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
“Wolverine’s son at his best!”
I want to say right up front, that when I heard about this title, I had absolutely no interest in it. Wolverine has just about finished (just waiting on the giant-size conclusion) his Old-Man Logan storyline, when I saw the solicitation for the Dark Wolverine change for the title. I have a passing knowledge of Daken but not much of a interest in learning more about him. For that matter, I rarely like the children of heroes. I guess like real life, the children almost never live up to the stature of their more famous parents. Since I have bought and read every issue of the current run, I decided to stay on at least one issue of the new story. Now three issues in, I’m really liking this character.
The story continues with Daken manipulating everyone in sight including Norman Osborn, his fellow Avengers, and even to some extent, the Fantastic Four. I have to say that after three issues, there doesn’t seem to be any limits to how far Daken will go! He could possibly be the must controlling and manipulative force in the Marvel U! And its like no one even realizes that he’s doing it to them or to others! Daken has one of the most developed and unique personalities than I have seen in years of comic reading.
If you not currently reading this because Marvel has released a billion and one Dark Reign books, well then at least get this one! And while your at it, pick-up the first two issues as well. It is well worth it. Or, is Daken just making me think its better than it is?
4 out of 5
Is Clint Barton the only voice of reason? I would say “Yes.” With the mutant enslavement, including Avengers Wolverine, Barton has found the proverbial straw that broke the camel’s back. His plan is to assassinate Norman Osborn. Who’s with him?
Bendis delivers his quipping dialogue between Avengers teammates as Clint asks if his teammates will lend to hand to kill Norman. This is what the Dark Reign has been moving towards since its inception. However, being a one-shot and the first of many “The List” one-shots to come, you get the feeling that Barton will fail.
Artist Marko Djurdjevic masterfully darkens these pages with shadows and tension, adding weight to the plot. He captures the facial emotion at every beat and then softens his delivery for a more stealth-like approach to the action. His panel choices are sharp and fluid.
I thought Norman’s device for shielding himself from Clint’s bullets was a big ol’ bucket of Velveeta, but the confrontation was fun. It’s tough for me to believe that the other Avengers would not want to kill Osborn – he’s evil and things are only going to get worse. Besides those gripes, this was a great read. I hope the cliffhanger ending is intelligently resolved in upcoming Avengers issues.
So far “The List” has earned its place on my pull list.
4 out of 5
Osborn’s team of reformed villains is shaping up to be one of the most captivating Dark Reign reads. The newest cast of Thunderbolts, which began as a makeshift crew thrown together in the wake of Norman Osborn’s rise to power, is gathering steam and moving towards an exciting confrontation.
In this issue, author Andy Diggle reveals the team members’ thoughts about Norman, their place on the team, and their doubts about the future in the Thunderbolts. Trouble is brewing for the Thunderbolts as the team shows signs of splintered allegiances, hidden agendas and betrayals, and certainly no one trusts their boss. Songbird, the former leader of the Thunderbolts, shows her pretty face and is ready to make here move against the team she once led and the boss who fired her (and worse).
Miguel Sepulveda’s art is consistent throughout the issue. He pencils with a strong realism that makes these lesser-known characters more human and less comic bookish.
The chessboard is set for some great moments in the future of this title. Diggle gives us a great reveal on the last page, changing this team forever.
4 out of 5
It was inevitable that the X-Men would be fully drawn into the thundering whirlpool consuming all in the Marvel Universe, namely, Norman Osborn and his Dark Reign. Eventually, Emma Frost would have to be answerable to Osborn. Will she choose the evil Cabal or stay faithful to the X-Men?
Matt Fraction’s “Utopia” is the set up issue for this conflict. When Simon Trask and his mutant hating protesters arrive on the doorstep of the X-Men’s new home in San Francisco, a large-scale riot draws the attention of Osborne. In his new law and order role, Norman and his Dark Avengers confront Scott Summers and the X-Men. Fraction builds the conflict up with a smart progression, giving meaning to the impending battle. His portrayal of Osborn drooling at the chance to take out the X-Men is polished and spot-on. There are some real nice moments between individual characters as the fight is about to begin, i.e. Scott Summers giving it to Toad.
Why are there more than twelve different artists on this title? It boggles my mind this title gets carved up between so many different pencils. The effect is what would be expected, inconstant panels, varying looks, and an overall sloppy presentation. The art’s not horrible, but it’s mercenary rather than one talented artist understanding the characters and conveying them to the readers. This approach works okay for the big fights, but the subtle facial expressions and nuanced tensions via body language are missing. Certain panels are just embarrassing.
The fight between the Dark Avengers and the X-Men is underway. This should be a good run over the next three issues. We are off to a slow, but decent start.
3 out of 5
The search for the new Sorcerer Supreme is over as the Eye of Agamotto is passed from Doc Strange to Doctor Voodoo. Writer Brian Michael Bendis does a good job tying up this story while dropping a few bombshells.
Jericho Drumm, aka Doctor Voodoo, has some big mystical shoes to fill. I appreciated the opening pages devoted new Sorcerer Supreme, giving us a deeper insight into his character. Most of the issue is a battle in the streets of New Orleans – Avengers and cast vs. Dormammu (that one’s not in spell check). Billy Tan’s dynamic art lights up the pages with this supernatural bout. The Avengers ran around and fought a bit, but it was Doc Strange and Voodoo who had the spotlight.
The gems of this issue were hidden in the aftermath of the fight. The Hood, who must have one heck of a PR rep in the Marvel Universe, is un-hooded. This should have major implications in the Marvel Universe. Loki offering Parker, the powerless Hood, a second chance is creepy and intriguing. Clint Barton and Norman Osborn continue their media smear campaign, adding a nice realism to the story. The last page with Clint resolved to finish off Norman is sharp.
Hopefully, the Avengers can reclaim their book now that the new Sorcerer Supreme is crowned. I’m tired of the magic stuff.
3.5 out of 5
In this issue, Author Joe Kelly moves all the pieces into position for the American Son story arc to come charging out of the gates. I actually enjoyed this installment better than last issue. With dad by his side, Harry enters deeper into the world of the Dark Avengers. Norah, Parker’s co-worker from Frontline, takes his rally cry against Norman Osborn to heart and goes undercover in the Avengers Tower. The weakest pages are between JJ Jameson’s dad and Peter Parker. Panels are wasted as JJ senior tells Peter why he deserted the Army. Who cares? We get it! He’s a stand up guy. Enough already. Peter makes a bold move in this issue to infiltrate Norman’s sanctuary. Don’t want to give it away because it was pretty sharp.
After just one issue, this arc sees the talents of a new penciller, Paulo Siqueira. The change was noticeable. At times, faces were disproportionate and oddly angled. However, most of this issue was drawn well with some notability good splash panels.
This one is set-up for the real action, but enjoyable nonetheless. Spider-Man and Norman Osborn were bound to throw down sooner or later. So far, this is a solid arc. If there is a one-shot with Aunt May’s wedding, I am not buying it.
3.5 out 5
Beginning a new arc “American Son,” Spider-Man rolls up his sleeves to take down Norman Osborn. How will this effect Parker’s life and his friendship with Harry?
I have mixed feelings about this book. One the one hand, I’m excited that Spidey is finally addressing an issue that should be forefront in his mind – Norman Osborn, his arch-enemy, rules the world. After a chat with Wolverine, Spidey is resolved that he must take down Osborn with lethal force. There is a great confrontation between Spidey and Norman that moves faster than I expected.
Here’s where I didn’t like this book. Norman and Peter are vying for Harry’s allegiance. Norman Osborn’s trump card is bringing back Menace with a big reveal in her belly. I hate the Menace character and to see her return (and more than likely stay around – in her condition she’s not going anywhere) truly disappointed me. I was so looking forward to this inevitable showdown, but now I’m not so sure.
There were some goofy and annoying moments in this issue. Why is there is panel on the first page showing just Peter’s and Harry’s feet? What man doesn’t like to sit with his buddy barefoot in the park? What the hell?!?!? Why waste a panel on it? Last point of bitching, Wolverine and Spidey make yet another Marvel crack at George W. Bush. Give it a rest!! I am so sick of liberal politics being puked on the pages of my comics. Not everyone is enamored with Obama! Focus a little more on writing a great comic.
In the end, I find myself trying to rate this book. The art was decent, the story was okay, but there are too many points that bugged me. I am hoping next issue is better because the direction is promising.
2.5 out of 5
“Dark Reign” has officially taken over this title. After Carol Danvers, the “real “ Ms. Marvel, appears to die due to overloaded powers, Karla Sofen, the Thunderbolt’s former teammate Moonstone, picks up her mantle (and revealing tights). Not only does Karla assume Ms. Marvel’s identity, but she highjacks this title. Her freshman issue is a good one. She certainly is capable of stopping crime. Unfortunately for the criminals, her style is lethal.
This issue is a nice introspective into this Thunderbolt. Writer Brian Reed skillfully weaves back-story, exposition, and action. I often wondered who Moonstone was and this issue gives answers.
Through bureaucratic strong-arming, Osborn and his New Avengers are forced to undergo psychological evaluations. Karla Sofen, a former shrink herself, is the perfect guinea pig. A nice reveal is included in their session I won’t spoil. It’s a fun read. Rebekah Isaacs’ art is consistent and decent.
This title is taking a fresh direction which is very promising. This issue is a perfect jumping on point for new readers.
3.5 out of 5
It’s hard to keep track of all Dark Reign limited series spinning through the Marvel universe. I wasn’t expecting much from this five-issue series. However, I was very pleasantly surprised as this book came close to my favorite read of the week.
The only thing “Hawkeye” about this book is the title and the costume. It’s all Bullseye and he rightly deserves the spotlight. Bullseye is a sadistically fun villain and when written well can be a blast to read. Andy Diggle proves that he can write Bullseye and has a great story to tell. He’s the perfect man for the job.
Jumping out of the pages of Dark Avengers, Diggle shows us what life is like for Bullseye. Osborn wants to keep his pet assassin on a tight lease. Bullseye just wants kill. You can dress up Bullseye like a superhero, but you just can’t get him to be good. Bullseye is very bad in this issue. He challenges Osborn, hoping his boss returns to his evil ways and stops playing good guy. Diggle adds an appropriate sense of humor to Bullseye without letting this bad ass become goofy.
Artist Tom Raney has a surprisingly bright and crisp style for this book. With Bullseye primarily in the pages of Daredevil’s noir style, it took me a few pages to get. He handles the conversations and action panels very well, providing a good pace for this first issue.
There are some sick and shocking scences in this issue. I just recounted and there were three holy crap moments. These are some good times with Bullseye!
4 out of 5
