Velvet #1 Review

Writer: Ed Brubaker
Artist: Steve Epting

This has been a series that I've been looking forward to for a while now, as although I've not been able to follow all of Ed Brubaker's creator owned series, what I have read, as well as his time on Captain America has placed him amongst my most favourite current writers, and having Steve Epting on artwork just makes things even better.

Plot

When an X-Op named Jefferson Keller is killed it opens up a wide internal investigation that changes Velvet Templeton's life in a big way.

Review

This was a phenomenal issue, and one of the best opening issues that I've read in a while. Ed Brubaker did a brilliant job of introducing the characters and the setting, and I loved that Brubaker decided to set this in the 70's. The best thing about Brubaker's writing in this issue however has to be the amazing narrative from both Jefferson at the start of the issue, and Velvet throughout the rest, feeling very natural and dramatic, also adding a lot of tone to the story. Brubaker also did a fabulous job of making this a very unique style of spy comic, as I was very happy that it wasn't exactly as I thought it would be, as it would be much more dynamic and spontaneous due to that.

The artwork on this issue was also outstanding, and this has to be some of the best work that I've seen from Steve Epting since he worked with Brubaker in Captain America. The detail in Eptin's art was simply outstanding, as although there were some very minor imperfections they are hard to notice, with the high level of detail throughout the rest of the issue more than making up for it. The layouts of Epting were also very dynamic adding a lot of suspense and drama to the story, and with the gritty tone it would have a brilliant atmosphere to it. On top of that the colours from Elizabeth Breitweiser were also amazing, adding a lot of mood to the story, helping to give the exact type of tone that this series needs.

This issue would start with the world's best secret agent, Jefferson Keller getting killed. I really enjoyed how the series would start from Jefferson's point of view, as it would give a unique style of tone for the series. I also loved that due to this it managed to open the series in an iconic spy style, whilst transitioning into the unique style that Brubaker is using for the rest of the issue. The killing itself was also brilliant, as it would have the perfect tone to start this series, being very dramatic and suspenseful, with Epting's art also being a bit graphical, but in a good way.

The main character in this series is Velvet Templeton the Personal Assistant to the Director of the Agency. I was very happy that Velvet wasn't your typical heroin, having a rather mundane job, being the type of person that no one would give a second thought about. The level of depth that would come out through the development of this issue would also make her even more interesting, with there being more to her than meets the eye. I also liked the fact that although Velvet appears to be a good person, it was very clear that she wasn't perfect and that she from a saint, as it makes her more human and believable.

Due to the death of Jefferson Director Manning would call for a full internal investigation, being convinced that there has to be a traitor amongst the Agency. Now although Jefferson's death would instigate this development point, it would be this development that made the issue interesting, showing mistrust within the Agency, also adding a lot of mystery to the issue as well. I also enjoyed how Velvet would treat this situation, with one development point in particular adding even more mystery to the issue. On top of that this development would be a brilliant opportunity to introduce the series supporting characters, with the difference in their personalities adding more diversity to the series.

Final Verdict

This was a truly amazing issue, and I couldn't think of a better start for the series. Brubaker give a unique twist to the spy genre that helps make this issue even more dramatic and suspenseful, and the tone and atmosphere of the story was just perfect, with the mystery making it even better. It also introduced and gave a lot of depth to the characters involved, with a very intense story development and I could easily see this becoming my favourite series out the now. Due to all this I'd highly recommend this issue and I for one can't wait for the next issue.

Rating: 10/10

Captain America: Red Menace Review

Writer: Ed Brubaker
Artists: Mike Perkins, Steve Epting, Javier Pulido & Marcos Martin

I've recently decided to go through as many of my graphic novels as I can, re-reading, and reviewing them. I'm planing on reviewing all the Marvel crossover events that I have whether in comic form, or graphic novel (reviewing in graphic novel form for all), and I'm wanting to review the other Marvel graphic novels, and series that fall in between them, and this is now my second review on Captain America.

Plot

Crossbones is trying to get the Red Skull's daughter Sin to remember who she is. Also Captain America, and Sharon Carter travel to Iowa following an explosion that they think may have been caused by Bucky Barnes. However when they get to Iowa they find nothing is exactly as it seems.

Review

This was another brilliant story, and although not quite as good as the Winter Soldier it was still amazing. This was the first time I've read this story, as when I started collecting Ed Brubaker's run this collected version of Red Menace came out, so I thought I'd wait for that, and cause of that I landed up forgetting about it. Anyway, I really enjoyed this story, and Brubaker once again did an amazing job, and although his Captain America run was brilliant the whole way through, he really seemed to excel at the start. I really liked how Brubaker was able to make this two stories, whilst also making it a continuous story overall, which means that people can get the individual volumes of this story without having to get both (even though I'd recommend them both). The story itself is however much better together, as you get a much smoother flowing story, which is much deeper. I also loved how Brubaker was able to bridge both stories together, making the transition from Cap in Iowa to London very smooth. Brubaker also did a good job of developing all the characters involved, as although most of them have existed for years he's managed to freshen them up, giving them new goals, motives, and in Cap's case trials. The way that Brubaker's kept a bit of mystery in the series has also been nice, and enjoyable.

The art was also brilliant, and both Mike Perkins, and Steve Epting did an amazing job. What I like most about the artwork in this book is that both Perkins, and Epting have a similar style of artwork, which really helps with the tone of the story. Both artists' art is very well detailed, with everything from the character's to the scenery looking perfect. The character's emotions were also shown brilliantly, and although Perkins did the better job of this, Epting did a much better job showing emotion than he did in the last story, as although there's the odd part were it looks stiff, and emotionless, there's more smiles, and anger shown at the appropriate time, as the last story everyone felt awful serious. Both artists did an amazing job of drawing the action sequences, as they were both very entertaining, and dramatic. I would however have to give the edge to Epting with this one though, as he just draws some phenomenal action sequences, as although Perkins was still brilliant, Epting's was much more dynamic, and although he sometimes finds it hard to show emotion through facial features, Epting has no problem showing character's physical emotions whilst fighting. Javier Pulido, and Marcos Martin did the artwork for the Captain America: 65th Anniversary Special which came between the two individual stories, and although this was a very different style of art, which changed the tone of the book, it really suited the anniversary story, even if in general it's not a style I'm fond of, as it was both very detailed, and fun, whilst also feeling a bit retro.

This book started with an entire issue dedicated to Crossbones trying to get Sin to remember who she is, going through he history, and how she used to be fearless. This was a very emotional, and dramatic issue, as you could see the innocents in this girl, but at the same time whilst Crossbones tells her of her past you can see that she used to be evil, just like her father. The determination in Crossbones was however what really made this brilliant in my opinion, as he so desperately wanted the Sin he knew back, and the fact that he thought she was the last remaining connection to the Red Skull's bloodline made it even more important to him. The history of Sin was also very interesting, and not only the fact that she was evil, as there was so much more to her previous life that was interesting.

We get to see more development from Cap, and Sharon's relationship in this story, as after finding out that there's a good chance Bucky's alive the pair kiss. This wasn't the most interesting thing however in my opinion, the conversation that followed would be, as you have them discussing how it's never worked out for them in the in the past. Despite this you can still see that they both genuinely care for one another, and the rest of the story did a brilliant job of developing, and teasing whether or not they'd actually get back together as a couple properly, and I felt this continuous build-up was brilliant, and that it makes the relationship feel much more realistic, as if they decided full out that they'd get back together it'd feel too soon, and a bit forced, whereas Brubaker's handled it perfectly.

Winter Soldier ended with it being revealed that Red Skull was inside Aleksander Lukin brain. It was a brilliant way to end the Winter Soldier story, as it wasn't just suspenseful, and dramatic, it also left with a brilliant mystery to be explored. The fact that these two similar, but very different characters are sharing the same brain is interesting enough in theory, but what Brubaker did with it in this story was amazing. I loved seeing these conflicting thoughts battling each other, and you could see already that there will be a struggle over who will gain total control over Lukin. I did however also find it interesting that Lukin used the Red Skull to his advantage, and although they didn't agree on much, it was obvious that they both saw advantages in this, even if Lukin would prefer to be rid of the Red Skull completely.

Cap and Sharon weren't the only ones to be seen in a relationship in this story, as we also got to see the start of Crossbones, and Sin's relationship. now that Sin's back to her evil self the pair become quite the couple, and plan on finding, and taking down the man responsible for the Red Skull's death. Now I won't go into too many details, but they find out that Lukin is responsible, and that in my opinion made the rest of the story very interesting. The fact that Lukin and Red Skull are bonded in the same brain also makes this very interesting, as with Crossbones, and Sin going after Lukin, they're technically going after Red Skull, and this fact alone would mean that it's inevitably going to be interesting.

The book was split by the 65th Anniversary issue. Although this wasn't really needed, it was a nice way of celebrating 65 years of Cap. Besides that, it was also a brilliant story in itself, and was a nice throwback to class wartime Cap. What I liked most about the story however was that in a small way it tied into the first part of the main story, as it shows the woman that Bucky had feelings for, and them working alongside Cap, and the Howling Commandos. Besides that it was also fun, and would also give a taste of something that would appear in the second half of the story, and although I won't spoil what it is, when it was shown in the second half of the main story I felt that this story was much more appropriate, and that it needed to be in this book.

Captain America in Britain. The second half of this book sees Cap, and Sharon travel to Britain as they believe Bucky's targeting Lukin who's over there. Cap in Britain was brilliant, and Brubaker managed to make everything exciting, and overall perfect. Besides the reason Cap was in Britain, the main thing that I liked about this part of the story was the appearances from Union Jack, and Spitfire. Now although I'm not the biggest Union Jack or Spitfire fan I was happy to see them especially considering the setting. The interaction between Cap, and both Union Jack and Spitfire was brilliant also, and I loved that you could tell that these were old friends reacquainting with one another. I also loved how the interaction between these characters also questioned both the relationship between Cap, and Sharon, as well as the relationship between Union Jack, and Spitfire, and overall there appearance was amazing. The fight sequences that saw these characters working together was also very entertaining, and seeing them working together was brilliant.

It was also nice to see Buck back in this story, but at the same time I wasn't too sure if I was happy about him being in this story. Overall I probably was happy that he was in the story, and in a way the fact he didn't appear too frequently was a good thing, but there was also a part of me that wanted to see more of him. This is probably due to loving the other stories Brubaker had that revolved around Bucky, but when I think through it it's probably the right thing, as it showed the emotions that he's feeling at the present, as well as not over using it. I also liked how we got to see interaction between Bucky, and Cap, and although at times it felt a bit awkward, that was a good thing, as Bucky will feel ashamed around Cap, whilst also wanting to open up, and the conflict in these makes for an awkward overtone, which totally suits Bucky's current mindset.

Final Verdict

Although not as good as Winter Soldier, this was still an amazing story, and Brubaker continues to explore the world of Cap expertly, knowing what to develop, and how fast it needs developing. There was also plenty of action in this story, as well as ton's of different emotions, which made the story very dramatic, and exciting. There were also some nice cameo appearances from the likes of Union Jack, and Spitfire, which was brilliant, especially considering the setting. I'd highly recommend it as although not as good as Winter Soldier this was still an outstanding story, and although Brubaker's run on Cap was generally brilliant, the earlier part of it was phenomenal, and in a different class.

Rating: 5/5

The next Captain America book I'll be reviewing will be Civil War: Captain America.

Before that however I'll be reviewing Civil War itself.

Captain America: Winter Soldier Review

Writer: Ed Brubaker
Artists: Steve Epting, Michael Lark, Mike Perkins & John Paul Leon

I've recently decided to go through as many of my graphic novels as I can, re-reading, and reviewing them. I'm planing on reviewing all the Marvel crossover events that I have whether in comic form, or graphic novel (reviewing in graphic novel form for all), and I'm wanting to review the other Marvel graphic novels, and series that fall in between them so now I've arrived at my first Captain America, for one of my favourite Captain America stories ever.

Plot

Whilst looking into the death of the Red Skull, Captain America, and S.H.I.E.L.D. find some disturbing news, and the re-emergence of a person they believed to be dead.

A secondary story, which features as an interlude shows the last days of Nomad's (Jack Monroe) life.

Review

This was an amazing story, and by far one of the best Captain America stories I've ever read. I have to admit before reading Ed Brubaker's Captain America Reborn I was never really a fan of Captain America, and actually saw him as a pompous character, who thought his country could do no wrong, but after reading Reborn, and the rest of Brubaker's run on Cap I've changed my mind, and Cap is now one of my favourite characters, with me even getting the series that precede Brubaker's run. Anyway, Brubaker did an amazing job on this story, and although my personal favourite story from him will still be Reborn (due to it being the first I read as well as being excellent) this is probably the most emotional story that Brubaker wrote, as it dealt with the changing of Cap's emotions brilliantly, as you could easily see the conflict in him. I also liked how even though I knew who the Winter Soldier was, that Brubaker managed to keep suspense, and mystery, and besides that part of the story, there was also plenty of other mysterious factors within. Brubaker also did an amazing job of adding action in the right places, as it gave some excitement, as although the emotion was brilliant, and really dramatic, without action it would've still felt a bit dull. I also loved how Brubaker handled all the characters, whether new or old, as although the Winter Soldier himself was the most interesting part, he also did a brilliant job of writing Sharon Carter, and Nick Fury, with their relationships with Cap being shown perfectly, as well as introducing the new character Aleksander Lukin brilliantly, making him very interesting.

The art in this book was brilliant, and Steve Epting, Michael Lark, and Mike Perkins all did outstanding work. What I think helped having these three artists working on this story was that they all have similar styles, as most of the time when you have different artists working on the same book it's obvious, but unless you're very observant, or know before hand that many people worked on the story, it'd be easy enough to think that one artist did the whole thing. Anyway, Epting did the main art in the current time, with Perkins helping out in the later issues, and Lark drew the flashback sequences. All the artwork was excellent, and brilliantly detailed, with everything looking amazing. The detail in the backgrounds, and scenery was also fantastic, as everything looked very realistic. Epting however wasn't as good as Lark with the facial expressions, as he didn't really show a lot of emotion, but when he did it was good. Besides this I still preferred Epting's art overall, as although Lark's art in the flashback's were also brilliant, I just felt that Epting's was a little smoother, and not quite as rough (even though the rougher style of Lark's suited the flashbacks). The secondary story that was in the middle of this book was drawn by John Paul Leon. I wasn't really that fond of Leon's art as it's a bit too rough, and unrealistic for my liking, and although some people may like it I just felt that it let the book down a bit, and could only be grateful that this wasn't part of the main story. The colouring from Frank D'Armata throughout was also brilliant, as he really knew what type of colours to use when, and the faded style in the flashbacks was amazing.

This story started with the death of the Red Skull. I wasn't too sure whether I wanted to go outright and spoil this, but due to it happening in the first issue, as well as the fact that it's the main starting point for the story, I felt that it'd be wrong not to mention it. When I noticed that the Red Skull was going to be in this story I was expecting him to have a big part, so his sudden death at the end of the first issue was a shock, as although I knew certain things about this story before my first read through, this was not one of them. Anyway, his death was the perfect catalyst for the following events, and the mystery behind it was even more interesting. The thing I liked the most about Skull's death was how Cap reacted to it, as he knowing the Red Skull very well expected this to be some kind of trick, and that he wasn't actually dead, which was interesting, and shows that Cap isn't easily persuaded, even when he sees a dead body. I also liked how Skull's death affected Crossbones, and the way he acted in throughout the background of this story was interesting, and the things that it's going to set-up look even more interesting.

Although Red Skull died a bit prematurely in this story there was however another villain in the form of Aleksander Lukin. What I found interesting about Lukin was that he wasn't your typical villain, and he appeared to have honour, and compassion, which was a nice change to see in a villain. I also found Lukin's background interesting, and although I won't go into any details as to avoid spoilers, it showed how he became the type of character he is, and why he's motivated to do what he's doing. I also found the fact that Lukin appeared to resent Cap, and it's obvious that they have some form of history.

This story also showed the relationship between Cap, and his former girlfriend Sharon Carter. I felt that Brubaker handled this perfectly, and in a way that introduces the pair as a couple, even though they're not together. If the series had started with the two in a relationship it wouldn't give new readers time to understand it, as although there are relationships like the one between Spider-Man and Mary Jane, there are others like this that wouldn't be as obvious unless you were already a huge fan of the characters. Anyway, Brubaker wrote the dialogue between the two perfectly, as it showed that they are no longer together, whilst also showing that they have feelings for each other. I also loved the tone in the way Brubaker wrote the dialogue between the pair, as it gave the right kind of setting, and mood, which made the entire subject more dramatic, and realistic.

The flashbacks that featured in this story were brilliant, and although they gave insight into aspects of the story, it also showed some of Cap's history, which was nice. As I said prior to reading Reborn I wasn't much of a Cap fan, and didn't really know much about him besides the basics, and although I know nearly every important thing that's happened to him in comics, especially since the 90's, when I originally read this I still didn't know much, so seeing the history of this character, as well as the things he'd been through both physically and emotionally was nice, and really added ton's of perspective on the characters thought patterns. There were also parts of his past that were mysterious, as some of it he remembers in a different way that he usually does, and this added another layer to the mystery, as well as showing that there's more to the background of this story.

There was also an interlude that showed the last days of Jack Monroe's life. When I originally read this story I didn't really know who Jack Monroe was, and although I'd heard of his superhero persona Nomad, it also wasn't more than a name, so it was nice to learn a bit about this character in this story, and it gave me the incentive to find out more (which I have since). The story itself was very emotional, and I loved how it showed what type of person Jack was, and that despite the fact that he'd been all over the place mentally, it also showed that deep down he was a good person. I also found the way he saw himself compared to Cap interesting, and that although he knew he was dying that he didn't want to put any burden on Cap.

WARNING: SPOILER AHEAD! (IDENTITY OF WINTER SOLDIER REVEALED)

I decided from the start that I wasn't going to avoid this spoiler, as one everyone probably knows it already (especially if you've read the review title), and it'd be wrong to review this story without discussing this character. The character I'm talking about is obviously the Winter Soldier, who's revealed to be Cap's former sidekick, Bucky Barnes. Now when I started reading Cap with Reborn Bucky was himself Captain America then, but I've always felt that he's been better suited as the Winter Soldier, as not only was he a much more deeper, and overall cooler character than he was as simple Bucky, he was also his own man, not having anything to live up to. I personally felt that Brubaker's best Cap stories came with Bucky, as when the series was relaunched later with Steve Rogers returning as Cap, the Winter Soldier title that Brubaker also wrote at the time was much better. I already knew coming into this story that Buck was the Winter Soldier (as I'd read later stories prior), but the way Brubaker handled the mystery was brilliant, and not only dramatic, but also suspenseful. I also loved how Brubaker handled the emotional side of this, as you had the absent minded Bucky who didn't know who he was, and you also had Cap who wanted to help his former partner, and best friend, and this made for some emotional dialogue, as well as dramatic sequences. I also liked the look of the Winter Soldier, and Epting did a brilliant job designing him, and the concepts that featured as a bonus in this book were brilliant, and I felt he chose the right look in the end.

Final Verdict

This was a brilliant start to what would be the best run from a writer on Captain America that I've ever read. The story itself was also very dramatic, and mysterious, as well has being very emotional. It was also the perfect re-introduction for Bucky Barnes, and is one of the best Captain America stories in recent history, if not overall. I'd highly recommend this, as it's the perfect introduction to Captain America for new readers, and the perfect insight into what to expect from the upcoming Captain America: The Winter Soldier film.

Rating: 5/5

The next Captain America book I'll be reviewing will be Captain America: Red Menace.

New Avengers #1 Review

Writer: Jonathan Hickman
Artist: Steve Epting

Initially I wasn't planing on getting this series due to already getting 2 Avengers series (Uncanny Avengers, and Avengers), and am planing on getting Young Avengers, so I felt that I would have enough Avengers series'. After all the hype for this series I've decided to try this, and cut the Avengers series I least like, or all if they're all poor, as I don't want to be getting more than 2-3 Avengers series (preferably 2). I've never been a huge fan of Jonathan Hickman's work, but the idea of a series featuring the Illuminati interested me, so I will be at least getting the first story arc of this series.

Plot

This issue mainly focuses around Black Panther, and how a disaster that affected Wakanda, and looks to affect the world, leads to him forming a group of Avengers that have previously been known as the Illumiati.

Review

This wasn't a bad issue, but at the same time it was a bit mediocre, and not as good as I'd hoped. Although Hickman does a decent job of starting this catastrophe story, the issue focuses too much on Black Panther, and doesn't feel like a team book, let alone an Avengers/Illuminati book. Hickman is no stranger to writing Black Panther, as he's appeared in the Fantastic Four during Hickman's run, and Hickman wrote him perfectly then and just as brilliant now. I hope that Hickman continues this, and that Black Panther is written a with as much quality as he deserves as his last solo series, Black Panther: The Man Without Fear, started good, but dropped in quality soon after. I also hope that Hickman can make this a good team book, as both his Avengers series' haven't been as good as I expected, but it's still early days.

Although the story wasn't brilliant, the art was, and Steve Epting has done a great job on this first issue. His art is truly fantastic, and beautiful, and I love looking at it. I also liked that during the flashback at the start it had all the Illuminati members in the uniforms they wore at the time they were originally meant to have formed (after the Kree-Skrull War), which was nice and set up Black Panther's involvement in this story perfectly. I always love seeing Epting's art, and loved it in Fantastic Four, FF, and Captain America. Epting also add's ton's of detail to his artwork, and draws backgrounds, as well as characters beautifully. Frank D'Armata also does a fabulous with the colours in this issue, and really sets a brilliant mood/tone. I loved that he used a muddy darker colour in the flashback, and that it looked more grittier than most flashbacks. I also thought he did an excellent job on the rest of the issue, and that the colours were vibrant, and that he chose when to make them lighter, or darker perfectly.

The Formation of the Illuminati

The thing I did like in this issue was that it showed the original meeting between the Illuminati. Although the Illuminati were originally featured in Brian Michael Bendis' original New Avengers series, it was revealed that the group originally formed following the Kree-Skrull War, and that Black Panther was the only person that refused to join the group, not thinking that it was right to make decisions that affect the world behind everyone backs. This made total sense as that's the type of character Black Panther is, and although some of the other members of the Illuminati might agree with him, they don't agree enough to take his warning. I do however find it slightly hypocritical that he's now forming a Illuminati group of his own, and that it involves the remaining members of the original Illuminati. I know that there are certain circumstances, but I was still a bit shocked to see Black Panther change his morales. I am however looking forward to seeing what Black Panther will bring to this group, and whether he can become a team player, especially considering he's leading the group.

Black Panther's Trouble

This issue however mainly focused on Black Panther, and Wakanda, and a new threat that has come, which affects Wakanda and the world. Although I liked seeing Black Panther, and Wakanda again, I felt that this sequence was a bit slow, and took up too much time in the issue. I also think that it wasn't a good move for newer comic book readers, as although it explains the situations that formed this group, it doesn't show much of the actual formation, and doesn't feel like a team book. I do however hope that this is a one of thing to set up the story, and that it's more focused on the Illuminati, than Black Panther in future, although I still want to see him have a big role, just not as big a role as he was in this issue.

WARNING: SMALL SPOILER!

Illuminati Assemble

We do however get to see a set-up to the formation of the Illuminati at the end of the issue, as Black Panther appears to have swallowed his pride, asking the remaining members of the former Illuminati, and Captain America to help him with this situation. Although nothing happens in this issue, it doesn't half tease what's going to happen in the next issue, whilst asking a few questions that you wouldn't prior to reading this issue. The main question I'm looking forward to seeing answered, and hopefully next issue, is what Captain America's role will be in this series, as he wasn't advertised as being in this series. It will probably land up being a supervising role to overlook the formation of this group like in the last New Avengers series, and that he won't be involved to much, but I will be looking forward to the specifics. I'm also looking forward to the interaction between Black Panther, and the remaining members of the former Illuminati, and whether anything volatile will happen. It will also be interesting to see how Beast joins the team, as he wasn't on the previous Illuminati team, but is a genius, like the other members.

Final Verdict

A decent start, but very disappointing. The only positive this comic is that it shows ton's of potential, and I hope it delivers. I wouldn't recommend getting this issue, straight away, but if the series picks-up in quality I'd recommend getting it to fill the gap, cause if the series turns out to be poor it would be a waste of money.

Rating: 3.5/5