The Main Event Comic Book Reviews 8.16.08: Secret Invasion #5, Astonishing X-Men #26
Posted by Dennis Twigg on 08.16.2008
Astonishing X Men and Secret Invasion get the Main Event Treatment!
Secret Invasion #5 General: Passing the midway point, how does Marvel's crossover event manage? Last issue ended with some major players appearing to help repel the Skrulls. Will Bendis and Yu live up to lofty expectations or will the Secret Invasion be a dud? Writing: Bendis does well interjecting humanity into his characters. Interactions between heroes come off as genuine and well-characterized. Bendis handling of Norman Osbourne comes to mind as both impressive and consistent with his character. However, I continue to feel that the events occurring in this mainline book have been far too scattered and erratic. Certain plot threads are abandoned for entire issues (remember that cliff hanger in issue #4- its not addressed), or are visited only to have infinitesimally small progress made (why we need to see the Young Avengers almost literally twiddling their thumbs with Nick Fury is beyond me). Some very cool stuff does happen, particularly with Agent Brand and Maria Hill, but the issue seems to spend more time sagging under the massive weight of the crossover. Additionally, as much as I loved the initial Secret Invasion tie-ins that took place in Mighty and New Avengers, they seem now to be occupying more and more critical space in the story. For instance, Spiderman and Kazar's appearance is totally confusing… unless you have read the tie ins! Overall, my enthusiasm for this series is waning. Art: I like Lenil Yu a lot. Crossover events are always difficult tasks, thanks to the sheer scope of characters, but he manages admirably. The space scenes, complete with Skrull Ships being destroyed are really great. His depiction of a tortured Reed Richards looks suitably agonizing and is a great way of showing the abuse he suffers because of his super powers. Lastly, the appearance of ‘real life' people in the issue are suitably comic bookish without making them unrecognizable. Overall Score: C. This issue shows a lot of plot threads being condensed, which maybe ought to help with streamlining the rest of the series. I certainly hope so, at least.
Astonishing X Men #26 General: Warren Ellis has taken the reigns of Joss Whedon's baby. What do you get when you mix the always kooky Ellis with the X Men? I'd say about what you expect. Writing: Say what you will about the new X Men status quo, but Ellis uses it pretty well to get an interesting story going. The concept of a spaceship grave yard is cool even if the villain in the issue is a complete throw away (almost literally). I'm hoping that the villain's overall crappiness is redeemed by him being used as a device to get the X Men into some cool hijinks. The interactions between the teammates is good, replete with the requisite Ellis snark. Cyclops and Storm have a philosophical discussion about Cyke's new attitude that does a good job of showing off both character's opinions. Overall, this is not the reinvention of the wheel, but its competent story telling. Art: Simone Bianchi does a great job with his scenery. The spaceship graveyard is every bit as cool, foreboding, and alien as it should be. I like his depictions of Armor and her powers, but Storm looks slightly strange to me. I like the cover to the book as well, but I was disappointed that Beast actually made no appearance in the book. Overall Score: B. This book has upside potential.
