Image Comics 2015
Written & Illustrated by Rob Liefeld
Additional art by Karl Altstaetter
Coloured by Anthony George
Lettered by Chris Eliopolous
After the rather interesting opening we had last issue this one opens with Professor Night being held captive by this young woman. Oh I have to say that this opening was pretty spectacular! The language and the fighting and the subterfuge not to mention that Rob manages to throw a few unforeseen twists and wow okay now I need to know what’ happening next. For new readers this is a wonderful introduction to Professor Night and what he can do while also introducing us to his rather unique opponent and she’s well yeah not what I expected and that’s a huge bonus.
So back to our hero missing his junk and wanting it back. In the subterranean depths beneath the Toshida estate in Tokyo, Japan a fight rages on. Mercenaries hijacking the signal that rendered him disavowed so they hope to capture him for a nice paycheck don’t stand a chance against a member of the Bloodstrike team. Though you have to give it up for the dialogue and art here because it’s rather humorous and a nice jab at one of Marvel’s most prolific characters right now.
To see the remainder of the issue and how our intrepid misunderstood hero fares you’ll have to read it. What I do find interesting is that regardless if a character is killed in combat they seem to have the technology at their disposal to be brought back time and time again. So if you defeat someone by shooting them literally to pieces you can find yourself up against them again later seeking some payback.
It doesn’t hurt that Cabbot doesn’t like Bella and her cohorts either. He sees them as sell-outs and traitors, taking their enhanced powers and selling them to the highest bidder of the private sector. Either way you look at it both sides are incredibly ruthless, vulgar and honestly fun to see in action. There’s something much more aggressive about the way Rob’s writing this series and it is decidedly not for younger readers.
Well this is Rob doing what he loves so you know the characters have their shoulder pads, belts and pouches that’s just going to be staples of some outfits. Otherwise I like seeing his evolution as an artist and seeing the body proportions so nicely done and some of the faces and facial expressions are really impressive. I would like to see more motion in their movements so it’s not as freeze framed but more fluid but that’s a personal thing from me.
The end of this part of the story would normally be a shocker but after seeing how he gained his arms and legs back it’s just a wow moment not a OMG moment.
The last part of the issue brings us Blackstrike back to life. Out of hibernation or awake from status his target is Cabbot and he’s to exterminate them with extreme prejudice to maintain the integrity of the program. Okay love the updated costume it’s sleek and hella tight. I look forward to seeing him go after the boys now.
This is a nice fun, solid book full of violence and adult language and it hits all it’s notes perfectly.