All-New Invaders #1 – Review

by James Robinson (Writer), Steve Pugh (Artist), Guru e-FX (Colorist)

The Story: Jim Hammond receives the visit of an alien being who is rather chatty about what she wants and where she think it might be.

The Review: Some writers are known for certain types of stories, certain genres. Geoff Johns is known for big super hero stories with a certain penchant for revitalization of silver age ideas, Ed Brubaker does noir very well and so forth. With these types of stories, it’s always a safe bet to understand the types of things a writer is best known for, as it does always ensure a certain safe bet in what the strengths of a particular writer might be.

James Robinson, the writer of this new series, is someone who knows how to work with older heroes, doing so splendidly in his magnum opus, Starman, as well in JSA: The Golden Age. With a certain knack for writing the legacy part of super heroes and people who have lived for a long period of time, it does seem quite fitting for him to be attached to All-New Invaders, a series about a team that did its things during World War 2. However, James Robinson is a rather uneven writer, which has been unfortunately shown in his Earth 2 series during the latest issues he wrote and in his previous tenure on Justice League of America. With his reputation, does this title seem to balance in the better part of his writing skills or is the first issue too problematic to be enjoyable?

It’s a bit of a balance between the two, for the most part. While the issue focus on something that Robinson is quite capable of writing, there are occasional troubles that comes down to plague the overall quality of the work. With this issue focusing mostly on Jim Hammond, Robinson is able to push forth his voice rather well, explaining in enough details how he landed in a small town and how he feels about his new life, getting us up to speed in the history of the character as well as what makes him tick. The general understanding of the character and what he went through is aptly balanced in the issue, with the part in which we understand the life of Jim Hammond being rather nice to read.

Thunderbolts #164 – Review

By: Jeff Parker (writer), Kev Walker (pencils), Terry Pallot (inks), Fabio D’Auria & Frank Martin (colors), Joe Caramagna (letters) & Tom Brennan (editor)

The Story: A team of Thunderbolts, trapped in WWII, fights Nazis alongside the Invaders.

Review: It’s all good with this comic right now.  I’ve never had a huge affinity for most Golden Age stories, but this is different because we’re seeing our modern Thunderbolts trying to blend in with the “natives” in terms of their speech and attire.  And, they’re not just any Thunderbolts, it’s pretty much the more villainous part of the roster.  Luke Cage and Songbird would’ve had no problem interacting with Captain America and Namor, but these guys are a really nasty bunch, who are just trying to play it cool until they get their bearings in WWII.

The central premise is pretty neat too.  As you can imagine, Baron Zemo plays a role in the story.  So the Thunderbolts are going to face some challenges: Do they play along with the Invaders and maintain their cover?  Or, do they worry that helping Cap curtail Zemo’s activities might screw up the timeline which would be kinda a bummer given all the influence that Zemo has had on the villains’ lives?  Fun stuff….

This issue is also loaded with fun little moments.  You’ve got Cap making an awkward comment towards Centurius (who is African American) about how great “negro soldiers” are doing in the war effort.  Makes you wonder what kinda of awkward comments he made when he got unfrozen…  There’s Satana coming onto Namor, Boomerang getting a patriotic themed costume, Hyde and Troll being too unpresentable to be around the Invaders most of the time, Hyde catching Nazis to feed to Man Thing’s swamp….and about 4-5 other fun times.  And the abundance of these little moments is what makes the issue so great.  That’s really Parker’s formula on Thunderbolts: come up with a basic scenario that puts the characters in a weird position, don’t dwell on anything too long and then focus on how the characters would behave and the funny things they’d say.

It’s almost impossible not to have fun reading Thunderbolts.

Avengers/Invaders (TPB) – Revuew

Plot by Alex Ross and Jim Krueger, Written by Jim Krueger, Penciled by Steve Sadowki, Patrick Berkenkotter, Alex Ross, and Jack Herbert

We’ve all gotten those miniseries or events that have just too many issues and there’s easily one or even two issues that didn’t even need to be there. Avengers/Invaders is not one of those series. There is just a ton of stuff happening in this graphic novel that if anything, there’s so much going that there’s no room to breathe.

So what is Avengers/Invaders about? A lot. It starts with the American people so distraught over Cap’s death (this is after Civil War, before Secret Invasion) that their psyches, channeling though the villain D’Spayre, manipulate the cosmic cube and pull Captain America, along with Namor, Bucky, the Human Torch, Toro, and some poor soldier named Pau Anselm, out of World War Two and into present day. Their arrival is frickin’ amazing. They land right in New York interfering with a fight between Spider-Man and the Thunderbolts and the Invaders tear the Thunderbolts apart. Krueger’s script isn’t exactly cinematic, because if as much happened in these twelve chapters (and they do call them chapters) happened in a movie, I think the cast, crew, and director would commit mass suicide. It’s more like season for Lost, when they had to shorten the season due to the writer’s strike, so shit happened every single episode (except for that one crappy Juliet episode). In fact, Avengers/Invaders is much like Lost but with superheroes and you get answers at the end. The Invaders are stranded in our time, and then someone tries to change the past, screwing up even more than they fixed. But where it is most like Lost is in the character interaction. This series has a huge cast. The New Avengers (Dr. Strange, Luke Cage, Iron Fist, Spider-Man, Wolverine, Ronin, and Echo), Mighty Avengers (Iron Man, Black Widow, Spider-Woman, Ares, Sentry, Ms. Marvel, Wasp, and Wonder Man), and the Invaders (the ones listed before as well as Union Jack and Spitfire) are all represented and each member of the team truly get at least one moment to shine, one of my favorites being when Echo takes down D’Spayre. D’Spayre’s power is based on manipulating his opponent’s fear by basically telling them everything they don’t want to hear. As it turns out, Echo can’t hear anything and just walks up to him and punches him in the dick. Okay, so maybe it doesn’t quite happen like that, but you get the idea. Sure, some characters get a little more love than others, but none of them get robbed in any way. The only part of the story that I thought could be scaled back a little was the Life Model Decoy attack on the Avengers. I’d go more into why and who was behind it but, though it’s kind of obvious who it is, I don’t want to spoil it.

Avengers/Invaders #6 (of 12) – Review

By Alex Ross (Plot), Jim Krueger (Plot & Script), Steve Sadowski & Patrick Berkenkotter (Pencils), and InLight Studios (Colors)

Some Thoughts Before The Review: I’m going to be honest here and just admit that the only thing that made me purchase this issue is the fact that I already own the first five. I figured I might as well at least finish out what I presume to be the first trade volume before dropping the series. While visually impressive at times and interesting enough, the overall plot has yet to hook me in any serious way. Also, I can’t shake the feeling that nothing of consequence is ultimately going to come out of Avengers/Invaders, despite reports that it will have an impact on Marvel continuity. With all that said,  somehow, I still hold a small bit of hope that the halfway point will prove to be a turning point for the series.

The Story: Dr. Strange and the rest of the underground New Avengers find the past and present versions of Paul Anselm, the regular soldier pulled into the time travel, in an effort to sort out what exactly caused the time disruption. Meanwhile on the S.H.I.E.L.D. helicarrier, where the Mighty Avengers are trying to take control of the situation, Human Torch of the Invaders begins a Life Model Decoy revolt over the nature of the L.M.D.’s.

What’s Good: As a student of philosophy, I’d be lying if I acted like I didn’t enjoy the concepts thrown around regarding the nature of S.H.I.E.L.D.’s Life Model Decoys. It brought an interesting (if somewhat throwaway) dimension to the superhero battle. Also compelling is the way the plot is really starting to tie into the death of Captain America and touch upon some of the inherent (though generic) problems/consequences of time-travel. As for the visuals, they continue to feature a nice level of detail and solid direction.

What’s Not So Good: As with the other issues in the series, Avengers/Invaders #6 suffers because it never really brings the various ideas together in a way that forms a well-rounded package. The emotional drama feels a bit heavy handed, and it occasionally falls a bit flat. On top of that, the philosophical crusade of the Human Torch, while interesting, feels like nothing more than a distracting addition to the overall plot. Also, there is still very little indication that anything of consequence will result from this storyline. I expected something relevant to the current state of the Marvel universe to have happened by now. Disappointingly, that is not the case.

Conclusion: The problem with the series falls on the idea that far too many characters are in play to make a single chapter feel satisfying. It really drags the entire project down and makes the plot move at an extremely slow pace, despite characters expressing the urgency of the situation. That is why I am going to consider this latest chapter to be my jumping off point. As for Avengers/Invaders #6? It is entertaining and decent enough to look at, but far from a must read. As such, it is worth picking up if you have stuck around this long, but I doubt many will feel the need to see this series to its end.

Grade: C

-Kyle Posluszny

Avengers/Invaders #5 – Review

By Alex Ross & Jim Krueger (Writers), Steve Sadowski & Patrick Berkenkotter (Pencilers), and inLight Studios (Colorists)

The Story: The beginning of the book is the same as it was for the first four issues, where the Invaders have been brought forward in time. And as it inevitably happens in these situations, they get into a big fight with the Avengers. In this issue, Iron Man and Captain America are finally talking to each other and working things out, while Doctor Strange focuses on sending the Invaders back where they belong.

What’s Good: With the Avengers and the Invaders starting to reconcile, Krueger and Ross throw in a bizarre twist toward the end of the book. I won’t spoil it, and I’m not even sure it will work, but it’s certainly intriguing. A link between SHIELD and the Holocaust was the last thing I was expecting.

What’s Not So Good: Well first of all, you read the credits right, there’s no inker on this book. Some artists are so tight and so good that scanning directly from their pencils can work (take Frank Quitely on All-Star Superman for instance). As for Sadowski’s and Berkenkotter’s pencils, unfortunately they are simply not that good. In fact, I think this is the ugliest artwork in a mainstream comic today. I know others will disagree with me, but I hold comic art to a high standard, I recognize it’s a visual medium. A comic can survive mediocre writing, but not mediocre art. Secondly, as with the Earth X and Justice books, Krueger’s script is full of sweeping generalizations and awkward non-sequitors. If not for Ross’s beautiful covers, it would be easy to mistake this for fan fiction.

Conclusion: Krueger writes with the subtly of a sledge hammer. Look at the third panel of the next-to-last page. It’s ridiculous, unlikely, and unnecessary. But this book has the Avengers, the Invaders, and SHIELD; and if you love the Marvel Universe, you kind of have to buy it. It remains to be seen, however, if this series will be remembered fondly once it’s over, or if we’ll all want to sweep it under the rug as quickly as possible.

Grade: C+

– Andrew C. Murphy

Avengers/Invaders #3 – Review

By Alex Ross, Jim Kreuger, (Plot) Steve Sadowski, (Pencils) and InLight Studios (Color)

Three issues in and I have to admit that I’m starting to feel as though this series is completely unnecessary. The latest issue of Avengers/Invaders firmly establishes where this story fits in the Marvel Universe time line and as a because no other books seem to knowledge its existence it lacks tension. Unless Jim Kreuger and Alex Ross have some large twist planned, there just doesn’t seem to be enough story to support this series for 12 issues. However, with all that said, issue #3 is still an enjoyable read thanks to some fun moments with Namor and nice looking artwork by Steve Sadowski.

There are four main plot elements at work here and, to be honest, it makes this a pretty fast read. The first involves Invaders Namor coming face to face with his future self while visiting what amounts to the ruins of Atlantis. The second storyline thread at work involves the New Avengers’ plan to free Invaders Captain America by using some Dr. Strange magic. The third features the one lone soldier to get caught up in the time travel having a talk with his future self. It’s a touching highlight thanks to some poignant dialogue and complementary artwork. The final thread involves Bucky breaking Invaders Captain America out of his cell on the SHIELD helicarrier. While I have no real complaints about the overall story, it feels like things barely move at all due to the bloated ensemble cast. Each plot thread gets some time, but not much happens in any of them. If things progress like this, maybe the series can sustain 12 issues just by inching forward bit by bit, though I hope that is not what winds up happening.

The writing in this issue is serviceable, but only really shines when the WWII soldier is talking to himself. The characters are written well, but it seems as though the writers enjoy bringing certain characters down a notch. In the first issue, the Thunderbolts were quickly dismantled and then late in this one a key character just comes across as plain stupid. It just lessens things as opposed to heightening, and that irritates me. Also, every line of Spider-Man dialogue is some attempt at wit or humor and while I understand that is a staple of the character, Spidey just comes across as “that guy” dying for some attention. With the exception of the soldiers’ talk, the writing here is average at best.

I honestly think I would be harder on this series if I didn’t enjoy Steve Sadowski’s pencils as much as I do. He does some great work with the characters and scenes in this issue, in particular the stuff involving the two Namors. While a few of the smaller panels feel a bit rushed, I can easily forgive when everything else looks so nice. I do wish the coloring job was a bit better, as it actually has a negative effect on the quality of the pencil work from time to time.

The Avengers/Invaders series is weighed down by the very concept that it hinges on and, as a result, very little comes across as truly memorable. There is some good dialogue from time to time, the artwork is impressive, and it is fun seeing two versions of the same character interact, but as a whole there is nothing here that makes me truly care about what is happening. If you really need a “heroes out of time” fix, you would be better off investing in the excellent series The Twelve. (Grade: C)

– Kyle Posluszny

A Second Opinion

Wow, I actually enjoyed this issue more than the previous two. The nods given to current Marvel continuity are a definite plus. I was actually surprised to see Namor visit Atlantis, given how not too many read last year’s excellent Namor: Revolutions mini-series. But having young Namor beat down old Namor? C’mon now! We also finally get a small connection to Secret Invasion, but despite all these connections to Marvel continuity, this book, like the Invaders themselves, is horribly displaced.

No other Marvel title acknowledges the events taking place in this book and because of that, it feels like a hollow read. Making this series a sprawling 12 issue “epic” is a horrible decision that might have been better served as its own event for 2009. But hey, that’s just my opinion.

As a stand alone issue, I enjoyed what I read, but I do agree with Kyle in that there’s just too many characters and too little happening. This is the same problem that’s plaguing Kreuger and Ross’ Project Superpowers title (but on a much worse degree). Their next project really needs to be scaled down. Enough with the huge casts of characters and just work on telling a story, guys. (Grade: C+)

– J. Montes

Avengers/Invaders #2 – Review

By Alex Ross and Jim Krueger (Writers), Steve Sadowski (Pencils), and inLight Studios (Colors)

This issue succeeds in building on the promised outlook we received last time around. The story is broken down into three main parts: The inevitable fight between The Invaders and the Mighty Avengers, the build up to the fight, and the reactions to the fight. In the opening, we see Iron Man and Ms. Marvel discussing what needs to be done with the returned Invaders. Of course, the conclusion they come to is that they must be detained and sent back to their own time as soon as possible. As the story turns to The Invaders, we see them questioning whether this new world around them is actually real, or a Nazi trick. Eventually these two teams meet, and when Captain America mistakes the Avengers attempt to detain them (he sees this as a Nazi ploy to recapture them), the battle ensues.

I won’t reveal the outcome, but an all out battle between Earth’s Mightiest Heroes and the war superheroes of yesteryear is sure to draw attention, and any public doubts to The Invaders return are squashed. Perhaps the most interesting reactions are the New Avengers, who surely mean well, but their hinted plan certainly looks to throw a wrench into getting The Invaders back where they belong.

Even more ominous than this, we see that the actions of one of the common soldiers brought through time. This may have huge consequences on the time line. On a lighter note, we get a touching (albeit brief) scene with Bucky learning about his old partner’s return. I also think this is the first time New Cap has appeared outside his own book. Hopefully, he will play a bigger role in this series as it moves on! So in terms of plot, we get a great balance between “talking heads” and action.

As for the art, Steve Sadowski’s pencils are simply stunning. Whether it is his conveyance of action, or the looks of each individual character, his work is more than satisfactory throughout. I can also honestly say that he draws the best Ms. Marvel that I have yet seen! Get this man to work on Mighty Avengers immediately! His artwork really seems to be all about the characters, with each person getting a significant amount of detail. All together, this issue picks up steam from last month, and I’m certainly aboard this train to see what comes next! (Grade: B+)

-M. Staples

A Second Opinion

This is definitely a better issue. The pacing is just right, the story is entertaining (with the exception to the end), and the art isn’t muddled down with darkened night scenes or that gritty, brown war look. There’s quite a lot of color throughout this book, and because of that, the characters shine. M. Staples is right on the money when he says Steve Sadowski painstakingly makes each character look unique. All his interpretations are pure eye candy except for Namor who seems to always look like his head’s about to explode (heh).

I still have big time reservations regarding the continuity of this book. While I enjoy this story taking place within current Marvel continuity with many nods to Civil War and other events, it still feels out of whack. The other problem I have is the pollution of the time line. Cap and Namor seeing the Avengers is sure to cause problems down the line, right? And the lone soldier meeting his older self? That can’t be good.

Jim Krueger’s script is tight, overall, and he works hard to make us believe that this book is “dated” correctly. But he overdoes it a few times like when the World War II version of Bucky says, “I’d give my right arm to fight with Cap again!”. Awful pun, Jim. I don’t care what year these guys were from.

The fight is really the highlight of this issue, and it’s handled very well. The Avengers make short work of The Invaders and that’s how it should be. What’s bound to happen next issue seems very forced and I’m actually not looking forward to it. (Grade: B-)

– J. Montes

Avengers / Invaders #1 – Review

By Alex Ross (plot), Jim Krueger (plot, story), Steve Sadowski (pencils), inLight Studios (colors)

Other than knowing that it takes place sometime after Captain America’s death, I’m not sure where this series falls in Marvel continuity. Is it post-Brand New Day or pre-Brand New Day? Is it before Secret Invasion or during? There’s so many questions, and because Marvel’s not really cared about keeping continuity tight, this issue feels like a mess. But the mess doesn’t go to writer Jim Krueger, but Marvel editorial. Let me explain…

The Invaders amidst their campaign in Europe during World War II are in search of a time altering artifact that Hitler has his eyes on. As they close in on the Nazis (along with their group of Allied soldiers), they run into a mist that transports them all to modern day New York City. Now why this time traveling device would take them from Europe to New York City is beyond me. And why only The Invaders were transported and not the soldiers that came along with them is another inconsistency. But whatever, I can live with that. The problem I have is Spider-Man fighting The Thunderbolts. From what we’ve been told about Spider-Man’s “Brand New Day” is that he will not be tackling the Thunderbolts for months down the road. Yet, in this issue, he’s fighting against the whole team.

Eventually, word gets back to Iron Man that the Invaders are in the present and the ghost of Captain America begins to loom over Tony once more. If this is a pre-Secret Invasion book, why hasn’t this been addressed in any of the core books? It all just seems out of whack.

Now, all that aside, if I were to take the book at face value, I’d find it to be an average opening issue. We get your run of the mill introductions to the characters, the plot devices, and questions on how this team that’s “out of time” will interact with the modern world. The Twelve, this book is not, so don’t expect anything mind blowing. What you’re in for is lots of fighting as The Invaders make very short work of the Thunderbolts (which I honestly found to be too easy). Bucky acts as the narrator, giving us the profiles on Golden Age heroes as well as a humanistic point of view. Spider-Man tries to ham it up, but ends up being a bit overwritten. His reactions to Captain America, however, feel genuine. But the heart of the story is saved for the end: How will Tony Stark react to having one of his best friends return.

Steve Sadowski’s art hasn’t lost a beat. Like his work in Project Superpowers #0, his storytelling is top notch and his characters beautiful. He, along with Alex Ross’ covers are definitely the selling points of this series (thus far). So, if you’re like me and frustrated by Marvel’s muddled continuity, this book will do nothing but further that frustration. If you can look past the editorial problems, you’re in for an average opening story. (Grade: C+)

– J. Montes

A Second Opinion

I am going to have to echo Jason a lot with this second opinion. There is no doubt that this book needs to have some clarity as to when, exactly, it is taking place. There are a few hints, but not enough to get a solid handle on where everyone stands as the Captain America lead Invaders are transported into modern times.

As you already know the basics of the story, let me just take the time to talk about what works and what doesn’t with this premier issue.

The art is incredibly dynamic and the characters look fantastic, especially, in my opinion, Venom and Captain America. The World War II scenes do a good job putting the brutality of battle on the page and the running narration by Bucky keeps things moving at a solid pace. I really enjoyed the first half of the story, but found the second half to be incredibly rocky for a couple of reasons.

Letting Spiderman take over storytelling duties was an odd choice in my opinion. He is, as Jason said, overwritten, and it made me wish Bucky was our point of view for the entire story. I understand why they would break from Bucky, but the whole story would have improved had Spidey been toned down a bit. Another issue I have is how easily the Thunderbolts are disposed of, especially considering what we have seen them capable of since Warren Ellis took over. The final problem is the lack of subtlety once the time travel aspect kicks in. This was meant to be a blockbuster event, I get it, but The Twelve has shown that great things can be done with this type of story beyond slam bang action.

The Twelve is doing great things with the “heroes in the wrong time period” story by putting a premium on personality, emotion, and subtlety. Avengers/Invaders, on the other hand, seems to be much more concerned with the chaos of the event as a whole. It will be interesting to see where the creative team goes from here, but I am honestly disappointed how things went off the rails after such a solid start to the story. (Grade: C)

-Kyle Posluszny