Marvel Comics 2016
Written by Al Ewing
Penciled by Paco Medina
Inked by Juan Vlasco
Coloured by Jesus Aburtov
Lettered by VC’s Joe Caramagna
Oh Marvel, why, why, why do you keep doing these silly stunts. I miss the days that characters weren’t popping up from Alternate Earths as often as a valley girl popping her chewing gum. This is why I stopped reading Marvel for a few years because it got out of control and I was under the impression that there was one of those company crossovers where they fixed all that. Guess I was wrong.
There really is so much potential here with Roberto owning A.I.M. and turning it from an evil organisation into a force for good. Along with a few second string heroes who appear to want to be legacy characters there is that germ of a great idea that needs to grow. I do rather like the fact that Roberto is now the one in charge and Sam is happy to play second fiddle to him after all his years of leading teams. Al’s a good, strong and talented writer but this alternate Earth stuff really turns me off it’s so gimmicky and cheap.
Now last issue ended with a young female Captain America show up unexpectedly. Prepare for spoilers because i’m about to do just that because as it turns out she’s Danielle Cage, alternate reality daughter of Luke and Jessica. She’s come here crossing from alternate to alternate reality chasing a villain the Golden Skull. After hearing her story it’s up to you to decide what you think of it. I know some folks don’t mind the whole reality hopping thing and as far as stories go this one actually has teeth.
So I will admit that I like what happens when they go after the Golden Skull. Dressed up in tuxedo’s attending a social function is an image you won’t soon forget. The interiors on the whole are well done actually and they have a great classic comic book style to them. The two page spread is one of those memorable scenes where we get to see Paco’s take on pretty much everyone and it’s fun. Plus his creativity and imagination in creating the look for the Golden Skull is quirky fun.
I have no idea if this is something that is supposed to fit into continuity, if Marvel even has continuity is unknown to me. So as a story that just takes place it’s got some great interesting moments that are enjoyable. If this is just a series that happens with no real setting in Earth 616 Marvel then hey keep it up and leave Danielle on the team. I’m not sure if this is supposed to be taken seriously or if it’s a comedy series so take it for what you want it to be.
I’d like to see the potential here fulfilled but if keeps being a comedy style book then that’s okay too. It’s got a great premise and eclectic cast of characters. Though at $3.99 I could probably find better books to spend that on.