New Beginnings - The Defenders #1

1971 saw a few things in the word happening. Qatar and Sierra Leone gained their independence from Great Britain, Nasdaq opened and the United Kingdom and Ireland changed to decimalisation.

Amongst these events, in December, Marvel launched a new almost ad hoc team built of outsiders known as The Defenders.

Now 40 years on, Matt Fraction has revived the team once more.

The original line up was Dr Strange, Hulk, Namor and Silver Surfer (although the Surfer was added slightly after its inception) and has also had a variety of additional members to the squad and this new issues mirrors that. Fraction’s line up takes a lot from this but also adds a couple of twists such as Red She-Hulk (Betty Ross) - instead of Hulk - and Iron Fist.

The story opens in a promising way, picking up on a piece of the recent Fear Itself arc. Nul, the Breaker of Worlds had been released upon the world and is going to create havoc as the embodiment of rage. After an image of destruction it then randomly changes to an irrelevant page of a postcoital Stephen Strange. I’m sure this must have some impact later down the line but until then I remain wondering. For me, this is how the rest of the issue then went.

If it were not for reading the epilogues in Fear Itself #7 then I wouldn’t have really understood the arrival of the Hulk, except for another random occurrence. Even so the appearance also felt out of sorts as the depiction and demeanour of Hulk, in comparison to the recent new beginning; it's so different that given the dialogue alone you’d be hard to not think of a number of other heroes that it could have been.

The remainder of the issue is then dedicated mainly to the recruitment of the team by Strange alongside a snippet of storyline which tries to develop towards the end. After such a loose build up the final scenes and cliffhanger ending just didn’t have much impact.

Normally I’m a big fan of Matt Fraction and his writing but on this occasion I really think that the mark has been missed. I didn’t feel that engaged and at some points confused. Terry Dodson’s artwork can be quite heavy without too much detail which gives it a similar look in parts to cartoons you’d find on a kids' channel, contradictory to some sexually based scenes giving yet another conflicted feel to it.

On a positive note, the colour work by Rachel Dodson, is full of energy and lifts the frames keeping them feeling open.

I try to be open to most things, especially first issues, but I’m afraid that this hasn’t hit a chord with me. I have come to expect more from Fraction but I’m also saying this from a point of view that doesn’t really know these characters in depth. There could be more to this that I’m missing but I haven’t yet found the hook I need to keep me looking for more.

Matt Puddy gives this one Nul points.

The Mane Event - Fear Itself

Through 2011 Marvel has launched its cross over series Fear Itself. It has been a seven part story which has also influenced over 20 different titles. Some have been influential, such as Invincible Iron Man, some specifically designed for the event such as The Worthy and others which have been tenuous links to say the least.

It has spawned three epilogue issues (#7.1, #7.2, #7.3) which set up new storylines within the MU and also acted as a vehicle for the reinvention of a new Ghost Rider. Furthermore there are two new miniseries - The Fearless, a twelve part following Sin and Valkyrie in the aftermath and the slow burning Battle Scars.

The architect for the whole story was Matt Fraction, one of Marvel’s big writers at the moment, which is why there is also such a synergy with Iron Man too. That said there is a large emphasis on the relationship and interactions of Thor and Captain America meaning the original Avengers are very prominent. The story is well written and full of big moments but that has also meant that there is a potential for big troughs for the readers to fall into as well. You also have to consider that this is all built on the one shot, by Ed Brubaker, The Book of the Skull which set a very specific tone. This was not an arc that was going to be soft and fluffy with a sadistic and focused Sin leading the way strongly and even more so when Skaadi was forging forward. With such a high pace the question you begin to ask is, “Is this sustainable?”

Fear Itself is the product of a prophecy. One that Odin has been trying to avoid for the sake of Thor. That Odin’s brother will return and in the process of defeating him Thor will die. Unfortunately for earth this means that as the “host” for the event that things are not looking good. Especially when the fuel for Sin is in endless supply from all of the inhabitants, FEAR.

The arrival of the Serpent in the mortal world also ushers in the return of Thor and his brethren to Asgard leaving earth’s hero’s alone in the world to fight an adversary they have no realistic chance against. To compound matters further the second issue is all about the introduction of the Worthy. Seven of earths heroes and villains imbued with the power of mystical hammers that land on the planet at the Serpent’s command. You could make an observation towards the adage that absolute power corrupts absolutely as it matters little if you are considered evil (Attuma/Grey Gargoyle/Absorbing Man/Titania), good (Ben Grimm) or ambiguous (the rehabilitating Juggernaut/reclusive Hulk) because all of them have little or no control over the actions they then take. All of them become harbingers of a fate that will potentially end the world.

Each of the issues has at least one big moment but not all saved for cliffhangers, such as the departure of the Asgardians or the blitzkrieg invasion of America. Some are more meaningful. The best example of this would be issue #4’s cry for help from Tony Stark. For those who are not familiar with Iron Man and his history, Stark has had a huge battle in his past with alcoholism which was captured in the Demon in a Bottle storyline. Following this he has been completely teetotal. But, in this moment of absolute crisis, whilst calling out for Odin, Stark makes a huge sacrifice. When a show and dignity and integrity hasn’t been strong enough to bring down the All Father, Tony gives his only thing of value he has left. His sobriety.

You also have the iconic moments, or the breaking of icons, where we are given death and chaos or the destruction of symbols of hope. These events only go to further feed the beast, making the Serpent even stronger, creating a feeling of even greater futility and struggle.

The final book of Fear Itself is one of strength and hope. If you read Fraction’s Invincible Iron Man as well you will have seen his journey and return to bring the Avengers blessed weapons which can finally stand up to the Worthy, leaving Thor to face his destiny and Odin to see if prophecy and fate can be avoided.

For me, this is where the whole story starts to falter, although some may argue that after the first two issues things had started to slow. After taking two issues to establish such a good base the next four issues open the story out into relevant miniseries. These continued until the final issue where wrapping it all up in one final comic simply seems too fast. The issue is hefty but that is because it also includes three epilogues which only one of them bears huge relevance to the previous arc.

The three epilogues revolves around the original Avengers providing unique perspectives in the aftermath. What I found surprisingly refreshing is that they are not “happily-ever-after” stories. Cap struggles with some of the more harsh realities of modern warfare and the balancing of what is needed and what is necessary. The Thor title is more about rebirth from the ashes of war with the arrival of Thanatos. Finally Iron Man faces up to Odin to receive perspective in the after event and at the same time provided me with my favourite moment and phrase of the entire series. In an attempt to make him understand his lack of significance, Odin shows Stark a glimpse behind the curtain. All Stark can ask is why him? To which Odin coldly replies “Who ever would believe you?” Simple and very satisfying.

Considering that this series will be one of the cornerstones of future events in the Marvel Universe (for instance the new Incredible Hulk title is established at the end of book seven) it is a good read. It’s not necessarily essential but will answer questions readers may have about Thor or Bucky for example. It is hard to completely evaluate it as it started as a strong story which turned a little too much towards marketing other names and future titles. We wouldn’t have The Fearless were it not for this story line and is it a story that can hold twelve issues when the original Fear Itself couldn’t do it for seven?

I can imagine that it’s hard to write a title which revolves around no one specifically but also is in depth enough to hold a reader's concentration. On this occasion I feel that it started really well and petered off towards the end but in doing so set up some very new and interesting titles (and revivals). Fear Itself would be something worth collecting and reading all together as the wait between issues won’t have helped. I enjoyed the premise and some of the cross overs for my preferred heroes but the delivery wasn’t always there. Whereas Fraction may have stumbled, Immonen provided strong and consistent artwork throughout, giving the reader a great visual representation. I’m glad that I have the main story and also that I had Iron Man to read alongside as it filled in the gaps that I found pertinent but be aware not all of the crossovers are as effective!

Matt Puddy is gearing up for the return of the Phoenix in 2012!

New Beginnings - Journey into Mystery #622

Tying in well with both Book One of Fear Itself and also the ending of Siege, Journey Into Mystery gives a new insight into how things ended and how they are beginning again.

Gillen has written a really nice piece that begins with a fable type piece complete with magpies. Following their tale leads you back to a very young, almost confused Loki...

Delving deeper into the new Marvel event, Fear Itself, this week we have Journey Into Mystery.

As an aside I have also read Uncanny X-Men (amongst others) this week, which seems an odd statement to highlight, but both have been written by Kieron Gillen.

The reason I bring this up is that I feel the two titles show a good diversity to his writing ability and style. Gillen is a relatively new comic book writer from what I know and has spent a lot of time working on Marvel titles following in some very big footsteps on Thor and now Uncanny X-Men too. Keeping the former in mind it puts Gillen in good stead for writing on Fear Itself as well.

For a character that at the end of Siege made what was an almost unfathomable sacrifice (for a god) we are now given the story behind it. Why Loki did it, what he is now and more importantly what he can and may become.

It’s well written from all angles, the fable, the narrative (which is frequently used instead of moving from first to third person) and the actual story. As I mentioned before, I also read X-Men and the contrast is really quite big. Gillen has displayed that he is well versed and also able to write not only a good story, but also one that fits and feels right. He plays to the characters well. It was clear that this god of mischief had a streak buried deep within him that couldn’t be contained.

The artwork by Dougie Brathwaite is soft with a lot of detail work. This is further enhanced by the colouring and shading. It’s good artwork but doesn’t set my world on fire with its look, however, its feel fits perfectly. It’s not clean and sharp, meaning you actually study it, as you’re not always sure everything is perfect and well defined. The colours are muted and from a lighter palette giving an almost aged feeling, which is perfect because it now feels like it fits with the story. This is a tale born of the days of yore, ripped from the pages of the Norse Gods.

I think the only thing that I found strange is that it also felt wrapped up. This isn’t a one shot or a point one. This is a smaller piece in a bigger puzzle but you’re not given an overwhelming need to follow onto the next issue. It is almost too contained within this issue and works better as a precursor. From another aspect it has completely thrown me as it’s effectively re-introduced a dead character that wasn’t counted on before, or his impact, within the grand scheme of things for Fear Itself so I now have no clue what this could mean.

It’s interesting but is it enough? Of the two Gillen titles I’ve read this week, it’s certainly the stronger as far as storyline goes but I’m still not sure. I may consider it as a Fear Itself tie-in but I don’t think I’ll be fighting to grab it off the shelf just yet.

Matt Puddy fears nothing! Except deadlines.

The Mane Event - Fear Itself #1

In advance of this moment, a few weeks ago I reviewed the prelude to Fear Itself written by Ed Brubaker. Now for the main event Matt Fraction has taken over and opens with the first book – The Serpent. Some people may wonder why the change in writer (and I am one of them) but both Fraction and Brubaker are considered “Architects” for Marvel at the moment so it’s all in safe hands.

The first thing I noticed about this is the feel. It’s weighty and has a definite presence when you hold it in your hands. What is more impressive is that when you look through it (with the exception of the five pages dedicated to advertising Planet Red Hulk), there are only a couple of adverts. The adverts themselves are also for Marvel titles, which means that there is a lot of space dedicated to the story and nothing given to paid space. Marvel have certainly invested themselves and have given the reader a bounty to muse over, without interruption.

Fraction opens with a tense situation and for once it is not super related. In what is a nice change current events have been brought into the issue referencing (indirectly) firstly the plans to build a mosque in New York and later on the housing crisis. In the ensuing riot common sense does not prevail and once quelled the heroes (fronted by Steve Rogers) almost feel at a loss to explain what made normal people do this. There are no powers, no villains, no chemicals or even radiation to blame or attribute. It almost seems surreal for them.

In a parallel storyline we have Fraction very quickly establishing the main baddie in Sin, or as she then refers to herself, Skadi. There are a good few questions that could be asked at this point such as: How did Sin lift the hammer? Was she considered worthy? Where has it really come from? To be honest, my Marvel-Norse mythology is not that good. For those interested Skadi is actually linked with skiing and hunting with her father being Thiaz, who was well known as an eagle. It is clear that Marvel have taken the normal creative line with histories so there are no sneak peeks ahead simply by knowing your histories, myths and fables.

Splitting once again, Fraction takes us to the gods and how the impact is being felt by them too. The writing for Odin alone is fantastic. You can really feel the emotion in and all that he says and does. It’s a fantastic little piece and something that on a second read can be seen all the way through. The only thing left to consider is that once you have at least one god-level adversary introduced to the playing field what do you do when the other gods leave?

From an artwork point of view, Immonen has produced a well drawn issue. However, although it is well crafted I found it a little inconsistent. Shifting from panels which are full of detail to others which are lacking definition I’m glad that the story kept my attention so much. Immonen strikes me as someone who can draw a great group shot, adding attention where needed, or can draw a superb individual, but going outside of these he lost me.

The colouring supports and helps the artwork though and adds a lot of depth. Much like in the Green Lantern review there are frames where we see almost a pop art style presented to us. Then in the closing pages after Odin’s decree, it stands out for another reason with a fantastic use of colour and expression.

Overall the issue has left me wondering and pondering in very good ways. I am really liking Matt Fraction’s writing and am looking forward to the next six issues. I’ve been told that it will work as a stand alone title too even though the crossovers are already present (Iron Man’s rebuilding of Asgard is no surprise for one) and it has been widely publicised across many titles but I’m yet to see that actually happen.

This is the Marvel event of the year. The implications are going to be felt, especially the shake up this is going to cause to the Avengers roster, so lets see where the rabbit hole goes...

Matt Puddy rebuilt a shed once, but not a whole city.

New Beginnings - Fear Itself: Book Of The Skull

For 2011 Marvel is giving us Fear Itself as its event arc. As both a main title and also a number of crossover stories, it is set to pan out across the whole Marvel Universe and (as per a recent interview with the Fear Itself panel) will set the tone for the next few years.

There have been many teasers in the recent weeks, with all of the Marvel titles displaying double page spreads of sneak shots into what is to come and so in anticipation of this we are presented with the Fear Itself prologue, Book of the Skull.

Written by Ed Brubaker and pencilled by Scot Eaton the story opens around Baron Zemo and Sin, the Red Skull’s daughter. This is also to set the scene for the whole arc as Sin is the main antagonist for the entire event. In what appears to be a fraught partnership the two are searching for a lair of the Red Skull to remove a very special item. Sin knows this to be the key to a phenomenal amount of power and like any good super villain she will stop at nothing. It’s short, it’s punchy but it puts a great deal in place for the reader, especially for those who have no idea of the characters involved.

This was the case entirely for me. My knowledge limit is that Baron Zemo was the original leader of the Thunderbolts and I had no idea who Sin really was, although the passing resemblance and the cover art did give things away. To this end it made for a slightly diluted opening, as I have no history and prior knowledge to base anything on. Flaw or strength, I’m not really sure yet as I have no preconceived ideas for the story to live up to.

What Brubaker does then is takes a step back in time to when the Red Skull was creating this scenario. I’m not going to spoil anything by giving the content away but you do witness the combination of Cap, Bucky and Namor in pursuit of the Red Skull. The characters personalities and actions really shine through and Brubaker has done a fantastic job - his pedigree shows. The Red Skull being the consummate Nazi complete with undying loyalty and devotion to the Fuhrer; Captain America and Bucky being the ever good duo and Namor with his resolute fighting spirit and temper.

The story holds you and draws you in but at the same time leaves rather large holes for you to peer into and question. It works well as this is simply a teaser in itself.

My criticism would be that no matter how well the story has been written, or how well it has been illustrated, I am still left with an overwhelming feeling that even though it has looked pretty and read well, I still have absolutely no idea of what is going on with the arc. I know that there is a huge tie in with Thor. I know that Odin will be brought into disrepute. I even know that we will see a new Ghost Rider (whether or not this is a part of the bigger whole I’m not sure) but all of this I gained from taking a look around the internet. I’ve found more of a buzz there than created in this issue. I still think it’s going to be big although I’m not sure it will compare to previous world breaking arcs like Civil War or M-Day, however I am very happy to wait and see and (hopefully) be proved wrong.

Matt Puddy knows no fear...