Written by Brandon Choi & Jim Lee and Steve Seagle
Art by Jim Lee; Richard Bennett; Scott Williams; Chris Eliopoulos; Travis Charest; Tom McWeeney; Bill Oakley; Joe Chiodo; Joe Dunn; Ben Fernandez; Jessica Ruffner; Rich Johnson; John Tighe; Monica Bennett; Wendy Fouts; & Paige King
Cover Art by Jim Lee & Scott Williams
SUMMARY:
Published by Image Comics for February 1994, this 32-page comic features two stories: the 23-page “Down Time” and Voodoo’s 9-page “Passed Lives.” In New York City, Zealot & Grifter’s billiards night turn into a barroom skirmish with some boozy thugs. Warblade & Maul meet new lady friends are at a Soho art exhibit. Aboard the posh Caribbean Princess cruise liner approaching Bermuda, an undercover Lord Emp, Voodoo, & Hadrian investigate a previous cruise ship’s disappearance. Before going comatose, Void warns the team after a mysterious vortex swallows their vessel in the Bermuda Triangle. The abducted trio meet their captor.
Set after WildC.A.T.S. Trilogy # 1, “Passed Lives” has exotic dancer Voodoo return to action in a Washington D.C. nightclub where she faces the hideous Coda assassin stalking her. It’s a personal vendetta for both of them.
Note: X-Men newlyweds Phoenix & Cyclops briefly make a cameo in “Down Time.”
REVIEW:
Aside from some gratuitous bikini poses (including the cover image), this issue is a total creative package. Not only is the artwork dynamite for that era, the writing for both stories is well-played. In particular, most of the regular cast gets something meaningful to do, at least in “Down Time.” Voodoo’s solo tale adds some commendable depth to her character, without resorting to sleaze. This issue’s secret gem is a nice in-joke paralleling Voodoo & Hadrian’s developing romance with that of a honeymooning Jean Grey & Scott Summers. All said, Image Comics ensures that WildC.A.T.S.: Covert Action Teams # 8 makes a great read for fans.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
A welcome treat is no ads. The back inside cover is the “Call of the Wild” letters-and-answers column.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars
