Destroyer – Review

By Robert Kirkman (writer) Cory Walker (art)  Val Staples (color)

The Story: In a remote pocket of the Marvel Universe exists The Destroyer, Stan Lee’s first creation, a hero with super strength and near-invulnerability. I say “near” invulnerability because The Destroyer, Keene Marlow, is actually a senior citizen with a heart condition that could claim his life at any moment. The thrust of this series is the Destroyer destroying (there, I said it: “Destroyer destroying”—you happy now?) all individuals that would threaten his family’s safety after he passes on.

What’s Good: Robert Kirkman has mastered the science of creating fictional worlds that are interesting and natural. Little details, such as a doctor’s office under the sea or a bionic arm on the Destroyer’s wife, lend to a unique and inviting setting.

I like the idea of a “grandpa” superhero who is brutal and tough as nails. Unlike his AARP counterparts in the DC Universe, like the original Green Lantern and Flash, the Destroyer is a realist who solves problems with his fist (usually by putting in through the skull of his enemies), and not a sentimental idealist.

Cory Walker’s art is unique and detailed. His style is definitely unmistakable. There are many more wordless panels in this book than an average comic. However, like Invincible, these panels are full of expression and meaning. There is one scene where just by seeing the Destroyer from a far, we can tell from his body language a lot of details about his life that are expounded later, like his sickness and mental state.

What’s Not So Good: This comic is bookended by excitement and momentum, but the majority of the story is, well, kinda boring. I found some of the scenes between the Destroyer and his family to be a bit torturous to read. Additionally, the fight scenes and graphic, I mean GRAPHIC, violence is a tad protracted, which builds to the burgeoning sense of boredom I found myself falling into.

Conclusion: This is a solid introduction to a unique character and there is definitely a lot of potential for a good mini-series here. I think Kirkman’s creations are best when there are multiple characters for him to work with that interact with and shape the main character. I don’t see that happening here and I think that the Destroyer is worse off because of it.

Grade: B

-Rob G