New Avengers #20

Writer – Jonathan Hickman
Artist – Valerio Schiti
Colours – Frank Martin, Paul Mounts

Last issue the Illuminati met The Great Society to try to come to some sort of resolve for the impending incursion of their respective Earths.  Both sides knew there could only be one outcome and this issue is the battle to decide which Earth will be the one left standing.  The fight between the two teams is fierce and desperate with neither willing to give an inch.  We also finally get to see the outcome of the meeting Dr. Strange had in a previous issue in his bid to gain power.  It also shows him failing in the end as his offer of his soul is lacking due to him not having a ‘full measure of one.’  When all seems lost and Sun God puts the hurt on them, Dr. Strange comes through with some dark magic, the source of which remains to be seen.  Hickman and Schiti deliver the goods with the former’s script revealing and the latter’s pencils exciting.  Hickman’s exploration of Dr. Strange and what he can bring to the table in the face of what some of the world’s greatest minds do is something that has not really been looked at before.  Everyone just assumes that the good doctor is the Sorcerer Supreme and that is enough, but Stephen obviously feels different and that in some way, he is lacking.  It is a great little bit of character development from Hickman for a figure that used to be more prominent and one that is not often in the spotlight as much as he should be.  An excellent issue that was preceded by many and sure to be followed by more.

4.5 out of 5

Flash Gordon #3

Writer – Jeff Parker
Artist – Evan Shaner
Colours – Jordie Bellaire

Flash is doing what he does best – getting himself and his friends into trouble.  At that he succeeds quite well.  So Flash, Dale and Dr. Zarkov are found out and captured by the Arborians at Ming’s command and while the companions are to be spared, Flash is to take part in the games.  Gladiatorial combat games that is.  Thus it is that we find Flash in the arena with a couple of dozen beast-men which is being broadcast to every world that is ruled by the Merciless one, where Flash goes on to proclaim that Ming is essentially weak and that he will walk out of the arena triumphant.  Jeff Parker has taken this book with an eighty year old character and breathed new life into him, making him just as fun and as relevant as any other book being published today.  He has that Tony Stark personality which is fun, witty and carefree, but Parker has turned it up a notch if that is even possible.  The artwork by Evan Shaner is beautiful with its classic panel design and simple, yet sharp lines.  If there were ever a book designed for an oversized hardcover, this would be a perfect example to showcase the fantastic pencils and story.  We have seen very little of Ming up until this point but he is revealed to be a smart and savvy leader, which is why he rules over so many planets and peoples.  If there were a perfect counter to Ming, it is Flash with his bravado and randomness, which with every passing issue seems to confound everyone as to what he is actually doing until he is doing it.  Flash Gordon is a fun and exciting book that is definitely worthy of anyone’s pull list.

4.5 out of 5