New Avengers #8 – Review

Jonathan Hickman (Writer), Mike Deodato (Artist), Frank Martin (Colorist)

The Story: Black Bolt prepares for the inevitable future of the Inhumans, Reed and Tony share some disturbing information between each other as Namor receive a surprise that will shake him to his core.

The Review: How do you continue a book that has its sight on something large? How does one can prolong the fun and intrigue of a book that has dealt with huge concepts and with characters that are familiar with such concepts?

The answer, if Jonathan Hickman is to be believed, is to go even bigger and personal. Just a couple of issues after the incursion events, the fact that the multiverse was in turmoil and that the Illuminati would need to make difficult choices to preserve their Earth, Hickman goes right in and provide some more problems as Infinity looms in.

What is actually quite solid in the book, so far, is the fact that the writer seems able to juggle with multiple plots, with each of them starring one or two characters, making him use close to each of his characters effectively, with a few exceptions (sadly, there is no Beast and close to no Doctor Strange in this issue). Each of these plots either advance in a way that is interesting in the long term, or is vague enough to let us theorize about just what this all might mean.

Fantastic Four #608 – Review

By: Jonathan Hickman (writer), Giuseppe Camuncoli (breakdowns), Karl Kesel (finishes), Paul Mounts (colors), and Clayton Cowles (letters)

The Story:  Black Panther accepts a new mantle in order to defend Wakanda from the undead threat.

The Review:  I imagine that there are going to be many readers that are thrilled about this comic simply because it’s essentially a Black Panther/Wakanda comic with Sue and Reed as guest stars.  In some ways, I can understand that appeal; there really should be a monthly Wakanda book and Hickman, Camuncoli, and Kesel do a solid job of immersing us in that pseudo-African, myth-heavy world in all of its exotic (and possibly exoticist?) splender.

The Defenders #7 – Review

by Matt Fraction (writer), Terry Dodson (penciller), Rachel Dodson (inker), Sonia Oback (colorist), and Clayton Cowles (letterer)

The Story: Black Cat gets recruited by weirdoes to steal weird stuff; the Defenders take their hunt for John Aman to Wakanda.

The Review:  As my top picks for this week can attest, I was looking forward to this issue, but this actually managed to exceed expectations.  Suffice to say, should Marvel ever consider a solo Black Cat series, Matt Fraction would definitely be on my short-list for the book.

Fraction’s has a naturally strong handle of Black Cat and her particular voice and he wisely has her narration the portions of the book in which she appears, allowing him to show off his understanding and clear love of the character.  Felicia Hardy is just as she should be: sassy, living on the edge, thrill-seeking, and cocky.  She leaps off the page and showcases everything that makes her a fan favourite.  Put simply, it’s impossible not to like Fraction’s Black Cat.  The way she’s introduced is also a stroke of genius: we get to see Felicia working an office job, which is comedy gold.  It also, of course, helps to have the Dodsons on art.  While their work overall on the issue is beautiful, as expected, having them draw Cat is a natural choice, given that drawing good-looking women has become one of their trademarks, having published several sketchbooks dedicated solely to doing just that.

Taking the Defenders to Wakanda is also a nice touch.  I’m really enjoying Fraction’s using this book not only as a way to spotlight disparate, B to C list characters, but also as a way to visit the far-flung corners of the Marvel Universe.  It adds a sense of vibrance and diversity to the book that makes it rather trippy, setting it apart from Marvel’s line.  I also cannot emphasize enough how much I loved the way Fraction introduced Wakanda itself: as the Defender’s land, they’re accompanied by narration that sounds like a voice-over from a cheesy old adventure movie or travelogue; it’s so amusing, that it’s guaranteed to have you hearing it in your head.

Black Panther #39 (Secret Invasion) – Review

Jason Aaron, (Writer) Jefte Paolo, (Artist) and Lee Loughridge (Colorist)

I realized this past week just how bad Secret Invasion has me hooked when I purchased two books I don’t normally think about: X-Factor and She-Hulk. A day or two later, I came to the conclusion that all hope for me is lost when I found myself pumped for this week’s tie-in in the pages of Black Panther, another series I’ve never read (or cared for).

What begins as a test of technological wit between the Skrull invaders and the people of Wakanda quickly escalates into a brutal battle on foot in the start of Jason Aaron’s Black Panther arc. While there really isn’t a whole lot I can say without spoiling the best aspects of this clever confrontation, it can best be described as a near perfect combination of entertaining writing, straightforward storytelling, and fitting artwork. From the set up to the battle, everything about this issue feels suitably epic and all the pieces are in place to make for a memorable addition to the expanding Secret Invasion storyline.

Jason Aaron has already proven that he has a knack for writing well-crafted Marvel tales (thanks to his work on Wolverine and Ghost Rider), but this Black Panther story has the potential to be his best Marvel work yet. The Skrulls and Wakandans both get ample time to shine as Aaron masterfully builds tension while providing the information necessary to not only frame the conflict, but also get new readers acclimated to what the nation of Wakanda is all about. My only concern is that, since I am coming into the story as a new reader, there is a chance others may find his writing of the Wakandan people to be way off base. While I doubt that is the case, I figure it’s worth a mention. All in all, I couldn’t be much happier with Aaron’s effort and look forward to what he has in store for us next.

While I have been critical of both Jefte Paolo and Lee Loughridge in the past, their work is a perfect fit for this story. Dark, gritty, and violent, the visuals couldn’t be much more effective. The artists definitely take some cues from a few of the more famous Hollywood clashes, but don’t take it as a negative comment – some of the imagery is stunning and will quickly evoke some memorable movie moments. While I wish there was a bit more detail in a few panels, I can’t complain too much considering how well it works to tell the story.

To put it as bluntly as possible, this is one bad-ass comic. If this is par for the course for the Black Panther series, I’m going to have to go back and read what I missed. Highly recommended. (Grade A-)

-Kyle Posluszny

A Second Opinion

Awesome issue! This is what Secret Invasion should be. Jason Aaron’s best Marvel work to date. A couple more issues like this and I’ll have completely forgiven him for his atrocious Wolverine run.

Kyle is right, the art is devoid of backgrounds, but that’s just Jefte Paolo’s style and boy does it look awesome. It completely establishes the mood and keeps the tone consistent throughout the story. This art, in a way, reminds me of Jae Lee’s earlier, more brooding work (which I love).

Buy this issue. (Grade: A-)

– J. Montes