Weekly Comic Book Review

By Dan Slott and Christos N. Gage (Writers), Harvey Tolibao (Artist), and Jay David Ramos (Color Artist)

Writers Dan Slott and Christos Gage continue their mastery of virtual no-name characters. In this issue we learn much more about the cast, new and old. In the spotlight we see 3-D Man, War Machine, and Gyrich. While we may not get any closer to solving the mystery of War Machine’s current cyborg-like state, we do finally see Gyrich begin to redeem himself. Meanwhile, 3-D Man must cope with the misleading knowledge he has been fed by Crusader.

Speaking of Crusader, he is definitely the star of this issue. We finally learn his true past from why he was sent to Earth to the reason for his accepting humanity and abandoning his race. (It may not be as complicated as you think.) His Skrull background story also makes this highly recommended for fans of Secret Invasion. His loyalty is quickly tested, as this finally ties in with the ongoing NYC fight in Secret Invasion mini series. When Crusader must finally choose between fighting his own people and those of his adopted culture, he knows either choice must be his permanent decision.

Up until a few issues ago, I had never even heard of Crusader, or many of the other new recruits. Yet in this short time, I have come to care as much about these characters as any of the A-listers in Marvel’s flagship titles. If this doesn’t speak volumes about Slott and Gage’s writing, I don’t know what does. Despite what has actually been revealed, each of these unique characters come across as having a long and storied history. Slott and Gage could easily make some of the less-featured people into two-dimensional stereotypes, yet they give moments for each character to shine and show that no one plays a minor part.

As for Harvey Tolibao’s art, where has he been all this time? True, he is no Stefano Caselli, but I would have rather seen Tolibao fill-in than see Steve Uy’s horrendously plain and unimpressive art. Like Caselli, Tolibao seems to be at ease drawing a large cast of characters, and his NYC fights scenes are full of action, both foreground, and often, background.

Avengers: The Initiative is on my monthly “Top 3 Must-Read” list, and this issue ensures that it maintains its place. Being a back story for a recent character, and a Secret Invasion tie-in, this serves as a great jumping on point for new readers. Anyone looking to start one of Marvel’s best ongoing books should do themselves a favor and jump on ASAP. (Grade: A-)

-M. Staples

Filed under: Marvel Comics, Reviews Tagged: | Avengers, Avengers: The Initiative, Christos N. Gage, Comic Book Reviews, comic books, Dan Slott, Harvey Tolibao, Jay David Ramos, Marvel, Marvel Comics