Written by (See Below)
Art by (See Below)
Cover Art by Mark Brooks
SUMMARY:
Marvel Comics released this preview issue for August 2014; it’s evidently the first of a five-part mini-series.
Deathlok: Terminus. Writer: Nathan Edmondson, with Art by Andy Troy; VC’s Clayton Cowles; & Jake Thomas. In a New York City subway train terminal, SHIELD operative Seth Horne casually approaches cyborg Henry Hayes. It’s soon revealed that the seemingly bewildered Hayes is the new Deathlok, as this ten-page segment teases the upcoming Deathlok # 1.
Young Avengers: Hidden in Plain Sight (Part One of Five). Writer: Ryan North, with Art by Ramon Villalobos; Jordan Gibson; & VC’s Clayton Cowles. In this eight-page segment, Young Avengers Noh-Varr/Marvel Boy, Hulkling, & Prodigy fool SHIELD in their search for a missing Exterminatrix. They soon encounter a notorious villain in the presently-evacuated New York City.
Lockjaw: Buried Memory. Writer: Stuart Moore, with Art by Rick Geary; Ive Svorcina; & VC’s Clayton Cowles. The Inhumans’ teleporting dog, Lockjaw, seeks some high-profile ‘emergency’ help in this two-page, dialogue-free comic strip. It isn’t indicated if Lockjaw has a continuing comedy relief role in this mini-series.
REVIEW:
Ironically, its eye-catching (pardon the expression) cover image doesn’t go far. There’s no mistaking that this opener is a disappointing waste of time to read (let alone purchase). Sporting some fairly good artwork, the Deathlok teaser’s storytelling (including an obligatory helping of cold-blooded brutality) quickly goes flat. Why a supposed SHIELD agent with presumably an iota of intelligence does what expendable fanboy Seth Horne does (in public, no less) makes no sense whatsoever. Relying on familiar ‘Teaser 101’ clichés, this reboot doesn’t come off as remotely fresh.
Yet, this new Deathlok is still better reading than the hip teenage slacker take on Young Avengers. Deeming “Hidden in Plain Sight” stupid with virtually zero appeal past a limited target audience pretty much sums it up. That leaves the mildly amusing Lockjaw strip, which delivers a predictable gag as the kid-friendly punchline, making it worth perusing once. Otherwise, Marvel Comics wastes its production values on this Original Sins # 1; at best, it should have been a Comic Book Day freebie.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
The first page briefly explains the Watcher’s homicide, along with a snarky intro to The Young Avengers.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 3 Stars
