Fear Itself #3 (of 7)

It's interesting that the two latest "event book" chapters from Marvel and DC are similar, but take opposite approaches.

Where DC's Flashpoint series is methodical with a few action sequences thrown in, Fear Itself is just an all-out action romp from beginning to end.

Both showcase destruction on a massive scale, but DC's offers the hope of a reboot - all the bad stuff will eventually go away. At Marvel, the destruction is real and disturbing.

Both stories also may spell the end for a hero (though that seems less likely for DC, but a real possibility here).

And both feature terrific art - here by Stuart Immonen and Wade Von Grawbadger, who create page after page of stunning battle sequences.

The only thing that seems off about this series is a short sequence with Steve Rogers, who seems almost flippant in the face of widespread destruction. Isn't he the master of strategy?

This series continues to build nicely, as the Serpent consolidates his (its?) power, summoning mystic hammers and creating unstoppable powerhouses.

So far in the battle of Event comics, I have to give the edge to this series - it's hard-hitting, compelling and the stakes couldn't be higher.

If we must have these events (and apparently we must), it's great to have two that are (for the most part) delivering the goods.

Grade: A

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