Ms. Marvel #27 (Secret Invasion) – Review

By Brian Reed (writer), Andre Coelho (art), Chris Sotomayor (colors)

Up until the end of this issue, a lot of this Secret Invasion story happening in Ms. Marvel made little to no sense. Yes, the story is comprehensible and very straight forward, but compared to the other Secret Invasion tie-ins going on in other titles, it felt out of place, continuity-wise. No more. The last page of this issue clears it all up but left me with that lingering feeling of “Why is this story coming to us so late?!”

You see, this whole story taking place in Ms. Marvel happens just days before Secret Invasion #1. But because of how the story has been presented and feeling way out of continuity, there was no way of telling where this story fit in the grand scheme of things. Simply put, the story carried little to no weight (despite a major revelation regarding a supporting cast member). Now it all makes more sense, and while most of this issue takes place in the form of a wild goose chase, the effects it has on Ms. Marvel is profound. Finally, after years of being a very strong-willed heroine, Carol Danvers is showing chinks in her armor. The emotional toll she’s been through with the constant battles, high levels of responsibility, and the effects of Civil War are beginning to take their toll on her emotional stability. And with that, she reaches out to whomever she can for shelter, be it fleeting or not.

The art team has changed yet again with this issue, giving it an uneven feel. But fill-in artist, Andre Coelho does a very nice job portraying action and emotional elements. Despite the constant rotation of art teams, one thing that’s (thankfully) been consistent is the picking of artists who know how to draw a sweet looking Ms. Marvel. That definitely counts for something. All in all, this issue caps what’s been a lackluster Secret Invasion tie-in with a strong finish. I’m definitely on board to see what happens next. (Grade: B-)

– J. Montes

Green Arrow/Black Canary #5 – Review

By Judd Winick (writer), Andre Coelho (art), David Baron (colors)

Last issue, Connor, Green Arrow’s son, was nearly killed by a toxic bullet. Superman was able to get him to a hospital in time, but so far the prognosis isn’t good. His mind seems to be gone, but we’re not sure if he’s completely brain dead. All this doesn’t matter to Oliver; he doesn’t leave Connor’s side. He sits in his room every day, reading and talking to him – hoping he’ll come around.

Oliver then goes into confession mode, telling him how bad he treated his son’s mother. Winick shows us what happened first hand. As the issue progresses we witness how much of an awful father Oliver is. Instead of dealing with the fact that he has a new born, he throws money at the problem (the mom), and tells her to never bother him again. We see the inner demons Oliver battles and it’s not pretty.

We look back on the pain Connor’s mom goes through of being a single mother. She has a hard time disciplining him and eventually sends him to a monastery to bring some focus and control in his life. Eventually, it all comes back to Connor and Oliver’s lives crossing and moving to the present. As Oliver sits at his son’s bedside, he vows to make things right – being a father will always come first from now on. This story’s a personal one that many dads and sons will probably be able to relate to.

The latter half of this issue may not resolve Connor’s health issue, but it’ll put a smile on your face. And just when you think things are all rosey, Winick punches you in the gut with a shocking ending. Honestly, I’m not thrilled with how Winick ended this issue, either. Oliver and Dinah have had a lot of crap lately. Couldn’t we have had one happy moment and saved the drama for next issue?

If you’re not reading Green Arrow/Black Canary, you’re missing out on one of the best character driven superhero books around. Misgivings on this issue aside, Judd Winick is writing some of the best work of his career with this series. Regular artist, Cliff Chiang is sorely missed this issue, but Andre Coelho does an admirable job filling in. (Grade: B+)

– J. Montes