New Avengers #31 – Review

by Brian Michael Bendis (writer), Michael Gaydos (art), Rain Beredo (colors), and Joe Caramagna (letters)

The Story:  The New Avengers reel from the news of Cage and Jessica’s departure while a mysterious mystic enemy takes possession of a friend, intent on hunting down the Marvel Universe’s folks of mystic inclinations.

The Review:  Bendis has been on New Avengers, whatever the numbering, for one hell of a long time.  As is so often the case in massively long runs, it’s been a bumpy road, one that often had me thinking that Bendis may have, whether he realized it or not, exhausted his Avengers repertoire and overstayed his welcome.  Well, I’m happy to say that at the very least, New Avengers looks intent on closing the show in fine form.

Reading this first issue, it really does feel like the beginning of an apt farewell for Bendis.  I say this because this one issue basically encapsulates all of the unique strengths of Bendis’ run.  For instance, I was really drawn by the strong human element present here, as Bendis really does a fantastic job in his writing of the teams’ varied reactions to Luke and Jessica’s departure, as well as their own emotions as they say goodbye.  In many ways, with Jessica and Cage being Bendis staples (or creation, in the former case), Jessica and Cage’s leaving the team in some way feels like Bendis himself saying goodbye.  Naturally, this also leads to the New Avengers wondering if the team can continue without them – much as the New Avengers comic can only be dramatically different without the man who created it.

This meta-commentary aside, the couple’s impending departure brings out the best in Bendis, allowing him once again to portray the team as a family, a bunch of close friends more than anything else.  It’s not just a group in spandex who fly out to pound out the bad guys – these are living, breathing people attempting to deal with the relationships and bonds forged between them over the years.  It’s retrospective and it’s very sincere.  And, of course, in a highly personal, character-driven issue of Bendis’ Avengers, you know there are going to be some funny bits as well.

Witchblade #139 – Review

By Ron Marz (writer), Michael Gaydos (guest artist), Troy Peteri (letters)

The Story: After the exceptionally traumatic events of the last few issues, Sara is ordered to see her Department’s psychiatrist. Following the appointment, she makes a trip to the cemetery to visit her sister’s grave, but runs into the master of the Darkness in the process.

What’s Good: As much as I absolutely loved last month’s one shot, it felt rather ill-timed and I’m very glad the focus is back where it belongs—on Sara’s quest to find and recover her daughter. Or at least her attempts to deal with the emotional and psychological fallout from the event.

Ordinarily the lack of actual action and plot progression in this issue would bother me, but Marz does such a fantastic job with the characterization, and his dialog sounds so real and is so moving, that keeping the action part of this story (at least temporarily) confined to the Artifacts title doesn’t do either book any harm. I’m not sure how long my patience will hold out on that front, but as long as Marz keeps his writing at this level, and as long as Artifacts continues to deliver solid plot progression, I don’t think I’ll have much to complain about.

I have to give special props to Michael Gaydos. I was extremely disappointed when I heard this issue would be drawn by a guest artist–especially after Stjepan Sejic’s bravura outing on #138—but Gaydos knocks this one out of the park. While his art is nothing like the hyper detailed, cover-worthy panels that are Sejic’s signature, Gaydos’ rough but expressive pencils and colors are perfect for this story. (His full page splash of Ground Zero in New York is one of the most beautiful and haunting renditions of that famous image I’ve seen.

Wolverine #3 – Review

Jason Aaron (writer), Renato Guedes & Michael Gaydos (pencillers)

The Story: The Devil continues to torture Wolverine’s soul in Hell in new and creative ways, using old foes such as Sabretooth and old friends such as Silver Samurai to push him closer and closer to the brink of defeat.  However, a small sliver of hope appears with Puck, dead Alpha Flight member.  Meanwhile, Mystique and Logan’s girlfriend, Marita, team up with the Ghost Riders and Hellstorm to hatch a rescue plan for everyone’s favorite canucklehead.

What’s Good: Aaron is beginning to ramp up his ‘Wolverine Goes to Hell’ storyline and the reading experience benefits greatly from the forward momentum found here.  From the solidifying of the rivalry between the Devil and Wolverine due to their battle of wills and how, according to Puck, that might be the key to Logan’s escape to Mystique’s motivations being (somewhat) illuminated, I’m finally feeling like we’re getting somewhere.  It’s also nice to see Melita get some character development and spotlight after months of being around in the periphery of the plot.  I’m hoping Aaron has some interesting plans about where to go with her relationship with Wolverine that doesn’t involve her dying or being driven away by his inner beast or some such.

New Avengers #38 – Review

By Brian Bendis (writer), Michael Gaydos (art), Jose Villarrubia (colors)

When I was picking this up from the local comic store, I overheard the clerks saying this issue was Alias all over again. I had no idea what they were talking about until I opened it up. Michael Gaydos (the artist on Alias) has reunited with Brian Bendis and how poignant it is that this issue starts off at the Alias Investigation Office.

Things get heated in this issue between Jessica Jones and Luke Cage. Jessica has registered as a super-human and is now living in Avengers Tower. Luke feels completely betrayed, not only because Jessica has fled, but because she took their child too. Luke, who’s pretty furious at this point confronts her. Jessica keeps herself composed for most of the argument, but inflames the problem by tossing in a few verbal jabs here and there. Bendis writes their dialogue in such a realistic way, that it’s hard not to sympathize with each character. This book really should have been called Avengers: Kramer Vs. Kramer, because that’s what ultimately plays out.  And shame on Jarvis for eavesdropping on their argument! Dirty old men, I tell ya.

Eventually, the “registered” Avengers come into the mix to apprehend, but Ms. Marvel, Queen of the Sellouts, let’s him go once again (this is like the third time she’s let him go in the last two months). Before Luke walks away, he opens a big can of worms.

This issue features no action or fist throwing, but plays upon a story that’s been building for a long time. The “Secret Invasion, Infiltration” title on the cover is a bit misleading, so don’t expect any revelations. All in all, a solid read. (Grade: B)

– J. Montes