By Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning (writers), Paul Pelletier (pencils), Rick Magyar and Andrew Hennessy (inkers) and Wil Quintana (colors)
The Story: The final battle between Blackbolt and Vulcan explodes in deep space with irreversible consequences to both these characters and the entire galaxy. The War of the Kings concludes, but the cosmic event has really just begun.
What’s Good: First off, if you haven’t been keeping along with this mini-series, shame on you. Second of all, buy this trade as soon as it hits the shelves not only for this incredible series, but because of what is going to come from it. Finally, a Marvel event bears good fruit instead of rotten, deformed, and poisonous produce (read: Secret Invasion, World War Hulk, etc).
In this issue, we get to see what we every Inhuman fan wants to see: Blackbolt going apeshit. This occurrence is perhaps the highlight of this issue as nothing is more pleasing than finally seeing Vulcan getting what he deserves–turned into an over boiled hotdog.
Also, the whole way the Vulcan actually became decent for a few moments as he protected his Kingdom from Blackbolt’s extreme plans was a brilliant ploy by Abnett and Lanning. It really showed the blurred lines that paint the field of war as no one has clean hands in this issue.
However, the best part of this issue is that Gladiator is finally raised to the status he deserves in a great, great scene. From the ruins of the Sh’ar empire, the Starjammers escape just before a new and worthy leader is crowned Majestor.
Everything in this issue clicks. The dialogue is great during the action scenes and heavy and meaningful as the Inhuman royal family reflect on the war they’ve both won and lost. The script proves to be well-written, as this whole event shows how it was meticulously and expertly plotted.
As I mentioned in the beginning of this review, this issue, despite it being the final installment in this mini, really just was the beginning of this story as the Marvel Cosmos will never be the same. A ton of possibilities and adventure is set up and frankly, Marvel Cosmos is the best part of the Marvel Universe right now. And, it looks to be this way for a long time.
The art is off the hook as Paul Pelletier draws fantastic fight scenes between Blackbolt and Vulcan. Energy waves flow, fists fly, and worlds shatter. Not to mention there are tons of poignant scenes where the realities of war settle into the consciousness’ of the characters.
What’s Not So Good: We have to wait for Realm of Kings to launch. Need. It. Now.
Conclusion: Thanks you Dan Abnett and Andy Landing for making sci-fi comics the way they should be. You guys pulled the best from what Cosmic Marvel had to offer and made it even better. You even made Dark Hawk relevant! Kudos–sign me up for the next event!
Highly Recommended.
Grade: A
-Rob G.
Filed under: Marvel Comics, Reviews Tagged: | Andrew Hennessy, Andy Lanning, Comic Book Reviews, comic books, Dan Abnett, Marvel Reviews, Paul Pelletier, Rick Magyar, War of Kings, War Of Kings #6, War Of Kings #6 - Review, weekly comic book reviews, Wil Quintana
