You have to give Brian Bendis credit - his books almost always arrive at the shops on time and in great numbers. I admire that.The quality of this particular book is somewhat more in question. It's a one-shot afterword to Secret Invasion, and a prelude to the Dark Reign story that will affect the Avengers and, presumably, other comics, too. (Though to Marvel's credit, if I understand correctly, there will not be a "Dark Reign" mini-series - it's just the title to a storyline. Bravo!)
So this "One Shot" brings us up to speed as we see the first meeting between the Evil Illuminati, who are gathering up the reins of power in the aftermath of the Secret Invasion.
The group is led by - of all people - Norman (Green Goblin) Osborn, who's been given control of SHIELD (which is being rebooted), Homeland Security, the Avengers, the Initiative and some other hero hangouts I've probably forgotten.
The other members of the group are Dr. Doom (who seems to be humoring the rest of them), Loki (who's now a beautiful and scheming female), The Hood (whose star is on the rise), Namor (who's back to his anti-hero roots, apparently), and Emma Frost (on loan from the X-Men).
It's a trademark Bendis issue, as the group meets, has an intense and meaningful discussion, and then goes its separate ways. It may not sound like much, but it lays the foundation of some serious conflict to come.
The art is by Alex Maleev with colors by Dean White, and their dark and moody style is a perfect match for this murky tale of evil on the rise. My only complaint is the depiction of Namor, who doesn't really look anything like the noble son of Atlantis.
But that's a minor complaint in an issue that features some of Marvel's heaviest hitters, a complete change in the status quo, and more than a few mysteries.
I'm not completely sold on this story yet, but I'm ready to believe it just might work.
Grade: B+
No comments:
Post a Comment