“The Sentry” Part 2
Writer Brian Michael Bendis
Penciler: Steve Mc Niven
Inker: Mark Morales
Artist, pages 1-3: Sal Buscema
Colorist: Morry Hollowell
Letterers: Richard Starkings & Comicraft’s Albert Deschesne
Production: Tom Valente
Asst Editors: Aubrey Sitterson & Molly Lazer
Assoc Editor: Andy Schmidt
Editor: Tom Brevoort
Published by Marvel Comics
About half of this issue is good. The other half, while not bad, is just not terribly interesting.
The mediocre half focuses on some of the Avengers taking on the Wrecker. And it’s somewhat of a bore. There is simply not much happening. We do get some nice, very funny, character moments with Spider-Woman and her teammates. But overall, this part of the comic seems a little padded and ultimately useless. We also see how Wolverine joins the team (in a disjointed flashback scene). All these are diversions for both the characters and the readers. Fortunately, we have the clever writing of Brian Bendis and the gorgeous art of Steve McNiven to get us through, so we don’t suffer all that much.
I just wish they worked on the cool bits of the book more.
Because the cool bits are very very cool. The story of the Sentry, while moving a little slowly, is terribly exciting. Last issue was going along pretty well up until the last page. I was enjoying the heck out of the mystery surrounding this character, and then Paul Jenkins, creator of the Sentry character, got involved. Now, I don’t mean that he decided to write an issue, not anything as simple as that. What I mean is that he actually showed up in the book. Like, writer Paul Jenkins was on the same page as Captain America. It was a make or break moment for the story, and for me, it made it.
While in college, I was fascinated with the study of postmodernism. And this fits well in the mold of postmodern hypertextuality. So the geeky former college student in me was giddy as all get out here (as opposed to the normal, geeky comic reader who usually is giddy).
Just the fact that they are acknowledging The Sentry as a fictional character is a really cool angle. I certainly hope they explore this further; this could be an amazingly interesting read. (Though to some, it could be an unmitigated bore, and I admit, may not belong in the pages of New Avengers)
Anyways, moving onto the story itself… Some of the Avengers corner the Sentry, show him his wife, comics, and creator, and he freaks out. (Wouldn’t you? I mean, that’s a lot in one day). The comic that the Sentry (and we) are shown has art by Sal Buscema, and I just have to say that it’s delightful to see him working in such a high profile book like this one. I know it’s just in an off-kilter sequence, but he’s still great. (OK, enough gushing)
We end the issue with many many superheroes trying to help the hero by showing up on his front lawn, just as he announces that it is in fact too late, and that his archenemy, the Void, is already here.
I say all this without a moment of hesitation because it’s not a big shock ending. So this shouldn’t take anything away from your enjoyment of it.
I’m waiting for this story to amp up, but it’s pretty fun so far.
