Siege: The Cabal One-Shot Review

Marvel has been advertising that Seige has been seven years in the making. As Dark Reign is coming to a close and Norman Osborn’s day of reckoning is close at hand, Siege: The Cabal gets these events rolling. Osborn calls a meeting of his Cabal, a tentative assembly of the world’s most powerful villains. The group met at the end of Secret Invasion and set the stage for Osborn’s reign. Much has changed since they last met. Emma Frost and Namor have broken their alliance with Osborn over the recent mutant events. Against Doom’s council, Norman has given Taskmaster, who he placed in charge of his Initiative program, a vacant seat at the table of evil geniuses. Doctor Doom and Osborn faceoff, pledging to destroy each other.

Obviously, a victor is not determined in this issue. That would be a little too thrifty for Marvel. This is an enjoyable round one and serves its purpose as appetizer for the four part mini-series, Siege. Brian Michael Bendis amusingly conveys the Norman and Goblin conversation that begins to rip him apart. I think his goofy corn rowed hair will soon be covered up by the goblin mask. I personally can’t wait. I did felt cheated that Doom and Osborn fought so early in this issue, knowing that its too soon for the confrontation. It was a cheap ploy.

Artists Michael Lark and Stefano Gaudiano team up for some beautiful pages. Their emotion laden, brooding approach to the characters works extremely well in the midst of the issue’s conflicts. The portrayal of Osborn’s descent into Goblin madness is spot on.

Many one-shots are throw aways that hook comic readers into forking over a few more bucks. This issue is worth the money. It effectively sets the stage for the upcoming mini-series and clearly establishes direction. It this is any indication of Siege, I like.

3.5 out of 5

Jason Aaron, the acclaimed writer of Scalped, is taking on Wolverine in this new monthly series.  This book is off to a great start.

Often Wolverine is presented one dimensionally, but Aaron weaves together a multi-layered, interesting Logan.  Wolverine is a lethal killing machine; Aaron conveys this with authority.  Logan has a rich, compelling history that is handled tightly by a good author.  Wolverine is a tortured man who has depth; Aaron shows us this side of Logan without it turning into a soap opera.

We see the return of Maverick, a fellow soldier of the Weapon X project.  Wolverine gets drawn back into the darkness of his past and the powers behind his transformation into an indestructible weapon.  It’s not a recycled journey of self-discovery for Logan, but a good story that pulls Wolverine and the reader along.

Ron Garney’s art, which he both pencils and inks, is as tight as the story.  His panel progression moves the action along well. He’s gifted at balancing light and shadow to create a dark tone for the title.

This issue is really just a tease of things to come.  All I can say is “I want more.”  That’s always a good thing for a first issue.

4 out of 5