Cataclysm #0.1 – Review

by Joshua Hale Fialkov (Writer), Mico Suayan, Mirco Pierfederici, Leonard Kirk (Artists), Nolan Woodard (Colorist)

The Story: Getting a load of knowledge about what is happening in the universe, the Vision see the need to stop Galactus by herself.

The Review: After the somewhat disappointing Hunger mini-series, the announcement of an event named Cataclysm: The Last Stand of the Ultimates is currently sending a lot of rumors about the imminent cancellation of the Ultimate line of titles. While Marvel is currently being coy about what this event might lead to, it is dead set on telling this story about the regular Marvel universe (616 for the fans) Galactus stuck in the Ultimate universe. There are plenty of opportunities for rather interesting comparisons along with some good stories being told here, but does Joshua Hale Fialkov bring in a strong entry with this prologue issue?

Bringing in his stronger side, the one that was behind I, Vampire rather than the one behind Hunger, Fialkov is able to not only introduce the finer points of the inevitable conflict, yet also draws some interesting comparison between the regular and the Ultimate universe in the process. Telling a complete story all the while, this issue succeeds far more in taking advantage of the setting and the newer elements than what preceded it.

One of the first noticeable element that is better is the lead character, the female version of Vision that had been introduced in the Ultimate Galactus Trilogy. With her being properly introduced in terms of personality, with her conflict against her more logical and emotional side being evolving during the comic as part of the narrative, she succeeds in being a part of the story without making it all focus around her. She is central, as is her point-of-view, yet she is merely an instrument to the plot, which is then seasoned by how she envision things and how she evaluate her own development. With her development being complete in the 20 pages of this comic, Vision works rather well as the protagonist here as the ominous presence of Galactus dwell.

Captain America #604 – Review

by Ed Brubaker (writer), Luke Ross (art), Butch Guice (inks), Dean White (colors), and Joe Caramagna (letters)

The Story: The Falcon fights his way through an explosive train, while Bucky is forced to don his old costume.

What’s Good: Much like the rest of this arc, this month’s issue of Captain America has a real old school feel, which is something that Brubaker excels at.  From the Falcon’s internal monologue to the Watchdogs’ goofy outfits and rayguns, to Bad Cap’s master plan (revealed in a cackling cliffhanger), this feels like a comic out of a time machine.  When it’s at its best, this comic is just pure, cheesy, retro fun.

For the most part, Brubaker keeps it simple this month.  Most of the issue is dedicated to an action scene, as the Falcon brawls his way through a Watchdog piloted train.  It’s an enjoyable read, particularly as Falcon emphasizes his relationship with Rogers.  The internal monologue throughout gives it a little more depth and significance, preventing it from being totally mindless.

Meanwhile, Bad Cap is as crazy as ever, with the inferiority complex well in place.  His back-and-forth with Bucky is actually fairly humorous.  If anything, Brubaker does a fantastic job in making Bad Cap into a very traditional villain, with evil scheme and henchmen in hand.  Nowhere is this clearer than on the book’s last page, as, hands on his hips and grinning, the villain reveals his plan to the hero.  It’s hard not to smile.

Certainly, in telling a retro tale like this, Luke Ross is the right man for the job.  If Brubaker’s story reads like an homage, Ross’ art completes the picture.  While the level of detail and quality of paper, ink, and coloring reminds us that this was indeed created in 2010, the art itself could easily pass for the best of a by-gone era.