This Week in Spandex
Written by Nicholas Yanes on September 26, 2008 – 4:43 pm -Reviews by Nicholas Yanes
- X-Factor #35
- “Best Intentions”
- Writer: Peter David
- Penciler: Larry Stroman
- Inker: Jon Sibal
- Publisher: Marvel Comics
I like Peter David’s writings. They always have strong character development, tell a great story, and you always feel like the story is going somewhere. For those reasons I really wanted to like this issue, but certain things just didn’t work for me.
I was hoping that Stroman’s art would grow on me – it isn’t. If anything, I’m finding the style of the art to be more of a distraction with every panel.
More importantly, is the story and its disappointments. This issue begins with the reader discovering that Darwin has been kidnapped by a secret organization that wishes to experiment on him. The only problem with this scenario is that Darwin has the capability to develop any ability he needs to survive – in a fight with the Hulk his body developed the power to teleport – so why doesn’t he just teleport away, or why doesn’t he just do something to get out. Overall, I think my main problem with this story is that its clearly structured as a way to introduce Longshot (the real one, not the skrull) and his powers. In doing this though, it feels like all the other characters have been pushed to the side.
- The Mighty Avengers #18
- Secret Invasion Crossover
- Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
- Art: Stefano Caselli
- Colors: Daniele Rudoni
- Publisher: Marvel Comics
Due to the Secret Invasion, The Mighty Avengers is continuing its role as a provider of supplemental material. The intent of this issue is to give the reader a glimpse as how Nick Fury trains soldiers and prepares for the invasion. One example in particular is Fury abducing Yo Yo and torturing her to toughen her up in case an enemy ever got a hold of her (in case you’re wondering, Yo Yo is one of those random characters introduced a few months back, but never fully developed). The story also continues to present Fury as someone outside of S.H.I.E.L.D., but still clearly invested in it and still able to influence it. Overall, this issue is okay, but it feels like a rushed attempt to make the readers begin to care about the new Commandos.
- Captain Britain and MI13 #5
- “Hell Comes to Birmingham” Prologue
- Writer: Paul Cornell
- Penciler: Pat Olliffe
- Inker: Paul Neary
- Publisher: Marvel Comics
Captain Britain and MI13 has accomplished something incredible – it is the first series past the Secret Invasion. Due to Pete Wisdom’s key decision in issue 4, the Skrulls are unable to invade Britain – it was a good story, go read it. Unfortunately, Wisdom also had to free evil demons and monsters that will eventually try to take over Britain.
It is from this action that the purpose of the book seems to take shape. Most team books involve a threat that can only be stopped by different characters teaming up. After the threat is neutralized, the characters realize that they work well and decide to stay together. For the most part, MI13 falls into this pattern. However, what is most interesting about MI-13 is that it is a counter to the Avenger’s Initiative. The British Government is involved enough to properly fund the team and act as a watchdog, but it is not militaristically forcing characters to enlist. One clear aspect of this issue important to future readers, is that it sets up the frame work for how this team functions as part of the British Government and, I imagine, the European Union.
This issue is of interest because as the team is setting up, Cornell is setting up potentially fascinating character arcs. One in particular is the tension between newly recruited Blade and the vampire Spitfire. Two characters whose future interactions will keep me buying this book are Captain Britain and Faiza Hussain – a Muslim woman who now carries the sword of Excalibur. Considering the news reports we hear in the states about tensions surrounding Muslim immigrants in Britain, I feel that a Muslim wielding Excalibur should be a big deal for the mainstream press.
Another plus for this series is Olliffe’s artwork. Though nothing spectacular, Olliffe can jump between dark to light, from action packed scenes to passiveness without missing a beat.
- Iron Man: Director of Shield #33
- “War Machine: Weapon of S.H.I.E.L.D.” Part 1
- Writer: Christos N. Gage
- Penciler: Sean Chen
- Inker: Sandu Florea
- Publisher: Marvel Comics
James Rhodes, War Machine, has always been an underused character. As an African American character in the white world of superheroes, I shouldn’t be surprised. However the character is a former Vietnam vet (though I’m sure that’ll be updated to the Iraq War soon) and should be a strategist second or equal to Captain America. So when I picked up this issue, I was hoping for something…far different.
Though I did find a boyish enjoyment in seeing War Machine get his own Megazord, I was hoping to see him use his technological enhancements to launch some guerilla warfare against the Skrull army.
This story isn’t bad, I just want so much more. As a matter of fact one surprising positive aspect of this issue is Chen’s art work. He was able to replicate Leinil Francis Yu’s work in Secret Invasion. He is able to draw a genuinely exciting fight scene between War Machine and a Skrull Soldier and Warship. Additionally, War Machine was recently severely injured and install cybernetics throughout his body to stay alive. This action makes him look like a knock off of DC’s Cyborg. However, Chen’s art is able to present the image of Rhodes’ new face with sufficient horror and sadness.
Why did this issue have to end with a Megazord?
- Scalped #21
- “The Gravel in Your Guts” Part One
- Writer: Jason Aaron
- Artist: R.M. Guera
- Colors: Giulia Brusco
- Published: Vertigo
How have I missed out on Scalped for so long? It’s like The Sopranos, but with Native Americans instead of Italian-Americans. What makes this series appear so interesting is the mixture of Native American theology, Reservation economics, and a color scheme evoking modern life on a reservation.
This issue is the start of a new arc – as one can tell from the title – but it is also continuing storylines that have been established over the past twenty issues. Chief Red Crow is still dealing with the stresses of being in charge and is now burdened by his Grandmother to help a woman’s soul reach peace. To do this Crow must live a harmonious life – a task that appears to be nearly impossible.
I can’t wait for the next issue. This series is perfect for those who love great comics.
Related posts:
- This Week in Spandex
- This Week in Spandex
- This Week in Spandex
- This Week in Spandex
- Captain Britain and MI-13 Scores Three
Tags: Comic Reviews By Nick Yanes, This Week In Spandex
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