by Jonathan Hickman (writer), Stefano Caselli (artist)
The Story: The Warriors decide to stand together against Fury and demand Druid’s reinstatement onto the team, despite the Colonel’s opposition. It doesn’t go as planned. Meanwhile, Fury meets with the Contessa and reveals that he’s aware of her betrayal and the HYDRA heads discover Viper’s corpse, but decide that even in death her service is needed.
What’s Good: The plot is moved along in this issue quite nicely. Hickman’s set himself up in this title with a large, unwieldy cast that a lesser writer might fail at keeping straight. However, the scribe expertly moves the chess pieces around the board in such a way that the reader never loses track of the match. There are basically three plots happening concurrently here: A) the Secret Warriors want Druid back, B) HYDRA discovers and resurrects Viper and C) Fury meets with the Contessa and reveals he knows she’s working for Leviathan. However, never once did I feel as if I were just reading a bunch of chapters of separate stories lumped together in one package. The plots flow effortlessly into each other, such as when Fury’s conversation with the Contessa directly affects the outcome of Daisy’s plea. That scene in particular works well as Hickman has shown you exactly where the two of them are coming from. He makes it harder for you to take a side in the confrontation, which just serves to pull you into the story more.
Stefano Caselli is the perfect artist for this title and he proves that once again this issue. His slightly cartoonish style works great for bringing the younger Secret Warriors to life and capturing their youth. In addition to that, he expertly pulls off the older characters such as Fury and Strucker. Speaking of Fury, Caselli does a great Nick Fury. The character comes across as just the right amount of grizzled and rough and I can almost freaking feel his beard stubble when reading this comic. Great job.
What’s Not Good: I’ve got nothing. Not a perfect comic book, and certainly not new-reader friendly by a stretch, but there really isn’t anything to complain about.
Conclusion: A script filled with forward momentum that’s brought to life by more-than-able artwork. Hickman is delivering a comic that will put you in mind of how you wished all of those G.I. Joe episodes that you watched in your childhood would have played out if they’d just stopped dumbing it down for the kiddies. This book is definitely worth your time.
Grade: B+
-Joe Lopez
Filed under: Marvel Comics Tagged: | Comic Book Reviews, Fury, Hydra, Jinathan Hickman, Nick Fury, Secret Warriors, Secret Warriors #15, Secret Warriors #15 review, Stefano Caselli, Weekly Comic Book Review, weekly comic book reviews
Really the best issue in some time, imo.
I know I’m not supposed to feel this way, but I do find it easier to connect with the book the more the kids are featured.