With the “Kick-Ass” movie buzz, one may have overlooked this week’s release of issue #7. Unfortunately, the release schedule has been sporadic, but nevertheless Kick-Ass is here.
Mark Millar’s expose into every comic nerd’s daydream to squeeze into tights and start kicking ass gets a bloody dose of reality. The author left our gang of comic book hero wannabes in the hands of angry mobsters, who are all too real. Red Mist betrays Big Daddy, Hit-Girl, and Kick-Ass; torture and death ensue. No need to reveal who dies and how – it’s brutal, messy, sadistic, cringe-worthy, and blood soaked.
John Romita Jr.’s art takes center stage this issue, simply because a plot is non-existent. By allowing these pages to be dominated by uber-violence, the talented writing skills of Millar are not evident. I found the level of violence disturbing in this issue for one reason – these characters are kids! This issue could have used a little more plot. Romita does a fine job of capturing the details of the tortures and executions (if that’s a good thing). The art is bloody, but very well done.
Mark Millar sets the stage to conclude this inaugural story arc (or series?) with the next issue. How much more can the characters take and keep going? We are pushing the limit here, but Kick-Ass is a fun comic fan fantasy, as long as you can stomach the violence. As Kick-Ass plans his revenge for next issue, I’m looking forward to it. I just hope it comes out on time.
4 out of 5
“The World’s Greatest Comic Magazine?”
I reviewed last issue and I had nothing but praise for what I thought was a great issue. It was but I also thought that it would carry over to the next one. I couldn’t be more wrong! All I can say is WHAT HAPPEN?
To say that I was disappointed with this issue is the biggest understatement of the year!
This title had such a good set-up with last issue but it totally fell flat this issue. I was wondering how they could wrap-up all the good things coming from the last issue and I found out how: Deflate your bad-ass villain, have Reed come-up with a solution to everything at the last minute and return Dr. Doom to the mix like nothing happen to him last issue. It became one of the most ridicules tales I’ve ever read. Mark Millar is a great writer but, I’m sorry to say, it didn’t show here. Maybe thats why Bryan Hitch skipped this issue!
Hopefully the new creative team will get this book back where it should be at Marvel: #1
1.5 out of 5
Hank Pym’s newfound Avengers are stuck in the PymPocket; sounds kinky doesn’t it? The Pympocket is a lab that exists outside of both time and space. Barely escaping a HAMMER attack, the doorways to return home are quickly disappearing. Only Mr. Fantastic, Reed Richards, has the technology that can help them. Hank calls up his old buddy, but plans and people change. Meanwhile, U.S. Agent and Quicksilver are off to China on a mission involving the Inhumans, which could have far reaching ramifications.
Okay, I’m not a fan of the mega-science stories; time travel, multi-dimensions, and alternate realities are not my thing. That being said, I still really like this issue. I have writer Dan Slott to thank for that. Slott can write good banter and advance the story as well. Hank Pym declaring to Reed Richards “It’s on, bitch” was a great moment in Avengers’ history. This is a far from cohesive team and Slott is able to capture the tension with wit and style. With Loki pulling the strings and Hank still not entirely stable, it’s going to be bumpy time for this fledgling team.
Stephen Segovia’s art should get this book noticed. Even panels without action appear vibrant because of his talent. There is a power and fluidity to each image that brings life into these pages.
This issue leaves us waiting for the action that will occur next issue. This team is fun and Slott seems to have a lot in store for them.
3.5 out of 5
After a long wait, issue six of Kick-Ass comes out swinging! Author Mark Millar provides the sadistic and darkly humorous origin of Big Daddy and his adolescent daughter Hit Girl.
I must admit I was disappointed with the addition of would-be heroes to the Kick-Ass universe. I felt it detracted from Kick-Ass’ uniqueness and was in danger of turning a great character concept into a cliché within its own title. The last two issues weren’t bad, they just took a direction I felt weakened a great idea.
This issue I resolved to buckle in for the ride and trust Millar’s demented mind. I am glad I did. The origin tale of Big Daddy and his deadly offspring Hit Girl is a blast. How does a former cop who lives to avenge his wife turn his innocent daughter into a ruthless killing machine? Read the first few pages of this book; you’ll cringe and laugh you ass off. It’s a stylish blend of the macabre and the comical. After the origin story, Millar brings us back to the present as Big Daddy enlists Kick-Ass and his two-bit partner Red Mist to team up. The last pages drop two big cliffhangers, making it tough to wait for number seven.
John Romita Jr. is drawing a striking book. His forte is laying out the panels and progressing the action. His simple style serves to make the uber-violence and action pop off the pages. Dean White colors are becoming a noticeable plus for an already strong book.
Kick-Ass is wickedly sick and devilishly funny. If lots of blood and a brutal pummeling here and there won’t offend you, pick it up.
4.5 out of 5
