Andrew K. (kuligowskiandrewt) -
Heroes for Hire, Volume 1: Civil War
The Marvel Graphic Novel Heroes for Hire, Volume 1: Civil War, by Justin Gray, Jimmy Palmiotti, Billy Tucci and assorted inkers and support staff, is a great example of why I used to enjoy collecting comics and also of why I broke away from the hobby.
This graphic novel fits into Marvel's Civil War story arc from around 7 years ago in which the government required all super-powered entities to register. Some saw it their civic duty to comply, while others believed it to be a violation of their civil rights and declined. These rebels had to go into hiding to avoid the government crackdown, while their former friends and allies were tasked with tracking them down. In general, the legal/constitutional, moral, social, and ethical issues this arc brings to the forefront raises several echoes of both the proudest and worst moments of our history.
In addition, the Marvel hallmark of taking an existing part of the Marvel Universe and giving it a new spin, or looking at it from a different angle, is certainly in play in this book. My personal favorite was a new look at the alien Skrull biology very inventive in my opinion. Then, take a look at actions and reactions when former allies meet. Friendly? Strained? Hostile? (The answer is yes, depending on the individuals.)
On the other hand, there are some aspects that made me wonder what the heck was going on. How DID this unusual group get together? I can see Colleen Wing & Misty Knight, of course they've been in business together for a long time. BUT the Black Cat? Paladin? Shang Chi? Some new incarnation of Tarantula. And, strangest of all Orka, the Atlantean formerly known as The Human Killer Whale - how in the does HE fit in here?
And fight scenes. Superhero comics have featured action and fight scenes since they began back in the late 30s. Which means it's awfully difficult to find a new way to present them we're talking about over 75 years of history here! (Aside: Shang Chi began his career complaining about how adversaries used to talk too much in battle when did HE become such a chatterbox while sparring?)
Overall, a good read well illustrated. A very good example of storytelling. BUT not one that is going to stick with me for months to come, let alone years.
Rating: 3 ½ stars rounded down to 3 where an app won't take ½ stars.
The Marvel Graphic Novel Heroes for Hire, Volume 1: Civil War, by Justin Gray, Jimmy Palmiotti, Billy Tucci and assorted inkers and support staff, is a great example of why I used to enjoy collecting comics and also of why I broke away from the hobby.
This graphic novel fits into Marvel's Civil War story arc from around 7 years ago in which the government required all super-powered entities to register. Some saw it their civic duty to comply, while others believed it to be a violation of their civil rights and declined. These rebels had to go into hiding to avoid the government crackdown, while their former friends and allies were tasked with tracking them down. In general, the legal/constitutional, moral, social, and ethical issues this arc brings to the forefront raises several echoes of both the proudest and worst moments of our history.
In addition, the Marvel hallmark of taking an existing part of the Marvel Universe and giving it a new spin, or looking at it from a different angle, is certainly in play in this book. My personal favorite was a new look at the alien Skrull biology very inventive in my opinion. Then, take a look at actions and reactions when former allies meet. Friendly? Strained? Hostile? (The answer is yes, depending on the individuals.)
On the other hand, there are some aspects that made me wonder what the heck was going on. How DID this unusual group get together? I can see Colleen Wing & Misty Knight, of course they've been in business together for a long time. BUT the Black Cat? Paladin? Shang Chi? Some new incarnation of Tarantula. And, strangest of all Orka, the Atlantean formerly known as The Human Killer Whale - how in the does HE fit in here?
And fight scenes. Superhero comics have featured action and fight scenes since they began back in the late 30s. Which means it's awfully difficult to find a new way to present them we're talking about over 75 years of history here! (Aside: Shang Chi began his career complaining about how adversaries used to talk too much in battle when did HE become such a chatterbox while sparring?)
Overall, a good read well illustrated. A very good example of storytelling. BUT not one that is going to stick with me for months to come, let alone years.
Rating: 3 ½ stars rounded down to 3 where an app won't take ½ stars.
