Thunderbolts #125 (Secret Invasion) – Review

By Christos N. Gage (Writer), Fernando Blanco (Artist), and Frank Martin (Colorist)

The Story: The Thunderbolts finish off the Skrulls they were facing and head off to join the main Secret Invasion battle in Manhattan. This gives Norman Osborn the opportunity to showcase his leadership skills (while giving him an opportunity to raise the influence of his power) should he survive the battle.

What’s Good: This final chapter of the Thunderbolts event tie-in may ultimately prove to be an essential piece of the post-Invasion Marvel universe. With so many tie-ins proving to be inconsequential, this book’s a refreshing surprise. The ending creates some interesting questions for the future, especially considering that a new creative team takes over next issue.

Also good is the writing by Christos N. Gage and some of the artwork by Fernando Blanco. Gage successfully carries on the themes used by Warren Ellis to great effect by incorporating the media coverage of the event into the storyline. Longtime readers will love Norman’s use of the media to further his agenda and it’s complimented by Blanco’s amusing facial work.

What’s Not So Good: Most of the artwork. Blanco’s character work is ugly (and inconsistent) throughout the book and the muddy colors by Frank Martin only add to the problem. Also, the shots of the big Invasion battle are lacking when compared to the fantastic work done for it in Secret Invasion #7, which is still very fresh in my mind.

Conclusion: Invasion fans and those concerned with the future of the Marvel Universe will definitely want to pick this one up. It goes extremely well with the seventh chapter of the main event and hints at what the future holds in store.

Grade: B

-Kyle Posluszny

The Darkness #6 – Review

By Phil Hester (Writer), Michael Broussard (Pencils), Ryan Winn (Inks), and Sheldon Mitchell (Colors)

The Story: After embracing the Darkness in order to survive being blown to bits, Jackie Estacado faces off against his child, a being borne of nothing but pure Darkness. It is a battle of revenge-fueled rage versus primal, ancient evil as the Empire arc comes to an explosive conclusion.

What’s Good: Pretty much everything. Jackie Estacado continues to be one of the most compelling comic characters around, and this issue of The Darkness is a prime example of why. For a book that focuses almost entirely on the action, this one has a surprising amount of depth. And as far as action is concerned, it doesn’t get much better than this. The epic battle is visually stunning, full of entertaining banter, and it all resolves in a surprisingly clever fashion.

Phil Hester does a fantastic job laying the groundwork necessary to give this battle some emotional impact, and the payoff hits all the right notes. It plays off everything that makes The Darkness such an entertaining series. The main character is at his best, the artwork is better than ever, and the Darkness (both the power and the nature of it) is given a chance to shine.

What’s Not So Good: For as much as I enjoy Phil Hester’s writing, it comes across as a bit melodramatic or pretentious from time to time. His style works to great effect for the most part, but every once in a while a phrase will pop up that elicits a roll of the eyes. It is as if he is trying too hard to add weight to the story.

Conclusion: The Darkness #6 is easily one of the strongest issues of the long-running series. It is sure to please fans and action-junkies alike. Highly recommended in every way.

Grade: A-

-Kyle Posluszny