Here comes Mark Waid, reminding us all why he was one of the
hottest creators in the 90’s, and why he still deserves that title today.
I took a bit of chance and read this premiere issue with my
8 year old daughter after I saw Maria Hill on the first page. (My daughter is a
bit of a fan after the Avengers movie.) Thankfully, this is definitely kid
appropriate, with lots of comic-style violence and action, along with some
great new vocabulary words for both of us!
Bruce Banner is tired of Reed Richards and Tony Stark
getting all the credit. He’s just as smart, but Bruce is justifiably worried
that he’ll only be remembered as the Hulk. In an attempt to contribute
something more, he wants to sign on with SHIELD. He wants to update the old
comparison; instead of an unfocused bomb, he wants the Hulk to be a targeted
cannon. It’s a great high concept that works. I’m not sure I buy into the armor
quite yet, but seeing Hulk lead a team of SHIELD agents to take on a classic
Marvel villain worked even better than I’d figured.
And wow, does Waid make this villain sing. Spouting out
equations and theories, other writers have made this guy work too, but I’ve
never had this much fun seeing him actually fight somebody. I love that Waid
put Hulk, known for his lack of intelligence, up against this particular
villain, one known for his brain. (I couldn’t have been the only one expecting
Mr. Hyde or a new Abomination).
Leinil Yu’s art; what is there to say at this point? His
new, short-haired Hulk looks imposing and powerful. I absolutely loved the way
he drew Hulk as a green blur while in motion. Maria Hill looks wonderful, both
powerful and hot in her SHIELD issue battle gear. I particularly loved that she
is wearing her normal form-fitting outfit while leading a team of heavily
armored SHIELD agents on the attack. Yu knows what fans like!
Another strong debut from Marvel NOW, at this point, if
people don’t like these books, I’m not sure what to tell them. These are
exciting new chapters building on the history we know and love. It’s just the
right mix for an old reader like me (and my daughter, I guess!)
Excellent
No comments:
Post a Comment