Fear Itself 4
Written by Matt Fraction
Penciled by Stuart Immonen
Reviewed by Dan D
As The Serpent gains more power, Earth’s heroes make a strong stand.
THE GOOD
The action. The major complaint among readers has been Fear Itself has lacked action. This issue provides a bit of action (personally, I feel that the previous issue gave us some action but that’s just me…) with Steve, Tony, and Thor taking action in their own ways. Truthfully, I was glued to every page waiting to see what happens next for the first time with Fear, especially during The Serpent and Thor’s dialogue. Thor’s showdown next issue looks to be a real treat.
THE BAD
Bucky’s fate. I am skeptical of his death. Sure he has a huge hole in his chest and he isn’t breathing; but the fact that nobody was really upset besides Natasha’s light tears, and Marvel hasn’t made a big deal of Bucky’s faith, leaves me with a feeling that this “death” is anything but final.
THE UGLY
Nothing. Sorry if you disagree. I am into this event.
A lot of readers and critics are down on Fear Itself because of how great Flashpoint has been. I’ll be the first to say that Flashpoint is better than Fear Itself, but that has more to do with plot rather than presentation and writing. Alternative universes are simply better than continuity. They provide writers with the option to take the craziest route possible (Flashpoint Batman anyone? Holy awesome stuff!); readers love seeing that kind of stuff because its fresh, new, and unexpected. I guess my point is that Fear Itself should not be overlooked because of the success of Flashpoint. Fear is a good read that features Marvel’s best. It may be different than Flashpoint, but its still a great story with some terrific artwork.
Flashpoint 3
Written by Geoff Johns
Penciled by Andy Kubert and Sandra Hope
Reviewed by Dan D
Batman and The Flash ally with Cyborg and discover a powerful secret. Plus, Thomas Wayne has a crappy computer.
THE GOOD
This book shows that the supplementary minis actually affect the main story. Abin Sur, Project Superman, Lois Lane, and many others are found in the pages of this issue. Its nice to know that the stories we’ve been reading actually affect the main storyline of Flashpoint. In addition, the presentation of Superman adds an unfamiliar element to an already unfamiliar world. As far as I can tell, the outcome is truly unpredictable.
THE BAD
Nothing is truly bad about Flashpoint. For the first time ever, I am interested in DC outside of Batman. Needless to say, I am in for the reboot.
THE UGLY
The editing. Nitpicking yes, but there are some blatant grammatical errors. “Multilzlevel”? Unacceptable for something of this magnitude, DC. (Yeah, I caught that too – Colin)
I am loving Flashpoint. Anybody that knows me will be the first to say that the fact that I am actually reading a DC book besides a Batman title is surprising. Because of that, I’ve got to say “good job, DC.” If you are not reading Flashpoint, you are missing out.
Finally enjoying Fear now. I love that the minis actually have relevance with Flashpoint as well. Normally not a mini series guy but they’re so damn enjoyable.
I was really impressed with Fear Itself this week. I think it finally took shape and gave me a good idea where they are going with this. Tony’s moment was really something if you’ve been reading Iron Man for the last 15 years.
Flashpoint was almost flawless for me. It’s the excitement I had with Age of Apocalypse the first time I read it all over again but with the DCU. The choices they are making are great because it’s not just about the same characters you’d expect. They are giving other characters a real chance to shine. The standout is Cyborg. This is DC’s effort to really ramp him up. It reminds of of what Bendis did in House of M with Ms. Marvel. Exactly, actually.
The tie-ins for Flashpoint have been so much fun that I can’t wait to learn more about the history and characters of this world.
This is the first time I thought Fear Itself was better than FlashPoint for the books shipping in the same month.
Other than my annoyance with the Flash having 75% of his body covered in 3rd degree burns and still being able to function. I thought the book was good.
I have been disappointed with the FlashPoint Mini’s this month, except Batman. Although I did not find Batman as shocking as some. But IIRC I was not overwhelmed with the first batch of mini’s last month.
I think both events are good. Fear Itself took a while to get moving, but this issue picked up the pace. The only difference is I think with FlashPoint you should be reading the majority of the mini’s that go along with it. You don’t have to, but you should want to. Aquaman and Wonder Woman are must reads. I’m also enjoying the Grodd One-Shot, Lois Lane, Batman, and DeathStroke.