Marvel Comics 2015
Written by Frank Tieri
Illustrated by Luca PIzzari
Coloured by Andrew Crossley & Antonio Fabela
Lettered by VC’s Joe Sabino
Dane Whitman is the Black Knight, wielder of the Ebony Blade, a newly crowned King of New Avalon (a region of Weirdworld). Dane has been corrupted by the Blade’s influence, driving him to mete out justice in an increasingly bloodthirsty and cruel fashion. HIs friends and former teammates, the Avengers Unity Squad, have tracked Dane down to Weirdworld and captured him while they decide what to do about his situation…..
Everything old is new again, we’ve heard this before and mostly people ignore it or roll their eyes but in comics it’s literally true all the time. A new writer comes along and takes portions of what has come before and wants to explore it and expand upon things in ways that to them make more sense or heighten the drama. Frank is no exception and by focusing on the Ebony Blade, a magical artifact whose enchantment never goes away only strengthens its grip with time has come to light again. This is a prime example of something we all deal with in one form or another, traits or events creeping back into your life at unexpected times that can sometimes dominate how we behave. It’s terribly clever and extremely profound.
Then there’s Luca, Andrew and Antonio’s work on the interiors. The direction they take this story has been envisioned so well. From the darkness that seems to come not only from Wierdworld but from the depth’s of Dane himself to the ghosts of his ancestor’s that glow and haunt him beautifully this has been brought to life perfectly. Even the Avengers, full disclosure it’s been their appearance here that has made me seek out their title as well, look, feel and act in ways that spur emotional feelings. The uses of pages, panel layouts and the ebb and flow of the story through the art really helps immerse the reader in this place.
I am so in love with the writing here. The way the characters speak, the dialogue and the direction the story takes it all just works so perfectly to balance the severity of what’s happening and the levity needed to keep things level. Dane’s inner musings with himself and Percy or Wade’s inane observations and outbursts alongside the kind of characterization that really showcases why Steve handpicked these men and women for his team all conspire to make this what it is. Not to mention there’s this whole thing with Dane’s new place as King of New Avalon and that these people love him and will fight and die for him.
This kind of writing is darn rare anymore. Steve thinks he knows what he’s doing but after this issue even he isn’t sure and what of the Blade’s influence on him now that he’s wielding it? Everything is going to come to a head next issue and the new status quo for this series will be set and it’s something that has played as it should. Yes it’s a five issue arc, all too common anymore as trades are big business, but in all honesty it’s needed it to really showcase the effects of the Blade, the loyalty of Dane’s people and how the Avengers are divided or unsure what should be the proper course of action.
Thankfully this isn’t your typical Marvel book. For me it’s so much better it’s as if this new wave of books have found niches where characters can be brought back to prominence in ways that aren’t stereotypical of the Marvel Universe.