The War of Kings miniseries ends as Black Bolt and Vulcan duke it out.  Officially concluding (although many questions still needed to be answered) with this issue, a one-shot, Who Will Rule, is coming out in September to tie up the lose ends.

The writing team of Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning has delivered the sleep hit of the summer.  This miniseries was well plotted, smart, fun, and enjoyable.  The writers have has a grasp on the story from the opening pages and have delivered a powerful event that will have ramifications for the Marvel Universe in the future.  I was amazed at how Abnett and Lanning could balance so many factions (Nova, the Starjammers, the Inhumans, Kree, Shi’ar, the Guardians of the Galaxy, and a large cast within these groups), give each their time in the spotlight, and never lose control of the circus.  I did find the climatic battle between Vulcan and Black Bolt lackluster, but the conclusion of the melee made up for it.  The dramatic tension between those involved in the war was realistic and tight, creating a sense of dread as lives hung in the balance.

Penciler Paul Pelletier along with inkers Rick Magyar and Andrew Hennessy combine for an outstanding artist team.  The cosmic combat was effectively portrayed as the action screamed off the pages.  Capturing subtle emotional moments and earth shattering battles with equal skill is not an easy task, yet the team accomplished both.  They rocked this.

Although the mini has ended, the story is far from concluded.  I will reserve my final judgment after reading the one-shot in September.  I hope all the questions get answered.  For now, I like.

4 out of 5