WRITER: J. MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI
PENCILS: OLIVIER COIPEL
INKS: MARK MORALES
COLORED BY: LAURA MARTIN
LETTERED BY: CHRIS ELIOPOULOS
COVER BY: OLIVIER COIPEL
I don't usually write these things, so bear with me...
One of the oldest tools to evoke realism in comics is to introduce "comics logic" into the real world, and have the characters react accordingly. Thor, I feel, is taking the opposite tact, by introducing "real world logic" to the Marvel Universe's grand and fantastic landscape.
In this issue, we see Captain America's murder revisited once again, this time marking the anniversary of his death. The real genius here is the reaction from the media in the Marvel U, which seems as accurate a depiction of real world logic as could be applied to this situation; Cap's memory is manipulated by the right, the left and everyone in between to promote their personal agendas, ignoring the spirit and symbol behind the man.
My favorite thing about comics, and Thor in particular, is the relationships between these larger than life characters who have literally faced death side-by-side, and this issue beautifully explores one of the best as Thor summons Steve's lingering spirit for some closure. Donald Blake's small moment at the statue, Cap's final request for a moment of peace from all the politics, and Thor's heartfelt respect and admiration of his mortal friend are brilliantly woven together into a piece that resonated with me for days after reading it.
Add in a brewing unrest among the isolated Asgardians, the subtle conflict within the newly-crowned Prince Balder and the breathtaking artwork of Oliver Coipel? The Red Lanterns can Rage all they like. This quiet tale was my POW.
Story: 5 - Excellent
Art: 5 - Excellent
Nicely put. But heck, this was depressing - the spirit of Captain America, stuck in some limbo and dressed as a terribly spooky spectre? He deserved better.
And in a series that appears as infrequently as this, an issue whose main point is Thor's friendship with a dead Avenger is an indulgence. Aren't any of Thor's old enemies knocking around, waiting to be biffed and bashed? Maybe even boffed? Oh, and the idea the a Norse god should have to ask a a slain hero and friend if he should avenge him . . . what's the name of that team again?
I found the intrigue with Loki, er, intriguing, but it does reflect badly upon Baldur? How long has he known this characters exactly? Long enough to tell him to bugger off with his serpent's tongue (and what does Mrs Loki think to his sex change?).
And last moan . . . would it kill Marvel to give us a cover that directly relates to the book? Think of the Cap fans this issue could have hooked.
Posted by Mart on 11/02/08 at 06:54 PM