Dynamite Entertainment 2015
Written by Mark Waid
Illustrated by Ronlison Freire
Coloured by Marco Lesko
Benson and his crew have been attacked by a cadre of near-invisible men who lured them to the Bronx Zoo after hours.. Nellie and Smitty are at this moment, safe. Less so, Benton.
One of the best things about this series is Mark’s writing of it integrating scientific know how along with some science fiction and creating a story where with the tools and knowledge of the time being able to stretch the imagination to credibly create scenarios that while seem incredulous are not only entertaining but based on things that could be done. Let’s face it the Avenger himself shouldn’t have the abilities he does but it’s his characterization and mind that make him as effective and likeable as he is.
This issue has some of the most interesting and well thought out writing and plot development that we’ve seen. With this cadre having turned a trio of lions into invisible creatures and Benson having to fight such ferocious creature on his own without traditional weapons and how he manages to get out of this predicament just demonstrates beautifully why he’s a character more people should know about and be reading.
That his team is just as valuable to his success as what he does it really goes a long way to showing us that people of all different backgrounds and education levels can come together and form one of the most elite and effective crime fighting force around. With plenty of subterfuge and taking advantage of other’s misconceptions to really infiltrate a place to gather information is portrayed with the kind of style and panache that takes stereotypes and uses them in such ways that demonstrate how gullible folks could be.
While this is Benson’s book it’s really what his supporting cast of characters do here that is the star of the story. That Mark can spread the love this way highlighting what the team can do really does make this story much more entertaining and instead of relying upon Benson’s own skills and intelligence it gives those around him a chance to showcase why he’s surrounded himself with them. It reminds me of that saying “it takes a village” to new heights. Also it’s just infinitely interesting to see this kind of stuff happening in a era where Nazi’s are still active and dreaded just adding to the impressiveness of it all.
Action and adventure with intrigue and science all thrown into a story of this quality is why Dynamite is the master at bringing us stories of old characters and making them totally relevant to today’s audience.
Ronlison and Marco’s work on the interiors are just as gripping as the story itself. The attention to detail they bring to the table and their ability to show these near-invisible opponents to life and in some cases like the lions partially visible really make such an impression on the reader that it’s just amazing.
The creativity on display with this series will keep you coming back time and time again.