IDW Publishing 2016
Written by Cullen Bunn
Illustrated by Max Dunbar
Coloured by David Garcia-Cruz
So last issue the group was surrounded and captured by the Baron of the Ministry of Science who has a past with Oz. Which is where we pick up this issue as they around “handcuffed” and being led to a transport. Now this is apparently unusual behavior for a bunch of smugglers to be taken alive but this is no usual encounter. With Oz’s past with Baron Daigon plays a role in this.
I’m such a fan of Cullen’s what he can do telling a story is amazing and to take a franchise based on toys that were out so long ago and revive it into this exciting new premise, for me anyway, showcases his versatility and ability to write damn near everything. This issue fleshes out the races and characters more for us. I like this it’s important that as the story goes along we get a better understanding of how they all fit into this as of now doomed universe.
This issue the focus is on Oz and his people the Pharoid. Why there are so few of them, and what if any role they play in this entropy storm devouring the universe. I have to say that the story of his people that we learn here makes my head spin. I love the implication that they are the ones who perhaps started the whole Egyptian Pharaoh trend on Earth, even if that never happened fromt the story it’s plausible. Also his story about his people and their use to others and even the unspoken parts is the kind of writing that really gets a reader incredibly involved in the story.
Then there’s the dialogue between husband and wife who shall we say showcase their villainous ways beautifully. There may be love there but i’m beginning to think it’s not for each other but for what the other can do for them. Still this again is remarkable characterization and shouldn’t go unnoticed. I do like that we also see an assassination attempt on Baron Karza from this bug creature it’s a great way to see his actions match his personality and it’s a very well constructed scene that makes the reader ask the same thing he did.
Max is killing the interiors here. I love the way he is using the pages and panels for the flow of the story visually. His attention to detail is fantastic, the use of backgrounds, angles and perspective really help the reader to focus on what’s needed and to give the bigger picture in terms of mood, feeling and emotion. David’s colours too really do wonders on the finished work. Together they really have managed to create something special visually.
This is a great story within a story here. I like the way Cullen has brought the bigger and smaller pictures and then thrown in the personal aspects of it too. This becoming a really solid and all around well told book that while based upon a toy line and a previous Marvel run can stand on it’s own for new readers and excite readers already familiar with the franchise. IDW has really gone above and beyond in getting the best talent possible to relaunch this and make it something truly unique and special.