Weekly Comic Book Review

By Matt Fraction (Writer), Doug Braithwaite (Artist), and Brian Reber (Color Art)

I have to admit, this issue is a bit disappointing since it fails to hold up to the potential promised in the first chapter. Yes, we get battle sequences between the Super-Skrulls and the Asgardians, and yes we’re treated to well written narration during the sequences, but I can’t help but feel that some of the dialogue seems somewhat forced. A lot of the words from characters are either random battle cries, or awesomely bad memorable lines like, “show them mercy at the end of your blades!” With phrases like, I’d rather have everyone in this book with their mouths shut. But we don’t get that, instead we can only enjoy the little action that this book offers.

The battle scenes in this issue are good enough to pick up much of the slack. It is just too bad that they only take up about half the issue. Most of the “civilian stuff” focuses on Don delivering the baby. I understand what the birth is supposed to mean for the story, and I understand how Don’s tension of where he should be adds to the element of suspense. But was it really necessary to dedicate a big chunk of the issue to Don delivering a baby? Likewise, we get a good side-story showing the courage and heroics of three townsfolk as they decide to go help the Asgardians. But I’m left wondering “what was the point?” when they arrive, discovering that there is nothing they can do, and leave.

As for the art, Doug Braithwaite does an excellent job of conveying the violence and action in the all-out-battle, up until the “big baddie” shows up. I’ve quite enjoyed Braithwaite’s work, but the female Super-Skrull he presents is just plain ridiculous. His sorry-looking villain fails miserably, looking like a joke rather than the ultimate villain.

However, despite these flaws, this issue really wasn’t that bad. With the story entertaining enough, the issue just seemed a little too stretched out, with too much going on and not enough focus on the moments that matter. Despite all that, I’m still left excited, as the final page really looks to set up a great conclusion. If this is true, the strong first and last parts will certainly make up for a little weakness for this middle. (Grade: B)

-M. Staples