Erwin Rafael
Mar 15, 2002, 02:42 am
<a href="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/covers/avengv3-51.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/covers/avengv3-51.jpg" align=left alt="Avengers #51"></a> Reviewer: Erwin Rafael, 3rdsummers@edsamail.com.ph
Quick Rating: Excellent!
Story Title: Prisoners (A Love Story)
The Scarlet Witch and Wonder Man ponder their future together while inside Kang's concentration camp as the Kang epic continues.
Written by: Kurt Busiek
Cover by: Kieron Dwyer and Studio 13
Pencils by: Brent Anderson
Inked by: Tom Palmer
Lettered by: Richard Starkings and Comicraft's Albert Deschesne
Colored by: Tom Smith
Assistant Editor: Marc Sumerak & Jeff Youngquist
Editor: Tom Brevoort
Editor-in-Chief: Joe Quesada
President: Bill Jemas
Twice already, Kurt Busiek devoted an entire issue to a romantic interlude to the Kang storyline. The first instance (issue # 47) dealt with the Warbird - Scarlet Centurion relationship, a tale which I was not really fond of because it felt very much like a convenient set-up and a continuity clean-up. This time around, Busiek revisits a romantic relationship which blossomed under his run, that of Wonder Man and the Scarlet Witch. Unlike the Warbird - Centurion tale, which was more concerned with planting "seeds" that will affect the future of the Kang war, "Prisoners" is a touching tale of love in a time of war, as well as a nice look at life inside a concentration camp.
The issue in a flash: After Kang's brutal attack against America in issue #49, most of Earth's nations along with its superheroes have surrendered or have been captured. Wonder Man was one of the most recent detainees, and by a twist of fate, he has been assigned to a concentration camp where his love, the Scarlet Witch, has also been imprisoned. Inside the camp, the two witnessed firsthand the harshness of life as a POW. They also had a heart-to-heart talk about the future of their relationship, the results of which would surely please the Wanda - Vision fans out there. The issue ended with Wonder Man's escape, in the hope of making contact with Earth's remaining resistance against Kang.
Amicable break-ups are a rarity in fiction-writing. Such break-ups lack that dramatic "oomph", or that sensationalistic element, which writers tend to favor so as to catch the readers' attention. However, that does not mean that good writers can not make such scenes work, and Busiek proved it this issue with a nice chronicle of the seeming end to Wanda and Simon's romance. The trick, I think, was that Busiek did not focus on the break-up itself nor treated it as an event, thus eliminating the need for in-your-face dramatics. Instead, Busiek focused on developing and defining the nature of the relationship and friendship of Wanda and Simon. With this approach, Busiek relied on the reader's ability to "relate with" the couple's experience to bring out the emotions of the story.
Aside from the break-up, a significant amount of page space was devoted to a look on the harsh life inside Kang's concentration camp. The bleak situation inside the prison was highlighted even more by the feeling of helplessness felt by the two lead characters, who were both strong superheroes in their own right. One of the most effective scenes in the issue was the prisoner execution scene. The scene was told without narration or dialogue on Wanda and Simon's part. Instead, the gravity of the situation could be seen clearly through their facial and body expressions. Tom Smith's muted colors also helped a lot in creating the atmosphere.
Another reason why this story was successful was the beautiful narration. This is the first time Busiek used the first-person storytelling approach in the Avengers, as this story was told from the point-of-view of Wonder Man. I've always thought that Busiek worked better under this writing style because it higlighted more the strength of his writing, which was characterization. His usual third-person narration was not bad, but it tended to be a bit melodramatic and felt a bit detached. His use of the third person also exposed his script to redundancies with the art. The first-person approach he used in "Prisoners" erased a lot of the weaknesses of his third-person approach. The more personal and grounded atmosphere created by the narration also fit the subdued and character-focused story perfectly.
You know what this story reminds me of? Astro City. Busiek has proven in that series (as well as in his breakthrough creation, Marvels) that he has a knack for telling personal "man on the street" stories. His heart really sang in those pieces of work. "Prisoners" reads like a fusion of that particular style and the classic superhero writing he uses for the Avengers, and what we have as a result is an Avengers tale with more heart than usual.
This issue was wonderfully illustrated by guest penciler Brent Anderson, Busiek's collaborator in Astro City. Much like his work in that book, Anderson showed that he's equally adept at illustrating the grounded scenes as well as the fantastic ones. He particularly excelled in the quiet break-up scene where he was able to convey the emotions perfectly. On the other hand, his work on Wonder Man's attempt to escape from prison was grandiose and impressive. I actually liked how he captured Wonder Man's power and heroism. Brent Anderson, like Tom Grummet and Ron Frenz, is one of the greats in the biz who just hasn't been accorded the "star" status that he long deserved.
Although Kieron Dwyer did not do the interior pages this issue, his presence could still be felt in that gorgeous cover. With the exception of issue #48, Dwyer has redefined the cover aesthetic for the Avengers since his Casablanca-inspired cover work for issue #47. The covers have some sort of alternative flavor, with some "pop art" inspired themes. I'm definitely looking forward to more of his covers in future issues.
Aside from the well-written and well-illustrated story, this issue also featured a touching tribute to longtime Avengers artist, John Buscema. John Buscema was the definitive Avengers artist. If you thumb through his work on this title and compare it to subsequent artists up to the present, you'd see that Buscema definitely defined the look of this book. Even much more than the title's original artist, comic book legend Jack Kirby. The two page tribute featured kind words and praises from several creators in the industry, even outside the Marvel community. One of the most recognizable Buscema Avengers illustrations was used to reflect the spirit of this tribute, and I think you'd definitely agree with me that the chosen illustration was a perfect example of the power of John Buscema' pencils.
Some would say that this issue is another unnecessary interruption to the long-running Kang story. Well, in my opinion, if "interruptions" are written and illustrated as beautifully as this issue, then I really wouldn't mind. Good writing, gorgeous art and a touching tribute to one of the legends in the comic book industry. What else would you be looking for?
Rating:
Art:
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Story:
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Overall:
http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xhalf.jpg
Buy this issue online now from X-World Comics (http://www.x-worldcomics.com/x/bstore/newbooksmain.html) and save!
Quick Rating: Excellent!
Story Title: Prisoners (A Love Story)
The Scarlet Witch and Wonder Man ponder their future together while inside Kang's concentration camp as the Kang epic continues.
Written by: Kurt Busiek
Cover by: Kieron Dwyer and Studio 13
Pencils by: Brent Anderson
Inked by: Tom Palmer
Lettered by: Richard Starkings and Comicraft's Albert Deschesne
Colored by: Tom Smith
Assistant Editor: Marc Sumerak & Jeff Youngquist
Editor: Tom Brevoort
Editor-in-Chief: Joe Quesada
President: Bill Jemas
Twice already, Kurt Busiek devoted an entire issue to a romantic interlude to the Kang storyline. The first instance (issue # 47) dealt with the Warbird - Scarlet Centurion relationship, a tale which I was not really fond of because it felt very much like a convenient set-up and a continuity clean-up. This time around, Busiek revisits a romantic relationship which blossomed under his run, that of Wonder Man and the Scarlet Witch. Unlike the Warbird - Centurion tale, which was more concerned with planting "seeds" that will affect the future of the Kang war, "Prisoners" is a touching tale of love in a time of war, as well as a nice look at life inside a concentration camp.
The issue in a flash: After Kang's brutal attack against America in issue #49, most of Earth's nations along with its superheroes have surrendered or have been captured. Wonder Man was one of the most recent detainees, and by a twist of fate, he has been assigned to a concentration camp where his love, the Scarlet Witch, has also been imprisoned. Inside the camp, the two witnessed firsthand the harshness of life as a POW. They also had a heart-to-heart talk about the future of their relationship, the results of which would surely please the Wanda - Vision fans out there. The issue ended with Wonder Man's escape, in the hope of making contact with Earth's remaining resistance against Kang.
Amicable break-ups are a rarity in fiction-writing. Such break-ups lack that dramatic "oomph", or that sensationalistic element, which writers tend to favor so as to catch the readers' attention. However, that does not mean that good writers can not make such scenes work, and Busiek proved it this issue with a nice chronicle of the seeming end to Wanda and Simon's romance. The trick, I think, was that Busiek did not focus on the break-up itself nor treated it as an event, thus eliminating the need for in-your-face dramatics. Instead, Busiek focused on developing and defining the nature of the relationship and friendship of Wanda and Simon. With this approach, Busiek relied on the reader's ability to "relate with" the couple's experience to bring out the emotions of the story.
Aside from the break-up, a significant amount of page space was devoted to a look on the harsh life inside Kang's concentration camp. The bleak situation inside the prison was highlighted even more by the feeling of helplessness felt by the two lead characters, who were both strong superheroes in their own right. One of the most effective scenes in the issue was the prisoner execution scene. The scene was told without narration or dialogue on Wanda and Simon's part. Instead, the gravity of the situation could be seen clearly through their facial and body expressions. Tom Smith's muted colors also helped a lot in creating the atmosphere.
Another reason why this story was successful was the beautiful narration. This is the first time Busiek used the first-person storytelling approach in the Avengers, as this story was told from the point-of-view of Wonder Man. I've always thought that Busiek worked better under this writing style because it higlighted more the strength of his writing, which was characterization. His usual third-person narration was not bad, but it tended to be a bit melodramatic and felt a bit detached. His use of the third person also exposed his script to redundancies with the art. The first-person approach he used in "Prisoners" erased a lot of the weaknesses of his third-person approach. The more personal and grounded atmosphere created by the narration also fit the subdued and character-focused story perfectly.
You know what this story reminds me of? Astro City. Busiek has proven in that series (as well as in his breakthrough creation, Marvels) that he has a knack for telling personal "man on the street" stories. His heart really sang in those pieces of work. "Prisoners" reads like a fusion of that particular style and the classic superhero writing he uses for the Avengers, and what we have as a result is an Avengers tale with more heart than usual.
This issue was wonderfully illustrated by guest penciler Brent Anderson, Busiek's collaborator in Astro City. Much like his work in that book, Anderson showed that he's equally adept at illustrating the grounded scenes as well as the fantastic ones. He particularly excelled in the quiet break-up scene where he was able to convey the emotions perfectly. On the other hand, his work on Wonder Man's attempt to escape from prison was grandiose and impressive. I actually liked how he captured Wonder Man's power and heroism. Brent Anderson, like Tom Grummet and Ron Frenz, is one of the greats in the biz who just hasn't been accorded the "star" status that he long deserved.
Although Kieron Dwyer did not do the interior pages this issue, his presence could still be felt in that gorgeous cover. With the exception of issue #48, Dwyer has redefined the cover aesthetic for the Avengers since his Casablanca-inspired cover work for issue #47. The covers have some sort of alternative flavor, with some "pop art" inspired themes. I'm definitely looking forward to more of his covers in future issues.
Aside from the well-written and well-illustrated story, this issue also featured a touching tribute to longtime Avengers artist, John Buscema. John Buscema was the definitive Avengers artist. If you thumb through his work on this title and compare it to subsequent artists up to the present, you'd see that Buscema definitely defined the look of this book. Even much more than the title's original artist, comic book legend Jack Kirby. The two page tribute featured kind words and praises from several creators in the industry, even outside the Marvel community. One of the most recognizable Buscema Avengers illustrations was used to reflect the spirit of this tribute, and I think you'd definitely agree with me that the chosen illustration was a perfect example of the power of John Buscema' pencils.
Some would say that this issue is another unnecessary interruption to the long-running Kang story. Well, in my opinion, if "interruptions" are written and illustrated as beautifully as this issue, then I really wouldn't mind. Good writing, gorgeous art and a touching tribute to one of the legends in the comic book industry. What else would you be looking for?
Rating:
Art:
http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xhalf.jpg
Story:
http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xhalf.jpg
Overall:
http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xhalf.jpg
Buy this issue online now from X-World Comics (http://www.x-worldcomics.com/x/bstore/newbooksmain.html) and save!