2012 April » Complete Marvel Reading Order News and Reviews

World War Hulk Aftersmash: Warbound #4 Review

Posted by Charlie Brooks Issue Review, Marvel Reviews 1 Response »

Apr 302012

by Charlie Brooks, CMRO Contributing Writer

World War Hulk Aftersmash: Warbound

Issue #4

Written by Greg Pak, Art by Leonard Kirk

Published: May 2008

World War Hulk Aftersmash: Warbound is getting into full swing with issue #4 as we see the Leader’s plan unfold and, more importantly, witness the building of a major relationship between Korg and Hiroim. Greg Pak continues developing these characters that he’s worked on diligently since Planet Hulk, and artists Leonard Kirk and Rafa Sandoval deliver art-wise on their respective parts of the story.

We’ve got two major battles this time around. First, Kate, Elloe, and No-Name the Brood continue taking the battle to the Leader, who explains the out-of-nowhere plot bomb that last issue dropped regarding him dying. It turns out that the constant cycle of death and resurrection have taken their toll on the Leader, forcing him to take more drastic measures to keep himself alive. That doesn’t explain how Kate figured this out, but it does provide a sort of retroactive explanation as to why the Leader’s appearance has changed so often over the years – his body is continuing to mutate every time he returns to life. The art here shows off the Leader’s major changes over the years, but also shows his time as a brain in a jar during Bruce Jones’ run in the early 2000s – a run that I had thought was now out of continuity.

The bigger fight is between Korg and Hiroim. Hiroim’s Old Power is keeping the Leader’s gamma dome up, meaning that he has to die to keep it up. He fight Korg and ultimately forces the stone man to deliver what seems to be a fatal blow. Hiroim doesn’t really die, but for a moment it looks like it does. That moment is enough for Korg to basically profess his love for Hiroim, giving a hint of Kronan physiology at the same time. Are there stone women from Saturn as well? No. The Kronans gather together and hold hands and fast for days on end, until the rocks fall from their skin and create newborns. The scene where Korg explains this while Hiroim descends into the earth is surprisingly touching – something you wouldn’t normally expect from a tale about an asexual stone person and his would-be alien warrior-priest lover. Big kudos to Greg Pak for making this part compelling rather than just silly.

We’ve got one more issue here, so naturally there is a cliffhanger of more things to fight, this time giant robots apparently sent by SHIELD. But before that, we get another tale from Miek about the Warbound in the backup story, in which he tells of the Brood’s background. The Brood has quite the motherly instinct, fighting off even her spawn and her own biology to protect a child that calls her Mama. It’s a touching scene and one that concludes the background exposition about the Warbound. However, Miek has also been chemming with Kate during their conversation, and has one more story to tell her, which we will get to next issue.

Warbound #4 is the best and most compelling issue of this miniseries to date. It’s obvious that Greg Pak really loves these characters, as he spends a lot of time showing their backgrounds and personalities off. At the same time, he manages to do so without ever letting the action drag. The artists are good at the big scenes that Pak wrote into the scripts, and as a whole this issue is very satisfying. Barring a complete meltdown in the final issue, Warbound is definitely a miniseries worth looking into.

Detective Comics #854 Review (Elegy)

Posted by Lindsay Young DC Reviews, Issue Review No Responses »

Apr 302012

by Lindsay Young, CMRO Contributing Writer

Detective Comics #854

Issue #3

Written by Greg Ruka, Art by J.H. Williams III

Published: August 2009

I admit to not reading tons of Batman comics, but since I was given this issue at a convention, I figured I’d give it a shot. Turns out it’s a visually stunning issue with heaps and heaps of gritty, gothic atmosphere, exactly what I like when I do pick up the odd Batman storyline on occasion. The colouring is just fantastic- lots of stark shades, very dark in tone but brightened up by select bits of bright, bright red in Batwoman’s hair and costume.

I love this artwork. There’s subtlety to the movements of the characters, their expressions and body language. The panels are laid out in interesting ways, and there’s a nice variety of angles. Important, too, is that the women are drawn in such a way that highlights their ridiculous proportions or objectifying poses. More than that, the character designs are fairly diverse and interesting, especially when a new villain introduces herself later on.

The storyline itself in this issue is also a nice mix of crimefighting and personal drama, and neither feels melodramatic. In fact, I found the real life portions of Kate’s life–her failed dating life, her struggling with past battle wounds–to be just as atmospheric as the dark, shadowy action scenes that frame it.

It’s a transitional chapter in a lot of ways, but if the aim of this issue was to intrigue me into following the Batwoman series, it really was an effective hook. While there’s not much to say yet about the story, I’m in love with the artwork and the subtlety in the dialogue and character interactions. I’m more than surprised at just how much I enjoyed it. For the art alone, it’s worth checking out. Everything else isn’t too shabby either.

The Avengers (2012) Review

Posted by Josh Starnes Movie Review 2 Responses »

Apr 292012

by Joshua Starnes, CMRO Editor

The Avengers

Directed by Joss Whedon

Released: April 2012

Marvel’s “The Avengers” isn’t the Second Coming, though it feels like it’s been in the works almost as long as, but as far as big summer entertainment goes you’ll rarely get much better.

For those who may not have been following along, the Powers That Be of the Marvel films have been tracking the comings and goings of the newly immerged super powered people like Iron Man (Robert Downey, Jr.) and the Hulk (Mark Ruffalo, replacing Edward Norton), approaching them in the form of shadowy superspy Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) to tell them about ‘The Avengers Initiative.’ An initiative to bring the most powerful individuals on the planet together to face the problems the world can’t. And they’re about to get that opportunity when Loki (Tom Hiddleston) arrives on Earth looking for the mysterious artifact Captain America (Chris Evans) nearly died trying to destroy during World War II.

With this many characters and this much plot going on everything about “The Avengers” is a balancing act, where any given toe out of line could send the entire thing collapsing like a house of cards. Fortunately, co-writer/director Joss Whedon (“Buffy the Vampire Slayer”) has long shown his understanding of the need for developed character to the get most out of even the most superficial of stories. Combined with a sharp ear for dialog, the result is the sort of light thrills we deserve but don’t often get. There’s not much underneath that all that skill – it’s one of the few weaknesses keeping “The Avengers” out of the Great column – but it’s eminently forgivable with this much fun going on.

Like the best of these kinds of films, “Avengers” gallops along at break neck pace beginning with Loki breaking out of a secret SHIELD instillation right up until an invading army of aliens descends on New York, only stopping occasionally to catch its breath. Which is when it tends to get really interesting, letting Whedon’s gift at humanism and insight into these characters is allowed to come out and play. Rather than fall back on clichéd adventure mechanisms and hackneyed dialog, Whedon takes the time look understand what makes these characters tick, bringing the viewer in and making them care what happens to these people rather than just wait to see what happens next.

He hits his apotheosis, and “The Avengers” best moments, in the second act as the team is gathered for the first time to try and find out what Loki’s plan really is, and immediately begin to mistrust one another in a way which is perfectly organic and believable. It doesn’t have quite the level of adrenaline madness as the rest of the film, even once the Hulk and Thor start tearing the place apart in a frenetic melee (just one of a variety comic book ‘X vs. X’ moments “Avengers” is full of), but you can’t turn away from it for a moment.

It helps greatly that Tom Hiddleston’s Loki continues to be among the best of modern Marvel’s villains and Whedon has an excellent idea how to use him. He doesn’t have quite the presence he did in “Thor” as most of his mental breakdown is in the past, but his ability to show Loki’s conflict – particularly when Thor is around – brings more out than most super villains ever get.

And visually it is resplendent, particularly in IMAX 3D, which is the best way to experience the climactic New York battle as the Avengers come together to fight off Loki and his horde. All of the four color brilliance of 60s Marvel comics are on display and several extended single shots which swoop through the city showing each of the Avengers in battle really are a sight to behold.

All of this fun does come at a cost, however. Adventure films do not, as a rule, handle large casts of central characters particularly well. Not unless they are several parts long with a collective viewing time of over 10-hours, anyway. “The Avengers” has some of that going for it; with so many of its major figures starring in their own films they don’t have to be introduced and most of us already have a feel for who they are. However this is the first time they are interacting together and for all of Whedon’s skill there’s only so much even he can do in two hours plus.

Whedon himself clearly has favorites – particularly Iron Man, Black Widow and the Hulk – with non-favorites gradually fading into the background. With some characters, like Black Widow who haven’t had a chance to be developed on their own, this makes sense. But as a whole it is a noticeable lapse, especially in the case of Captain America who comes on strong in the beginning and gradually fades despite being one of the franchise players. Being the most straightforward and least ironic of all the Avengers, Whedon, for all his strengths, seems to have no idea how to use him. And the lack of screen time for Thor, the other straight man with not much of a dark side, is almost as noticeable as he has the deepest emotional connection with Loki of any of the players, as is obvious in all of their scenes together and how few and far apart those scenes are.

Loki himself also suffers from degeneration as the film wears on. Many of Whedon’s classic ticks are on display in “The Avengers,” particularly his need to take the mickey out of well-worn tropes. This often works in the short term, adding humor and surprise and enjoyment, but it can weaken the overall structure by removing pieces that need to be there (which is why they always are). For all his strength as a villain as time wears on he tends to mainly exist to get punched in the face for a joke. Which is great at the moment, in fact it’s “The Avengers” most memorable moment, but it also robs the film a true climax between the heroes and the villain.

If that small part of the film, however important, doesn’t work it’s still only a small criticism of a generally good film. It might not have been actually possible to turn it into a great film – it has too much it has to do and actually accomplishes most of it – but it’s a damn good one and worth the time to check it out on the big screen.

The only real problem – it’s going to be a long wait till “Avengers 2.”

Cast:
Robert Downey, Jr. as Tony Stark/Iron Man
Chris Evans as Steve Rogers/Captain America
Chris Hemsworth as Thor
Mark Ruffalo as Bruce Banner/The Hulk
Scarlett Johansson as Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow
Jeremy Renner as Clint Barton/Hawkeye
Tom Hiddleston as Loki
Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury
Colbie Smulders as Maria Hill
Clark Gregg as Agent Phil Coulson
Stellan Skarsgard as Eric Selvig
Gwyneth Paltrow as Pepper Potts
Paul Bettany as the voice of JARVIS

Wolverine and the X-Men #8 Review

Posted by Dylan Duarte Issue Review, Marvel Reviews No Responses »

Apr 292012

by Dylan Duarte, CMRO Contributing Writer

Wolverine and the X-Men

Issue #8

Written by Jason Aaron, Art by Chris Bachalo

Published: June 2012

I wasn’t a fan of Wolverine and the X-Men when it first debuted just eight issues ago. In fact, I thought it stunk. But I feel like the series has really come into its own lately. There are still a few hiccups brought on by having such a large cast, but writer Jason Aaron proved last issue that he can juggle multiple storylines without ending up with a convoluted, tangled mess.

Last issue, Wolverine was violently ejected from a space casino. In true casino style, the bouncers broke his legs. His adamantium legs. It even left Beast confused. The first arc of this issue deals with Beast trying to restore Wolverine’s legs, which leads him into an altercation with an old X-Men foe. It’s the most exciting thread of the bunch.

The second storyline, one which I’m not very fond of it, involves amnesiac Warren Worthington, also known as Angel. Having forgotten who he is, he believes himself to be an Angel of God. He leads the other students on a mission to “the very edge of Heaven.” While I like Jason Aaron’s writing, I just find this storyline a bit silly. I’ve never been a fan of amnesiac storylines, and while I do think that the Angel of God twist is a better use of amnesia than the usual, I just don’t find it that intriguing.

Finally, we have adorable little Kade Kilgore, the 12-year-old head of the Hellfire Club who’s hellbent on destroying the X-Men. I don’t know why I enjoy this character so much. Kade is like a darker version of Dennis the Menace and that normally wouldn’t do anything for me, but I’m loving it. I’ll chalk that up to Aaron being good at what he does.

Of course, Chris Bachalo deserves a mention for his stellar artwork. Together with Aaron, they’re producing a damn good series.

Spider-Men Mini Series Details

Posted by tstarnes News No Responses »

Apr 292012

by Travis Starnes, CMRO Contributing Editor

News about the Spider-Men mini series continues to be parcelled out by the team at Marvel as the June launch date for the series draws near. For those who have yet to hear of the series, it is an envisioning of Marvel golden boy Brian Michael Bendis, in which the “old” Marvel universe (known as Earth-616 to the fan-boys of the world) Spider-Man Peter Parker and the Ultimate universe’s Spider-Man Miles Morales.

Marvel released through a USA Today story that the villain of this series will be Mysterio. A favorite of Brian Michael Bendis, who will be writing the story, Mysterio will be instigating the transfer of Parker to Miles’s universe. The character having been reveled in both universes, it is unclear which version of Mysterio will make an appearance, but best guess says they will pick the main universe’s version. In giving his reason for going with Mysterio, Bendis said “When I was a kid, I found some of his stories to be terrifying.” The writer went on to say that, “When he does his thing right, he delves in and gets deep into a psyche that doesn’t deserve that kind of punishment.”

This series is designed to be an emotional look into the character and reasoning of Spider-Man. Miles gets to experience an older and more experience version of Spider-Man, and Parker in turn gets to see the impact of his death on those closest to him (and a world where Gwen Stacy is still alive). In an interview at Oz Comic-Con, Bendis said that this story was even more emotional to write then the death of Peter Parker. He believes this story gets to the heart of what makes Spider-Man work, and says the inspiration for the story came from Pleasantville with its introspective self-evaluating story lines.

The story has been compared by many inside Marvel and in the press as being a Chistmas Carol type of story. Beyond just teaming up with each other, major Ulttimate characters such as Nick Fury and the Ultimates will make appearances.

Set to launch in June and featuring the art of Sara Pichelli, the series is starting to generate some buzz…at least among the comic media.

World War Hulk Aftersmash: Warbound #3 Review

Posted by Charlie Brooks Issue Review, Marvel Reviews No Responses »

Apr 292012

by Charlie Brooks, CMRO Contributing Writer

World War Hulk Aftersmash: Warbound

Issue #3

Written by Greg Pak, Art by Rafa Sandoval

Published: April 2008

For casual fans of the Hulk and his supporting cast, Warbound #3 offers another smashing good time. There is a lot of fighting, big green mutated monsters, and the return of the Leader. For those who are a bit more diehard and have followed the Hulk’s comics – specifically, the Leader’s appearances there – for the past decade or so, there’s only one problem that slows down an otherwise solid comic.

First, the good. We see the Warbound become more Hulk-like in every way possible. Feared by the ones they are trying to save, they manage to evacuate most of the humans within the Leader’s newly formed Gammaworld, but things go awry when an overly-eager Army officer arrives and opens fire on Hiroim, causing him to lose control of his Old Power and seal the dome shut again, killing people inside. This is ever the dilemma of the Warbound’s former leader, the Hulk – even when he tries to save the day, the puny humans go gunning for him and sometimes cause more harm than good.

There is a moment of action between the Warbound and a monster fused together from several gamma-irradiated humans known as the Horde. Unfortunately, the battle is short-lived, as the Warbound get out of there very quickly after the dome closes up.

Then, unfortunately, there’s the bad. While Hiroim and Korg do something alone, Elloe, the Brood, and Kate fly off to face the Leader. Kate contacts the leader and says that she’s realized that the Leader is dying, and that he is causing the gamma mess in hopes of curing his ailment. First off, this revelation comes pretty much out of nowhere – we hadn’t seen any indication before that the Leader was dying. Second of all, to fans who have read the Leader’s appearances in recent years, the possibility of his death provides even less drama than most supervillains.

As a quick recap, the Leader officially died in The Incredible Hulk #400, where he was killed by the Hulk. He kinda-sorta came back later in the 1990s when one of his minions seemed to be possessed by him psychically, but it was never revealed if he had actually returned or if the minion had gone insane. He showed up again at the end of Paul Jenkins’ run in the early 2000s, where he provided a deus ex machine to save the day and then promptly died. He showed up again at the end of Bruce Jones’ run immediately after Jenkins’ work, where he was revealed to be the leader of a secret organization out to steal the Hulk’s blood and then promptly died. See a pattern? The Leader dying or possibly dying is one of the most overdone stories in comics. The real drama would be if he was on the verge of living happily.

Despite this flaw, and despite the ham-handed lead-in to the Leader’s ailment, the comic still has a lot to offer. There is a very touching moment where Kate and Hiroim almost kiss, showing how quickly she has come to trust the Warbound. There is an even more touching moment when Korg and Hiroim are alone and Hiroim asks Korg to kill him. With his Old Power out of control, he is a danger to everybody. How will Korg react? We’ll have to find out next issue.

Despite one big flaw, Warbound #3 continues what is turning out to be a good miniseries. Seeing the Warbound in action is like watching a team of Hulks in a way – while not as big, green, and deadly as their former king, the Warbound have very similar problems, and it’s nice to see these problems presented to the protagonists for the first time. The Hulk has been a hero-monster for years – the Warbound are still learning the ropes.

Secret Avengers #25 Review

Posted by Nick Walden Issue Review, Marvel Reviews No Responses »

Apr 282012

by Nick Walden, CMRO Contributing Writer

Secret Avengers

Issue #25

Written by Rick Remender, Art by Gabriel Hardman

Published: June 2012

This series and arc are just fantastic. I love when a book goes back into history for a really nice back story like what Rick Remender has done here. Also the villain, Father, is just so evil and fun. But the best thing is how much is packed into this issue! There is action, there is the main plot, there are little sub-plots, and there are feeders to future episodes. Such a great job!

Really with Remender at the controls this book is completely different than the Avengers books under Bendis. The style and flow is not at all the same and I love it for the differences in pace and presentation. Also since the story is so in-depth you really want to read it twice just to make sure you got it all and understand exactly what is going on.

On art we have Gabriel Hardman who does some quality work. The characters have gotten better as he worked through the kinks of the first few issues on this series and I am really loving his Hawkeye. Those backgrounds are always very good and that lends a solid pace to the issue. He just has that solid consistency you like to see in an artist that allows a story to flow easily in a variety of environments with plenty of details. He just does so many things well that helps make the book flow with the story and not leave you lost of confused.

Overall I am super happy with this book. This book is definitely moving into my favorite to find in my bag and I can’t wait for the next issue. Rating is a solid 9 out of 10. Anyone who loves a good book should pick up this series now because it is a great read!

Fables #4 Review

Posted by Lindsay Young Indie Reviews, Issue Review No Responses »

Apr 282012

by Lindsay Young, CMRO Contributing Writer

Fables

Issue #4

Written by Bill Willingham, Art by Lan Medina

Published: October 2002

Every time I get back to Fable, I wonder why I’m not flying through it faster. It really is a compelling series, with very little to complain about. This time around, the big event has finally arrived, and all the Fables are gathering for Remembrance Day. This harkens to the typical fairy tale ‘ball’ scenario, but with the visual style of a high society gala. It’s this neat mix of the fable and the modern day that really makes Fables appealing on multiple levels.

This week goes into the backstory of the Fables, the invasion that brought them all together and forced them to flee to “our” world. It’s a lovely little storybook-type flashback, and it plays neatly into the Remembrance Day action. It comments on the inter-connectedness of stories and the dangers of silence in times of crisis. It’s moving and effective.

On a related note, I really enjoy Fables’ take on the Prince Charming character. It’s the sort of thing that could come off as farcical and simplistic, but his privileged, faux-charming persona is a little more subtle. Snow White and Bigby’s relationship–two tough cookies forced to work together and reluctantly enjoying each other’s company–is similarly compelling.

Visually, too, the series is as appealing as ever. Pastel colours combined with a storybook-inspired layout and tons of background references and easter eggs to be found, which is half the joy of this series.

It ends on a pretty fantastic cliffhanger, although it does pose a pretty silly plot hole–could no on recognize the woman in the wig before it was removed? Perhaps it’s a comment on the cliché itself, but I doubt it. Still, I can forgive the silliness for a pretty decent plot twist, and I’m sure I won’t be able to put off issue five as long as I did four.

Deadpool #53 Review

Posted by Nick Walden Issue Review, Marvel Reviews No Responses »

Apr 272012

by Nick Walden, CMRO Contributing Writer

Deadpool

Issue #53

Written by Daniel Way, Art by Ale Garza

Published: June 2012

Unless you like throwing away money you should skip this book. Or better yet give the few dollars to a homeless guy. He will get more use out of it than you will, buying this rag for entertainment. So did I like this issue? The answer is a big fat “NO!” and here is why.

This was a huge waste of time! Really the only plot related material could have been covered in a few pages. Yes, we learned who stuck Wade with the serum, X-Force is pissed at Bob, and that Deadpool supposedly can be killed. Oh and Wolverine wasn’t hurt because the serum was made for Wade specifically. Hey look, I just summed the book up in a few sentences.

Now this may sound like a rant which is perfect because it is. I am sick and tired of writers wasting our time and money with a subpar story that doesn’t even include the normal Deadpoolish behavior, quips, or cool monologue. You guys mailed it in! The only two things I liked are Bob’s character and the art. Bob brings a sense of seriousness to the whole book and a small dose or morality. Ale Garza brings some great art to the comic. Hopefully he will stay on past the end of this up and down arc.

Honestly I am sure there are some fans out there that will like the book and not trash it like I am. But there are certain things that made Deadpool cool and when he isn’t doing any of them but still trying to be Deadpool I just find myself disappointed as all get out. This issue gets 5 out of 10 from me. Not the worst rating possible but not worth the money unless you are a Wade fan and need to keep the collection alive.

Superman: The Sunday Comics Collection Review

Posted by Lindsay Young DC Reviews, Issue Review No Responses »

Apr 272012

by Lindsay Young, CMRO Contributing Writer

Superman: The Sunday Comics Collection 1939-1943

Issue #1

By Jerry Sigel and Joe Shuster

Published: May 2006

This is an interesting collection. Like the title suggests, it compiles around 200 of the first Superman comic strips. Formatted for syndication in newspapers, most of the strips are only a few panels long, with basic colours, cheesy dialogue and simple storylines. It’s a fascinating look at the origin of comics, and just how far the medium has come since then.

There’s really not a whole lot of continuity, and anybody buying this as an introduction to Superman is probably going to get only a very narrow, basic view of him. The strips, by their very nature, are far more simplistic than the books we’re used to seeing. There’s a certain charm in that, admittedly, but it’s also very much a product of its time.

It’s interesting, too, to see just what a jerk Superman started out as. He hurls people around willy-nilly, uncaring for their safety. The character has gone through several personality changes over the years, as expected from a character in print since 1939, and this Superman is, by comparison, a far simpler guy.

One thing that’s really frustrating about the book is the shape of it. It’s one of those books that are longer width-wise than height-wise, and it sticks out of my bookshelf really awkwardly. It’s too long to fit by rotating it, too. No matter what I do, it barely fits on my bookshelf. I understand that for sequential comic strips like this it’s difficult to print them in a regular-sized book, but it’s still an annoyance. It also makes the book prone to falling apart, and sure enough, my copy (which I’ve had for a few years) has almost completely come apart at the spine.

A neat book, but ultimately I’d call it a must-have only for the serious fan, or nostalgia junkies.

Avengers Assemble #2 Review

Posted by Nick Walden Issue Review, Marvel Reviews No Responses »

Apr 262012

by Nick Walden, CMRO Contributing Writer

Avengers Assemble

Issue #2

Written by Brian Michael Bendis, Art by Mark Bagley

Published: June 2012

Hardcore comic fan this book is not for you! People who love the movies like Iron Man and Captain America this book is for you. This would be Marvel’s attempt at a movie-crossover to gather more fans. They are keeping the book simple, almost annoyingly so, to allow new readers to not get bogged down with all the history that does actually exist with these characters.

From a big picture I understand what they are doing with this book, but I don’t like it. Reading all of the Avengers books can be confusing enough when there are slight lapses in how people act or the way the Marvel Universe isn’t always consistent. But this book it is like starting from scratch. You almost have to forget what you know and just try and accept the story, the characters, and the lack of history. Once you do that it is an okay read. But doing that is also a huge pain for a comic aficionado. Actually it compares well to watching some of the movies Marvel has made.

Good art from Mark Bagley in this issue. The last book was okay on the art and this one was better. Honestly I think that it was the only that saved me from falling asleep reading this issue.

So the overall review is a flat 5 out of 10. It had good art, a decent plot, and an interesting villain set-up. But it is still too much to overcome the lack of continuity with this book and all the years of the Marvel Universe that seem to suddenly not have taken place. Plus right now there is a huge crossover and yet here is a new Avengers book with no ties to it. That is mind boggling (and score lowering) to me. For $3.99 you can find better things to buy.

World War Hulk Aftersmash: Warbound #2

Posted by Charlie Brooks Issue Review, Marvel Reviews No Responses »

Apr 252012

by Charlie Brooks, CMRO Contributing Writer

World War Hulk Aftersmash: Warbond

Issue #2

Written by Greg Pak, Art by Leonard Kirk

Published: March 2008

Last issue, the Leader made a surprise appearance. In Warbound #2, he makes a sudden disappearance. Showing up just long enough to let our heroes figure out what’s going on, he teleports away, presumably to carry out the rest of his dastardly scheme. But don’t worry – there’s still plenty of action to go around this time.

The Leader has constructed a gamma-irradiated dome that has mutated animals and caused some strange effects in certain humans as well. So while the Warbound are being hunted by the Army and SHIELD, they and Kate Waynesboro find themselves embroiled in another battle, this time saving the puny humans from the Leader’s gamma monsters. The fight feels good as they finally manage to take on a battle for good rather than out of hatred. Naturally, this evolution also sees the Warbound start to redeem themselves after their actions in World War Hulk. Not only are they starting to become heroes, but they are earning the trust of Kate Waynesboro, who was supposed to bring them in.

The main story here is a lot of fun. Again, we don’t have the full story of what’s going on, but there’s a bunch of giant bugs to fight and some pithy dialogue here and there, so it’s okay. We get a nice moment between Kate and Hiroim as she helps him use his Old Power to create a tunnel out of the Leader’s dome for the distressed humans. Overall, the story isn’t out of this world great, but it’s very enjoyable – lots of fun action with some good character development thrown into the mix as well.

Speaking of character development, the backup story continue Kate’s interview with Miek, in which he tells of Hiroim’s background. As it turns out, Hiroim was Warbound to the Red King of Sakaar’s father. However, he broke the Warbound oath when he was told to kill his master’s young son. In the hypothetical situation of killing Hitler as a baby, Hiroim chose not to. It’s not an evil act, but since the Red King grew up to slaughter the people of Sakaar and indirectly lead to the planet’s destruction, you can understand how Hiroim is more than a little conflicted about his past.

Overall, Warbound #2 continues a solid story. We still have to wait to find out the Leader’s evil plans, but there’s lots to keep us busy in the interim. Most interesting here is Kate, who is slowly starting to become friends with the Warbound. With some good action, hints of a more intricate larger plot, and moments of interesting character development, Warbound #2 is a solid entry to the World War Hulk:Aftersmash mini-event.

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