A+X #4 – Review

By: Kaare Andrews, Jason Latour (Writers), Kaare Andrews, David López (Artists), Lee Loughridge, Jim Charalampiois (Colorists), Alvard López (Inker), Clayton Cowles (Letterer) 

The Review: I think it’s safe to say that nobody expected A+X to be quite this good. A quick look at the reviews for the last three issues show that nearly every major comic review website (ours included) has been mighty impressed with the consistently high levels of quality and effort found in each episode. In an era of ‘event fatigue’ and dubious reboots, this series’ amiable modus operandi is refreshing: one X-Man teamed with one Avenger. Them’s the rules, and aside from that anything goes.

This issue could be said to embody that freewheeling spirit more than any other so far; it’s leaking crazy like a broken faucet in Arkham Asylum. Ready the sedatives and wheel out the gurney, this patient ain’t going down without a fight:

Dark Reign: New Nation #1 – Review

Some Thoughts Before The Review: What it all comes down to regarding Dark Reign: New Nation is whether or not you feel comfortable plunking down about four bucks for what amounts to a handful of extended previews — some of which you already may have seen a bit of in last week’s Dark Reign one-shot (Marvel calls them prologues, but let’s be realistic here). I, for one, decided to take the plunge on the assumption that, in the long run, I would probably be saving myself a bit of cash. Since it would be a bit unfair to judge each story in the one-shot as I normally would an entire comic I will instead give a few thoughts about each and then give a grade to the overall package as a whole.

Secret Warriors: Declaration

By Brian Michael Bendis & Jonathan Hickman (Writers), Stefano Caselli (Art), and Daniele Rudoni (Colors)

Of all the books launching during Dark Reign, I believe Secret Warriors has the most potential. Though, to be honest, the creative team actually draws me to the title more than the concept. Jonathan Hickman’s past works have been quite outstanding and the art team of Stefano Caselli and Daniele Rudoni made Avengers: The Initiative one of the most visually impressive books month in and month out. With all that said, the prologue to Secret Warriors definitely leaves something to be desired. While the artwork looks great, there really isn’t a whole lot to chew on. Nick Fury visits a memorial to Captain America and reflects on the ways Cap is one of the inspirations behind the team of “caterpillars.” That’s about it. While I will still be checking out the series when it launches, the prologue doesn’t consist of anything likely to draw in those that aren’t already interested.

Agents of Atlas: The Heist

By Jeff Parker (Writer), Carlo Pagulayan (Pencils), Jason Paz (Inks), and Jana Schirmer (Colors)

Great looking artwork and an intriguing concept are definitely the highlights of the Agents of Atlas prologue. While I’ve never read the Agents mini-series from 2007, I can easily see the appeal of such an offbeat group of characters. The purpose and information gained from the titular heist does a nice job of building (or creating) interest for a series that is probably going to end up being overlooked by many.

War Machine: Crossing the Line

By Greg Pak (Writer), Leonardo Manco (Art), and Jay David Ramos (Colors)

War Machine’s encounter with someone from his past does a nice job of establishing the character’s mindset and his new place in the Marvel universe. While I’m not exactly sure if War Machine is a series I would follow, the impressive visuals and fairly complete story make “Crossing the Line” the most satisfying prologue in the book.

Skrull Kill Krew: Breakfast in America

By Adam Felber (Writer), Paulo Siqueira (Pencils & Inks), Amilton Santos (Inks), and Chris Sotomayor (Colors)

The Krew’s appearance and subsequent path of destruction in Avengers: The Initiative was one of the more memorable things to happen during Secret Invasion. Now the question is whether or not the fun and brutally over-the-top nature that made the Krew so much fun during the event can be successfully carried over into a new mini-series helmed by a brand new creative team after it. If the cow slaughter in “Breakfast in America” is any indication, it can (and quite easily, I might add).

New Avengers: The Reunion: Suspicion

By Jim McCann (Writer), David Lopez (Pencils), Alvardo Lopez (Inks), and Daniele Rudoni (Colors)

I found The Reunion prologue to be the weakest of the bunch but, the again, I’m not part of the target audience. Since I have no emotional investment in either Hawkeye or Mockingbird, I am pretty much indifferent to the whole mini-series. While the artwork looks nice enough and the storyline definitely has some hooks, I am now actually less interested in The Reunion now I was prior to reading the prologue.

Conclusion: Dark Reign: New Nation serves up a nice taste of the new Marvel offerings, but it is far from essential. Just know what you are getting into if you choose to buy it. I found it to be worthwhile, especially considering that it helped establish my level of interest towards a few things. That said, the price point does sting a bit now that I’ve thought about it a bit more.

Grade: B-

-Kyle Posluszny