to be a good way to examine Brand’s background, but as a wanted fugitive, Gillen used him as a means to bring back Death’s Head – UK fans rejoice!?!
In addition to little moments of humor, Gillen is also laying the ground work for two interesting villains. Gyrich is beginning to lay the groundwork for anti-Alien agenda that will force all extraterrestrials on Earth to leave the planet. The other villain is a character only referred to as Unit. Nothing is specifically described about this character, but it is shown that it is highly observant and intelligent. The reason why this character stands out is that Gillen makes Unit subtly creepy enough to disturb the reader without giving anything away.
Sanders’ art would be okay if there was no back up strip in the back of the book drawn by Jamie McKelvie. Key about the backup story is that it reveals that S.W.O.R.D. is still looking for a way to save Kitty from the Space Bullet.
Overall, S.W.O.R.D. #1 is a good start to a title could play a crucial role to future Marvel crossovers.
Related posts:
- This Week In Spandex
- This Week in Spandex
- This Week in Spandex
- This Week In Spandex
- This Week In Spandex
Tags: Marvel Comics, S.W.O.R.D., This Week In Spandex
Posted in This Week In Spandex | No Comments »
