Written by Dan Slott & Christos N. Gage
Art by Harvey Tolibao; Jay David Ramos; & Chris Elipoulos
Cover Art by Mark Brooks & Christina Strain
SUMMARY:
Published for November 2008 by Marvel Comics, this Secret Invasion cross-over is entitled “Home Field Advantage.” No longer bothering with pretense, the Skrulls (under Queen Veranke/Spider-Woman and her Henry Pym impostor’s command) have effectively taken Camp Hammond. Heavily outmatched, the camp’s makeshift ‘Shadow Initiative’ (including Bengal & Constrictor) valiantly makes a counter-strike. Yet, they may be sabotaged by a possible Skrull infiltrator among them. Eric O’Grady/Ant-Man’s covert surveillance getting in close to the enemy may be his squad’s only hope now.
Elsewhere, 3-D Man’s American Southwest troops receive a much-needed morale boost from Jocasta working in tandem with an ex-Defender. At Nick Fury’s safehouse, a Skrull impostor reaffirms his decision re: which side he is on.
REVIEW:
The summary-to-date up front should prove a helpful tool for casual readers. Despite juggling a relatively huge cast, co-writers Dan Slott & Christos N. Gage pen a solid segment featuring Marvel’s D-List in a story meant to keep loyal fans tuned in.
Re: the dialogue, the sole qualm is pushing Ant-Man’s libido-driven commentary in multiple scenes. Playing his lewd comments for laughs, Slott & Gage’s reliance on such raunchy humor is surprising. It’s an unnecessary creative element that parents wouldn’t realize is lurking in a supposedly kid-friendly comic. Further, Ant-Man’s rude fantasizing re: Angelina Jolie (and later Veranke’s Spider-Woman) could easily be deemed as offensive, especially to women.
As far as visuals, the art squad delivers on all fronts (including the cover image), but a close-up of a Skrull’s brains being blown away could easily have been restrained. Overall, Avengers: The Initiative # 17 keeps the ball rolling for Secret Invasion buffs, even without any front-line Avengers present. If not for its tawdry humor, this issue might have even been a minor gem featuring peripheral players in the Secret Invasion crossover saga.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
The first page is a storyline-to-date summary and a primary cast listing.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6 Stars
