Sirk TV Comic Review: 9/25 Small Issues #2 [Marvel]
The storylines reflected in this series speaks to the element of choices made whether it be Professor X moving towards the aspect of mutant oversight or Blade deciding what might be better for lesser Avengers. The perspective of what might be right for one might not be right for the other and the thematics and well as the actions of the characters in these tales bely this.
Power Of X #5 The undeniable structure of Professor X and his present mind moves in circles of thought and looks, like Dr. Strange, at every possible outcome. The bigger picture that he and Magneto continue to personify is the aspect of a segregated mutant population. This is distinctly grown by what X wants Cerebro to do in this issue which is inherently back up every mutant's brain which can itself create sentience. In this issue, the reader is shown the jumps in evolution which seems both visionary and esoteric at the same time. The allusion to the Titans and the essence of black holes being the next stage of being in creating a singularity is a thought process partially brought to bear in "Interstellar". The main quandary is an almost closed minded view in terms of humanity which motivates X in the first place. The progression is almost existential which is an interesting story construct but it depends where it ends up.
Thanos #6 Gamora's relationship with her adopted father Thanos has always been skewed in many different ways. It is alluded to in certain ways in the films but in this small series, Gamora has brought her father to the edge of space as a child in an attempt to kill him. In her mind, she knows that nothing she will ever do will allow that to happen. In fact it is more of a power play that reflects in Magus as a harbinger of death. Thanos has a control of will over his daughter so much so at he says that Gamora will kill Magus when it is the right time. Whether that is to maintain her innocence or instill a sense of patience or fate is to be discussed. The resolution of how she interacts with a reborn Magus as an adult gives a truer perception into the psychology she battles with in current time.
Strike Force #1 Mistaken identity especially with shape shifters provides the basis of this race-against-time starring lesser Avenger partners. Heroes like Spider Woman and Winter Soldier are framed for a crime they didn't commit but are seemingly caught red handed by the real Avengers. In a plot twist which might be reminiscent of a similar structure on an episode of "Stargate SG1", the participants start to figure out that they aren't quite who they think they are. Blade, as a requisite outsider anyway, plays both sides and offers wisdom but with a slight bruise of indifference. One never quite knows if his ideals are specific or sound, simply that they might be for the greater good. The narrative thrust of the story can be derivative but it depends what this storyline's ultimate goal is.
Punisher - Kill Krew #3 While the essence of Punisher is mostly earthbound, the KIll Krew storyline feels like something that could be torn out of "Heavy Metal" in a good way. Frank plays the ideal of almost an intergalactic revenge seeker with less weirdness than say Lobo as a comparative. The balance is reflected in the human as well as some of the purely stellar imagery as he fights his foes especially the blue giants who look like cousins of the genie from Aladdin. The storyline works and the pace is swift because of the volley between a human Foggy Nelson, a friend of Daredevil who just happens to be caught up in this mess and becomes the perpetuate of the viewer. Juggernaut, who is brute force, adds a layer of would be Hulkness reflective of Ragnarok which really plays well. The aspect of Frank Castle (aka The Punisher) having his van pulled by a ram that uses a genie to fly across galaxies is so out there it is cool. We also get a neat view of the chilling avengers the way the really are in off hours, hanging out and shooting the breeze.
By Tim Wassberg