Dark Reign – Three Issues In

Posted by Bucky

Marvel Comics recently ended their Secret Invasion company- wide crossover with Norman Osborn aka The Green Goblin taking the shot that killed the Skrull Queen and sent the invaders packing.  In the wake of these events, SHIELD has been dismantled and Tony Stark aka Iron Man has been booted from his position.  This leaves the new hero Norman Osborn in charge of the nation's superhero Initiative and his SHIELD replacement agency, HAMMER.  All of these events lead into a new era in Marvel comics... a Dark Reign.  As with any new era, an array of new titles were thrown out into the hands of fans, and I have waited until a few issues of each were in the can until I commented on them.  Granted, I am not commenting on all of the series that have been born out of Dark Reign, only the three that I actually picked up and would recommend to others.

First on the list is Dark Avengers.  This is a book that I would have picked up and supported sight unseen, simply because of its concept.  I have always been a fan of villains as feature characters, and a team of Avengers born of the ashes of the Ellis-era Thunderbolts (Moonstone, Venom, and Bullseye), Wolverine's son Daken, and a few anti-heroes (Marvel Boy, Sentry, and Ares) being led by the Iron Patriot (Norman Osborn in Iron Man armour painted in Captain America's colors) was just too much to pass up.  Three issues into the book and the reader is treated to a team dynamic that I guarantee they have never encountered in any Avengers book.  These first issues deal with the formation of the team and a trip to Latveria to protect Dr. Doom from Morgana La Fey.  The book is written by Brian Bendis and drawn by Mike Deodato and I give the first three issues a solid 4 out of 5 fanboys.  Oh, and did I mention all of the villains are dressed as heroes?  Pick up the books and find out what I'm talking about.

Second on the list is War Machine.  I have to preface this review by saying that I was unaware of much that had happened to James Rhodes aka War Machine in the past few years, but he's always been a favorite of mine.  The book follows War Machine, who is now in possession of a powerful non-Stark suit which can take objects surrounding it and meld them to his form, using them as new weapons.  Rhodes darts about the globe, from the safety of his stealth satellite, doling out punishment to war criminals based on a computer-generated kill number.  The first three issues deal with the rescue of a doctor from the clutches of mercenaries in a war-torn country.  It is also setting up a supporting cast that I am sure will add another layer of depth to a book that already raises many questions about humanity, war, and what it means to be a soldier versus a hero.  If you plan to pick up the series, I strongly recommend you also pick up the Secret Invasion: War Machine TPB and read that ahead of time.  The series is written by Greg Pak and drawn by Leonardo Manco, whose pictures will make your jaw hit the floor with their over-the-top and gritty quality.  A solid book, but not hitting on all cylinders just yet.  3 and a half out of 5 fanboys.

The last book of the bunch, and by far my favorite, is Punisher.  Marvel decided to end the Punisher War Journal series and reinsert Frank Castle into the thick of things post-Secret Invasion.  The series opens with the title character preparing to assassinate Norman Osborn during a press conference using a stolen alien rifle.  As the plot is foiled by the Sentry, we are whisked along at a cheetahs pace as Frank tries to make his escape.  He is assisted by Henry, a hacker and strategist who sees the Punisher as someone who could cripple Osborn's reign by hitting him in various ways, striking at the dark heart of his empire by taking out his criminal means of income.  The Punisher and Henry arm themselves not only with information, but with an array of stolen equipment belonging to both heroes and villains.  After the last issue, it seems certain that a showdown between Castle and the Hood (the current Kingpin of Crime and Osborn Cabal member).  Written by Rick Remender and drawn by Jerome Opeña, Punisher is a must-read in my opinion and scores a solid 5 out of 5 fanboys for its first three issues.

Be here next week when I toss out a couple old lesser-known series worth looking into.

All images copyright of Marvel Comics.