So. . . Why write the three characters as variations on one character, who alters reality and is insane? Perhaps, since Bendis emphasizes plot over everything else in his “Avengers” issue, he finds “altering reality” very easy to use, since characters can do entertaining, odd things without explanations, especially if they’re insane.

Question: Which came first, deciding to change Wanda’s history to make her insane in “Avengers Disassembled,” or wanting to write someone as being able to alter reality?

SRS

I enjoyed the issue, but my growing complaint with any issue with Sentry in it is Sentry himself. If he can do anything, then where is the tension? What is really at stake? Nor does a character of this power scale really allow for classic plotting (laying down details, gun on the mantlepiece in act one, firing of the gun in act three, etc) because anything can happen. They’ve given him a handicap (his mental instability), but at what level does it really represent an impediment to him? Whenever a writer needs him to pull an unruly plot out of a nose-dive, he either gets it together or someone helps him get it together. Sentry is a walking Deux Ex Machina, and when he pulled this one out of the fire again, it cheapened Hand’s efforts.

It’s getting to the point that I’m putting back comics that have Sentry in them.

DSA

@Prickle: I did recall that while writing that review, but as you say, it’s still a pitiful excuse. Moreover, it wasn’t put forward solidly enough to even BE an excuse. Hand simply says “I don’t have any weapons” while MM strips her. MM never says anything, never addresses his stripping her, nothing. A random, errant line from Hand doesn’t do squat for me.

@ Michael: Well……I figure the logic is that if you can rework molecular structures from the base level in any way you want, you COULD give yourself Superman-level powers. I mean, if you could make absolutely anything out of anything….

Still a little lame though, I agree…given that Bendis’ solution to pump up the Sentry is simply to have him basically gain another character’s powers. A bit random as well.

-Alex

I recently read the initial arch for this and noticed Deodato’s penchant for drawing women on all fours with their backs arched. Almost a tad creepy.