Ms. Marvel #44 (War of the Marvels) – Review

By Brian Reed (Writer) and Sana Takeda (Art)

Some Thoughts Before The Review: While the artist changes are quite annoying, The War of the Marvels has been pretty interesting so far. I just hope that Brian Reed pulls it all together because, let’s face it, the series has been a bit odd since Karla Sofen took over the Ms. Marvel name.

The Story: Carol Danvers (the real Ms. Marvel) is in custody… Sr is she? And who is Catherine Donovan?

What’s Good And What’s Not So Good: The latest chapter in the War of the Marvels arc is, quite frankly, a lot like the others. That’s a good thing in the sense that it means that the twisting story continues to intrigue. But that’s a bad thing in the sense that the story continues to be pretty strange and a problem for something like New Avengers, which features Carol Danvers rather prominently.

If taken as though it’s taking place in a continuity-less vacuum, Brian Reed’s War of the Marvels storyline is pretty cool, especially the stuff that takes place in Ms. Marvel #44. “Dark” Ms. Marvel (Karla Sofen) is given a number of great lines (“I hit her in the face with a car. Repeatedly.”), the Carol Danvers/Catherine Donovan gets a bit crazier, and Ms. Marvel (both of them) continues to get re-established as one of the heaviest hitters in the Marvel Universe as far as power level is concerned. I’m pleased with all that.

What I’m not pleased with is how it seems as though nothing really fits in with everything else going on in the Marvel U. When is the story actually taking place? Who’s with the New Avengers? Shouldn’t Wolverine been able to tell something was up when he was around? I have questions (more than I’ve ever had about the series) and needless to say, I’m beginning to think that they aren’t going to be addressed. I know I may be sounding like the worst kind of comic fan here, but the continuity issues are really distracting because the War of the Marvels doesn’t really seem to “fit” anywhere comfortably. Now with that off of my chest…

The artwork by Sana Takeda in Ms. Marvel #44, while not for everyone, is quite stunning most of the time and makes quite an impression (especially the full page images). The colors are lush, the action is well executed, and the character work is pretty impressive (the Marvels are very attractive and the Iron Patriot armor looks awesome). I did say “most of the time” for a reason, however. A few panels look quite “off” (the pumpkin bomb to the face for example) and a few faces are downright ugly (Osborn’s and Catherine Donovan’s at times). Also, I absolutely have to mention how ridiculous the breasts given to the TITular Marvels look. I don’t care how powerful they are… They shouldn’t even be able to walk with those things…

Conclusion: Ms. Marvel #44 scores the grade it does because the positives barely outweigh the negatives. The artwork, while absolutely worth checking out (it makes one hell of a first impression), is a bit flawed and the story, while interesting and full of action, is problematic from a continuity standpoint.

Grade: C+

-Kyle Posluszny

WCBR’s Picks Of The Week

Ray’s Top Picks

Best of the Past Week: Daredevil #500 – Brubaker delivers in this 500th issue by giving us an unforgettable chapter in DD’s life. Plus I didn’t mind revisiting Frank Miller’s tale.

Most Anticipated: Green Lantern #45 – It’s Sinestro vs. his deceased comrades from the Sinestro Corps War… Nevertheless, I’m reading anything that features this yellow bastard.

Other Top Picks: Batman and Robin #3, Wednesday Comics #8, Gotham City Sirens #3, New Avengers #56, Secret Warriors #7, Avengers: The Initiative #27, Dark Reign: Sinister Spider-Man #3

Kyle’s Top Picks

Best of the Past Week: Wolverine: Weapon X #4 – The battle between Wolverine and the Blackguard strike team member was one of the best one on one comic fights I’ve seen in a long time.

Most Anticipated: Batman and Robin #3 – I know it’s early, but Batman and Robin is already one of the best superhero books out there.

Other Top Picks: Ms. Marvel #44, Wednesday Comics #8, Gotham City Sirens #3, New Avengers #56, Secret Warriors #7, Avengers: The Initiative #27, Dark Reign: Sinister Spider-Man #3, Deadpool #14, Fantastic Four #570, X-Force #18, Ghost Rider: Trials and Tribulations TPB

DS’s Top Picks

Best of the Past Week: Blackest Night – Superman #1. The art was amazing, the story was good and a Black Lantern Superman is certainly going to give Superman and Superboy a run for their money.

Most Anticipated For The Week: Batman and Robin #3. Why, because the Morrison/Quitely team are fantastic!

Other Top Picks: Batman: Widening Gyre #1, Wonder Woman #35, Detective Comics #856, JSA #30, Guardians of the Galaxy #17, Ms. Marvel #44.

Alex’s Top Picks

Best Of The Past Week: Ex Machina #44 – Finally giving some answers, but only doing so in a manner that opens more questions and hints at things that are impossible, this issue was nothing short of being absolutely crazy. After three issues of build-up, it really hits the fan this month.

Most Anticipated For The Week: Fantastic Four #570 – I can’t believe I’m actually excited for a Fantastic Four issue, let alone this excited. It’s been years since I gave a crap about Marvel’s first family, but as a lover of Jonathan Hickman’s work and a steady reader of Secret Warriors, Fantastic Four is officially back on my pull list.

Other Top Picks: New Avengers #56, Dark Avengers #8, Batman & Robin #3, Detective Comics #856, The Flash: Rebirth #4, Green Lantern #45, Justice Society of America #30, Secret Warriors #7, Secret Six: Unhinged TPB